andrew61's review against another edition
3.0
This was quite an interesting idea, the book is principally set in 1830's Belfast at a time when the harbour is developing , there is conflict about the development with the local aristocrat (mp) opposing it and other locals, following on from very recent nationalist revolts in the late 18th century having been repressed. The opening and closing chapter however sees Gilbert Rice on Christmas 1897, a succesful business man and philanthopist, drawn into his memories of 1830's Belfast when as an 18 year old having been brought up by his grandfather moves into work in the harbour office and falls in love with a Polish woman who works in the pub after which the novel is named. Overall I enjoyed it as a tale of historic Belfast at a time of change, it captured atmosphere well however the general plot and resolution fell in the end a bit flat, so after reading a recommendation in Christmas Guardian readers review of the year I was looking forward to it but wasn't overwhelmed in the end.
bgg616's review against another edition
3.0
This is a 3.5 for me. This historical fiction is most interesting for the historical details. I started reading a book on Belfast history which fills in more of the details. The title refers to a pub name. I had never considered the fact that Irish pubs tend to have the proprietor's name, Irish American pubs some kind of schmaltzy nostalgic name (e.g. Four Green Fields) with some exceptions e.g. the now defunct Boston bar Matt Talbott's - named not for the recent (I just discovered NOW googling the name) musician, but rather the Irish Venerable Matt Talbott, on his way to sainthood, and during his life considered a bit crazy : https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=430
Anyway, the novel centers on the younger Gilbert Rice. There's a story of thwarted love as well.
Anyway, the novel centers on the younger Gilbert Rice. There's a story of thwarted love as well.
cathutch's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
bookingaround's review
4.0
This is a wonderful little book, which tells a story of Belfast that I'd never really heard before - the tale of its industrial heyday. There are lovely echoes of Dickens.
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