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stacialithub 's review for:
From a Low and Quiet Sea
by Donal Ryan
I haven't read other works by Ryan, so I am not familiar with his typical writing style. This book is told in four sections -- the first being from the POV of Farouk, the second from Lampy, the third is John. The fourth section ties the seemingly disparate characters into an interlocking ending. Looking at some reviews, it seems like some are not thrilled with the first section of the book, told from the POV of Farouk, a Syrian man trying to leave with his wife & child during the civil war; apparently some like Ryan sticking with Irish characters.... Maybe that has been his bread & butter so far? I actually liked Farouk's section best. Lampy's section was fine but too long. John's was foul yet compelling in a train-wreck kind of way.
Even so, to me, all the characters felt really distant. It is well-written, but I didn't fully connect with the characters or their stories. I'm on the fence. It's good enough, but not especially gripping. The start pulled me in but I felt it fizzled out the further it progressed. It's decent but not memorable or especially deep. With a Booker nomination, I had hoped for more. Feeling a little disappointed, but I would still give it a solid three stars.
Even so, to me, all the characters felt really distant. It is well-written, but I didn't fully connect with the characters or their stories. I'm on the fence. It's good enough, but not especially gripping. The start pulled me in but I felt it fizzled out the further it progressed. It's decent but not memorable or especially deep. With a Booker nomination, I had hoped for more. Feeling a little disappointed, but I would still give it a solid three stars.