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A review by dublinsue
The Thing About December by Donal Ryan
5.0
This was my first introduction to Donal Ryan (I understand that it was his first novel, but was rejected initially) and oh wow, what a punch in the guts.
The story is of a lonely, marginalised character, one that many might recognise in rural Ireland, who is mistreated and taken advantage of by members of the local community. This writing is sparse with every word of every sentence packed with meaning. Ryan has an original voice and an uncanny ability to reveal the aspects of human nature that are often kept hidden under the surface. A heartbreaking story that has stayed with me in the years since I first read it.
The story is of a lonely, marginalised character, one that many might recognise in rural Ireland, who is mistreated and taken advantage of by members of the local community. This writing is sparse with every word of every sentence packed with meaning. Ryan has an original voice and an uncanny ability to reveal the aspects of human nature that are often kept hidden under the surface. A heartbreaking story that has stayed with me in the years since I first read it.