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cavexcanem's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
excuse me while i go rot on the floor
(i just know my therapist would love to psychoanalize my reaction to this)
(i just know my therapist would love to psychoanalize my reaction to this)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Mental illness, and Alcohol
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Grief, and War
serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The Slowworm’s Song is a heartbreakingly beautiful novel exploring the impact of The Troubles on Stephen Rose, a former British soldier, who is still haunted by guilt and PTSD following his actions in a horrific incident when he served in Northern Ireland. The fragile balance he has finally established in his life, including his recovery from addiction, is thrown into disarray when he receives a letter from a commission investigating the Troubles which invites him to Belfast to give evidence. The novel unfolds in some long introspective letters to his adult daughter Maggie with whom he is slowly reestablishing a relationship after a lengthy estrangement. In them he gives his account of his life including, eventually, that fateful day which has dominated his life ever since.
This was a heartfelt journey towards acceptance, reconciliation and redemption. It’s also a touching account of a tentative but slowly strengthening father- daughter relationship. Obviously this novel has much to say about the toll armed conflict takes on young soldiers. I appreciated the way it highlighted male vulnerability, something which is finally receiving much needed recognition - at least where I live. I also found the role of the Quaker religion in Stephen’s life, particularly it’s practice of silent self-reflection, to be particularly interesting.
Overall this is a sensitive look at a less-examined aspect of the Troubles.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Mental illness
Moderate: Suicide attempt and War