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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
I learned of The Troubles for the first time in reading this book. Behrens is a gifted researcher and writer, in my opinion, and puts it all there in beautiful language, fully describing the misery the Irish experienced.
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Unfortunately, this book was quite underwhelming for me.
Taking place at the time of the potato famine in Ireland, I had relatively high expectations for this, hoping that the book would unpack the difficulties of this time. While it also did that, it focused more on the main character, Fergus, than the surrounding social atmosphere.
Throughout this relatively short book, Fergus is in love three times even though the events occur within two years. Theoretically, there is nothing wrong with that but everything just sort of felt rushed and incomplete. Therefore, the books could neither focus on the historical importance and the events taking place properly, nor on the relationships Fergus was having, he was just suddenly in love without any indication of why he felt that way.
In the first 100 pages, Fergus went through so many different things but none of them were discussed properly. This was done to such an extent that it felt like actual time jumps though everything was in theory mentioned but there was no discussion of the surrounding atmosphere, the feelings involved or even the characters that played a role.
Many things also just get offered to him without an explanation as to why that is and considering the fact that the book is taking place at a time of crisis, it was difficult for me to believe certain things and actions.
Overall, I can appreciate what the book was trying to achieve but found the execution lacking.
Taking place at the time of the potato famine in Ireland, I had relatively high expectations for this, hoping that the book would unpack the difficulties of this time. While it also did that, it focused more on the main character, Fergus, than the surrounding social atmosphere.
Throughout this relatively short book, Fergus is in love three times even though the events occur within two years. Theoretically, there is nothing wrong with that but everything just sort of felt rushed and incomplete. Therefore, the books could neither focus on the historical importance and the events taking place properly, nor on the relationships Fergus was having, he was just suddenly in love without any indication of why he felt that way.
In the first 100 pages, Fergus went through so many different things but none of them were discussed properly. This was done to such an extent that it felt like actual time jumps though everything was in theory mentioned but there was no discussion of the surrounding atmosphere, the feelings involved or even the characters that played a role.
Many things also just get offered to him without an explanation as to why that is and considering the fact that the book is taking place at a time of crisis, it was difficult for me to believe certain things and actions.
Overall, I can appreciate what the book was trying to achieve but found the execution lacking.
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Very good, but dark. Reminded me of Charles Frazier's _Cold Mountain_ in some ways. Man on a journey suffers one calamity after another, meets people along the way who help him, betray him, or die of typhus. High body count due to violence, disease, famine. (Set during the Irish potato blight disaster.)
Tw for very graphic and upsetting depictions of animal abuse
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Always good to read an historical fiction story about Ireland, where I come from. The story gets a bit tired and predictable, but is an enjoyable read that does reflect the general time and the lot of the Irish as immigrants to North America. I found it irritating at times that the characters were stereotypical. Overall, a pleasant read though.
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Raw yet poetic historical fiction. Has you rooting for the main character. Makes you question humanity.