notthatcosta's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The dialogue was particularly strong from the supporting townspeople, the opaqueness of which complemented the earnestness and pathos of the protagonist. I really got a good sense of his temperament, motivations and backstory, which is an achievement in a novella.
I appreciated the economy of the writing and how it created an air of tension and mystery whilst providing enough exposition to keep you in the story. It made me hungry for more, which is the mark of a good writer, especially of shorter books.
Moderate: Confinement, Sexism, Slavery, Child abuse, Child death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Abandonment, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Suicidal thoughts, Death, Gaslighting, and Vomit
saythename's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, and Child abuse
elizaob's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Moderate: Physical abuse and Emotional abuse
balfies's review against another edition
- 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? No
4.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Physical abuse
booksjessreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Spoiler
which is operating as part of the Magdalene Laundries.I really loved so many things about this book, and for how short it is, it certainly packs a punch. It dealt with themes surrounding identity, morality, concepts of womanhood and familial life, as well as having a really eloquent writing style. I felt all of these themes and events intertwined really nicely. I particularly found Bill's inner torment with his own sense of identity as the child of an unmarried mother, his Catholic identity, his Irish identity and his sense of morality a really interesting mix of emotions and it was portrayed so well throughout.
I also really enjoyed this books exploration of the evil in society, but from the perspective of compliance, rather than being an explicit perpetrator. At first, I hadn't realised that this was even an element to the book, but it wasn't until I reflected on it for this review and read some of the Booker Prize information on this novella, that I understood. Compliance was specifically manifested in our female characters and coming to this realisation, it made me understand why they felt so proud of adhering to traditional styles of womanhood and having a selfish and unbothered attitude to Bill's concerns.
I think this could have been 5 stars for me, but I did feel a little let down by the end. After reading up on the events in the Church after reading, it made sense to me, but on a first read, it didn't feel definitive enough and I felt a little lost afterwards. However, this is an excellent read and I would highly recommend this to anyone!
Graphic: Confinement, Forced institutionalization, and Child abuse
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Vomit and Death of parent
campirebat's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Physical abuse and Emotional abuse
musicalpopcorn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Torture, Forced institutionalization, Abandonment, Vomit, Physical abuse, Confinement, and Child abuse
Moderate: Death of parent
cest_moi's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
rcsreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
The writing is fairly basic, and the characters felt flat. The phrase "he released a breath he didn't realise he'd been holding" was used, which is possibly the most cliche sentence in the history of literature!
It was fine, I read it in an afternoon and it brings awareness about Magdalen laundries in a way your granny could read without being shocked.
Graphic: Bullying, Trafficking, Excrement, Forced institutionalization, Pregnancy, Religious bigotry, Child death, Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Grief, and Physical abuse
teerah's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Physical abuse and Religious bigotry