A review by ronanmcd
The Barracks by John McGahern

emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really enjoy McGahern's writing usually. But not so much this. It's a seminal work, but I feel it's one that set the template for what followed. As in his books, nothing much happens other than all of life. It's evocative, a lost time that looks back on other lost times. But ultimately it felt a little flat compared to the rich communities he went on to build in books like That They May Face the Rising Sun.