c_temple's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
caroparr's review against another edition
3.0
The first half of the book is an atmospheric account of a rural Irish upbringing, an early marriage to a man who quickly became jealous and controlling, the birth of her two sons, and success with a notorious first novel. When she moves to London in the 60s, the book becomes less intimate and ranges over filmmaking, wild parties at her flat, a difficult divorce, encounters with zillions of famous people, and loves won and lost. Not what I had expected, but fascinating all the same.
natesea's review against another edition
3.0
This is a beautifully written and, at times, hilarious tale of a famous author of which I've never heard. She is considered one of the best writers Ireland ever produced, though not without controversy. From banished novels, to penning theater starring Maggie Smith; then bedside lullabies by Paul McCartney and hob-nobbing with various stars, Edna O'Brien has lived quite extravagantly. She is an intelligent woman ahead of her time, and her story is intriguing and endearing. I only wish I knew Ireland better, and the literary, film, and society people of the 60-80s, to fully appreciate her memoir.
lilybren's review against another edition
4.0
re- read this two years later and i think it’s one i will keep coming back to. first time round I couldn’t put it down and read the whole trilogy in a day and it was almost the same this time bar an early flight. It really captures the claustrophobia of catholic ireland- but i love how Caithleen and Baba refuse to let it oppress them.
Men are not portrayed in a flattering light- all have a preditory streak, are helpless, oblivious idiots, abusive and cruel or all three. Probably not outside of the reality of the time.
the later books get quite dark, and i found the last one to feel out of place and a huge tone shift - The country girls is my favourite
Men are not portrayed in a flattering light- all have a preditory streak, are helpless, oblivious idiots, abusive and cruel or all three. Probably not outside of the reality of the time.
the later books get quite dark, and i found the last one to feel out of place and a huge tone shift - The country girls is my favourite
sastork's review against another edition
4.0
The circumstances under which I read this book were less than ideal. First of all, I barely picked up a book during a month that was filled with preparing for exams, packing boxes, moving and jet lag. More importantly, I had no idea who Edna O'Brien was, and I went into reading an author's autobiography without ever having read a single one of her books. Usually, when I pick up a memoir - which is something that as it is, does not occur very often - it is to find out more about a person that I am already interested in, for example to find out where an author found the inspiration for their work. I did not have this motivation when I picked up Country Girl, it was just another book I won in a goodreads giveaway.
Not knowing any of O'Brien's works did take away a sort of interest, which any other reader that loves her work would naturally display, and this did make the reading process a little bit slow for me. This is not to say that I found the book boring by any means, it conveys so much about O'Brien herself, and the times and countries she lived in, but I think the book is best suited to those that are already familiar with O'Briens works and thus want to find out more about the person that wrote them.
What really made the reading of this memoir worthwhile is its beautiful prose. Edna O'Brien truly is a writer, and a brilliant one. Rarely have I found a writer put words together in a better manner. This memoir truly got me interested in O'Brien's work and I am sure I will pick up some of her books in the future. Because of its literary brilliance, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
More reviews can be found at http://www.wordshipping.blogspot.ca
Not knowing any of O'Brien's works did take away a sort of interest, which any other reader that loves her work would naturally display, and this did make the reading process a little bit slow for me. This is not to say that I found the book boring by any means, it conveys so much about O'Brien herself, and the times and countries she lived in, but I think the book is best suited to those that are already familiar with O'Briens works and thus want to find out more about the person that wrote them.
What really made the reading of this memoir worthwhile is its beautiful prose. Edna O'Brien truly is a writer, and a brilliant one. Rarely have I found a writer put words together in a better manner. This memoir truly got me interested in O'Brien's work and I am sure I will pick up some of her books in the future. Because of its literary brilliance, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
More reviews can be found at http://www.wordshipping.blogspot.ca
bgg616's review against another edition
4.0
This started out as 3 stars for me but in the end was 4 stars. It is probably a book for those who are already O'Brien fans. I don't think others would find her life story in itself that interesting.
readsnjava's review against another edition
2.0
I had high expectations for this since it caused so much controversy when it was first published. Let’s just say that my expectations were not met.
hisdarkmaterials's review against another edition
3.0
It was ok. Need to read the trilogy, literally the story just drops off the last page.