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A review by patlo
How to Build a Boat by Elaine Feeney
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Jamie, a neurodivergent 13 year old, and the family and community around him explore shame, unhealthy institutions, connection and community.
Author Elaine Feeney is a powerful new voice in the pantheon of Irish storytellers and writers.
The book is like a river - At first slow, meandering, settling into its paths. Then powerful, strong. These characters are deep and wide, real, complex. And the vehicle of building a currach in order to bring focus to a community was haunting.
Halfway through the book I liked-but-didn’t-love this; after the epilogue I’m desperately searching for a signed copy to put on my shelf of most favorite books.
Author Elaine Feeney is a powerful new voice in the pantheon of Irish storytellers and writers.
The book is like a river - At first slow, meandering, settling into its paths. Then powerful, strong. These characters are deep and wide, real, complex. And the vehicle of building a currach in order to bring focus to a community was haunting.
Halfway through the book I liked-but-didn’t-love this; after the epilogue I’m desperately searching for a signed copy to put on my shelf of most favorite books.