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A review by danoott
The Raptures by Jan Carson
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I have had the pleasure to meet Jan Carson myself once. It was a pubquiz organised by my study association in the Netherlands. She was full of passion and it inspired me greatly. After meeting her I wanted to read this very book and I am glad I did so.
The book is written through the perspective of Hannah, a 11-year-old child. This approach to discussing difficult topics I find brilliant. Children do see the world differently and this often helps with making the theme of child death easier to digest. It does not make it less difficult to read about however. The book made me emotional, wanting to help the children but feeling helpless like Hannah herself.
As a nonbeliever I found it interesting to read through a believer’s perspective. I find it beautiful how some can find such hope in something invisible. I admire that. Carson brings to light the good and the bad about religion which I appreciate.
It is also refreshing to see a book through the perspective of the Protestants in Northern Ireland. I have rarely encountered this myself, mostly seeing media that shows the Catholic side of things. You can feel that this book has come from personal experiences in this kind of community. Ballylack feels both small and like it is supposed to represent something bigger. It is an art on itself to achieve such a thing.
Overall, I 100% recommend reading this book. Despite having predicted most of the plot points, the raptures is an inspiring book that will leave you emotional until the very end.
The book is written through the perspective of Hannah, a 11-year-old child. This approach to discussing difficult topics I find brilliant. Children do see the world differently and this often helps with making the theme of child death easier to digest. It does not make it less difficult to read about however. The book made me emotional, wanting to help the children but feeling helpless like Hannah herself.
As a nonbeliever I found it interesting to read through a believer’s perspective. I find it beautiful how some can find such hope in something invisible. I admire that. Carson brings to light the good and the bad about religion which I appreciate.
It is also refreshing to see a book through the perspective of the Protestants in Northern Ireland. I have rarely encountered this myself, mostly seeing media that shows the Catholic side of things. You can feel that this book has come from personal experiences in this kind of community. Ballylack feels both small and like it is supposed to represent something bigger. It is an art on itself to achieve such a thing.
Overall, I 100% recommend reading this book. Despite having predicted most of the plot points, the raptures is an inspiring book that will leave you emotional until the very end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Child abuse