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A review by meghan_plethoraofpages
Haven by Emma Donoghue
4.0
Haven by Emma Donoghue
Set in seventh century Ireland, Artt, a scholar and priest has a vision to set out in search of an island where he and two monks can leave the sinful world behind, and build a pure island haven. Taking one of the oldest and youngest monks with him, they set off in a small boat toward the ocean, leaving the world behind them.
This was my fourth book I’ve read by the author, and she is continually impressing with her ingenuity. Each book I’ve read is so different from the last, with really original premises. Haven is very unique; I’ve not read another book like it. I was fascinated by both the remote island setting (modern day Skellig Michael) and the 600 AD time period. The survival experiences of the monks were so interesting - the conveniences of the age, building techniques, etc. The book felt deftly researched.
The book is quite short, and while I did enjoy it, I do not think this one will have wide appeal in the way some of her previous books did. It’s slower paced, and while I thought the world-building was good (loved the atmosphere of the sea-birds for example), I think more intensity would have been welcomed. I didn’t feel the isolation and precariousness of the monks situation. Likewise, Artt’s character progression wasn’t as strong as I was expecting from this author. I was anticipating total villainy and we never got there. I really quite liked the other two monks, and felt for them.
There were a few scenes squeamish readers should be aware of, fyi.
Overall, while I enjoyed the story, it wasn’t a favourite. I will absolutely continue to read books by the author, and would recommend Haven for those who enjoy unique fiction, rarely seen settings, shorter books, and are intrigued by the premise. Haven will be available August 23! Many thanks to Little, Brown & Company, and to NetGalley for access to a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Set in seventh century Ireland, Artt, a scholar and priest has a vision to set out in search of an island where he and two monks can leave the sinful world behind, and build a pure island haven. Taking one of the oldest and youngest monks with him, they set off in a small boat toward the ocean, leaving the world behind them.
This was my fourth book I’ve read by the author, and she is continually impressing with her ingenuity. Each book I’ve read is so different from the last, with really original premises. Haven is very unique; I’ve not read another book like it. I was fascinated by both the remote island setting (modern day Skellig Michael) and the 600 AD time period. The survival experiences of the monks were so interesting - the conveniences of the age, building techniques, etc. The book felt deftly researched.
The book is quite short, and while I did enjoy it, I do not think this one will have wide appeal in the way some of her previous books did. It’s slower paced, and while I thought the world-building was good (loved the atmosphere of the sea-birds for example), I think more intensity would have been welcomed. I didn’t feel the isolation and precariousness of the monks situation. Likewise, Artt’s character progression wasn’t as strong as I was expecting from this author. I was anticipating total villainy and we never got there. I really quite liked the other two monks, and felt for them.
There were a few scenes squeamish readers should be aware of, fyi.
Overall, while I enjoyed the story, it wasn’t a favourite. I will absolutely continue to read books by the author, and would recommend Haven for those who enjoy unique fiction, rarely seen settings, shorter books, and are intrigued by the premise. Haven will be available August 23! Many thanks to Little, Brown & Company, and to NetGalley for access to a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.