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seventhswan 's review for:
Ordinary Saints
by Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a deeply emotional read for me, sometimes bordering on bleak. The characters and family dynamic felt very real and the premise was fascinating. I didn't find Jay to be a very likable protagonist and her first-person narration bordered on whiny at times, but I did find her interesting and thought-provoking. The supporting characters were great too and I appreciated the range of perspectives on an issue - queer faith - that is complex to navigate at the best of times.
The pacing was where this book fell down very slightly. I felt it both took a while to get going and ended very abruptly. I wasn't expecting any kind of real answer as to whether Ferdia would eventually be canonised or not, nor to his sexuality, but I finished the book feeling like something (perhaps a crumb of character development?) was still missing from an otherwise excellent narrative.
The pacing was where this book fell down very slightly. I felt it both took a while to get going and ended very abruptly. I wasn't expecting any kind of real answer as to whether Ferdia would eventually be canonised or not, nor to his sexuality, but I finished the book feeling like something (perhaps a crumb of character development?) was still missing from an otherwise excellent narrative.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Religious bigotry
Moderate: Addiction, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol
Minor: Drug abuse, Racism, Death of parent