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A review by the_b00kreader
Trouble the Living: A Novel by Francesca McDonnell Capossela
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Raw. That's what this book is. Its story is pure and raw with the ability to move its readers to tears.
From finding a way to get past your trauma to self discovery, this book is an emotional read. We follow the story of two characters, Bríd and Bernie, mother and daughter, as each fight their own secret battles. Bríd's story starts in 1997 in County Tyrone, a time in which Ireland was facing its own struggles with its colonisation by the Brits. Bernie's story begins much later, in 2016, in the United States where she takes care of her mother while trying to figure out who she is.
The switch from past to present was really well done and the way everything clicked into place towards the end was so beautifully written. Capossela has such a way with words that I felt deeply moved by Bernie and Bríd's stories.
The subplot of Bernie figuring out her sexuality amongst everything else was quite relatable. It can be difficult to admit to yourself your true feelings, but to admit them to others? That's brave. It was great to see this "process" while reading.
Reading this book also gave me a sense of home, having been born and bred in Ireland, the language, the history was all familiar to me and to read about it in the way that Capossela wrote it...it was just powerful and emotional, it was raw.
From finding a way to get past your trauma to self discovery, this book is an emotional read. We follow the story of two characters, Bríd and Bernie, mother and daughter, as each fight their own secret battles. Bríd's story starts in 1997 in County Tyrone, a time in which Ireland was facing its own struggles with its colonisation by the Brits. Bernie's story begins much later, in 2016, in the United States where she takes care of her mother while trying to figure out who she is.
The switch from past to present was really well done and the way everything clicked into place towards the end was so beautifully written. Capossela has such a way with words that I felt deeply moved by Bernie and Bríd's stories.
The subplot of Bernie figuring out her sexuality amongst everything else was quite relatable. It can be difficult to admit to yourself your true feelings, but to admit them to others? That's brave. It was great to see this "process" while reading.
Reading this book also gave me a sense of home, having been born and bred in Ireland, the language, the history was all familiar to me and to read about it in the way that Capossela wrote it...it was just powerful and emotional, it was raw.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual harassment, Pregnancy, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Homophobia, Hate crime, Addiction, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, War, Murder, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Violence, Death, Child death, Sexual content, Gun violence, Grief, Death of parent, Car accident, and Alcoholism