murderandsunshine's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
maree_k's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
carmenere's review against another edition
4.0
This spellbinding novel takes the reader to Ireland circa 1825. There is a culture where religion, medicine and the old ways are fighting for validity and it is in this culture that Nora Leahy must make her way. Newly widowed and the caregiver of her disabled grandson, Michael, she first seeks the help of a young woman, Mary, who, like Nora, struggles with the grandson but loves him deeply. When the local priest and doctor say nothing can be done for him, Nance, an herbalist practicing in magic and superstition declares him a changeling, a fairy has taken him over and offers her methods to rid him of it. A trial by their peers concludes their sad story of hope and resilience.
Kent's writing is exquisite, I recommend the audio version as narrator, Caroline Lennon's voice gives life to the author's words and brings her characters to life!
Very close to 5 stars but the story of Michael's life with his father is undefined and makes me wonder about a lot of things.
Highly recommend.
Kent's writing is exquisite, I recommend the audio version as narrator, Caroline Lennon's voice gives life to the author's words and brings her characters to life!
Very close to 5 stars but the story of Michael's life with his father is undefined and makes me wonder about a lot of things.
Highly recommend.
thiswildmama's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
5.0
In a remote part of Ireland in the early 19th century, life is hard. The people live basic lives, selling eggs and butter and farming the land for potatoes, just about managing to pay their rent each year. The Church is important but there is a great deal of suspicion and folklore, particularly about 'the good people', the fairies. Nora's daughter has died and her husband brings their crippled son to Nora and her husband but after the death of Nora's husband she becomes increasingly convinced that the boy is a changeling. The local 'wise woman' Nance tries to drive the fairy out of the boy as the valley turns against her and the Church threatens.
Having loved Kent's first novel 'Burial Rites' I eagerly awaited this one and was not disappointed. The intensity of poverty and ignorance in the wilds of Ireland is beautifully envisioned and the research into language and folklore is superb. It is clear the direction that the story will take but that isn't important, it's the stunning writing and characterisation that make this one of the best books that I have read recently.
Having loved Kent's first novel 'Burial Rites' I eagerly awaited this one and was not disappointed. The intensity of poverty and ignorance in the wilds of Ireland is beautifully envisioned and the research into language and folklore is superb. It is clear the direction that the story will take but that isn't important, it's the stunning writing and characterisation that make this one of the best books that I have read recently.
eswee's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This folkloric Irish tale is more suitable to read during autumn, but since I read it during the colder and rainy summer days, it felt like the right time anyway.
This is one of those books where slow-pacing is the only way to go. Read as long as you can, to slide into a different world, of Irish smalltown folklore during the 1800's. It's such a different vibe, that you don't want to be disturbed too often.
The devil, faeries and superstition, drive this smalltown mad when a death comes in three and they blame a deformed handicapped child for their bad luck. Three women combine forces to save the child, risking their own lives with it when a new Catholic priest comes to town.
This is one of those books where slow-pacing is the only way to go. Read as long as you can, to slide into a different world, of Irish smalltown folklore during the 1800's. It's such a different vibe, that you don't want to be disturbed too often.
The devil, faeries and superstition, drive this smalltown mad when a death comes in three and they blame a deformed handicapped child for their bad luck. Three women combine forces to save the child, risking their own lives with it when a new Catholic priest comes to town.
kwameslusher's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
abeth_parker's review against another edition
3.0
I learned so much about the traditional Irish belief in fairies, spirits, magical places, and omens in this novel. Honestly, I can't fathom how everyone kept up with everything you should and shouldn't do.
This novel is based on true events. We have the advantage of being Monday morning quarterbacks. We can say "I would never....." But would we? If we had been raised in that belief system (and with the lack of modern diagnostic methods), we might have walked the same path the characters did.
I enjoyed the story, and wish that Peg O'Shea had more page time. She was the best character, in my opinion. The novel has a bit of an ambiguous ending, but I think that is in keeping with the spirit of the book.
This novel is based on true events. We have the advantage of being Monday morning quarterbacks. We can say "I would never....." But would we? If we had been raised in that belief system (and with the lack of modern diagnostic methods), we might have walked the same path the characters did.
I enjoyed the story, and wish that Peg O'Shea had more page time. She was the best character, in my opinion. The novel has a bit of an ambiguous ending, but I think that is in keeping with the spirit of the book.
stellajo's review against another edition
4.0
In The Good People, Hannah Kent displays an Irish village mired in a culture of folkloric blame. But the author skillfully illustrates the characters and their motivations, encouraging the reader to empathize with these isolated and impoverished people. The village's language and setting are beautifully rendered. This book would appeal to readers interested in Irish history, folklore and anthropology.
neeveherbs's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75