Reviews

Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

mattyvreads's review

challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

An absolute classic.

I remember reading it in high school. Certain passages really stuck with me. Overall, it is profoundly moving and very poignant. I liked it better back then, reading it as a teen, than I did now. I think that speaks to his style of writing and the fact that he captured his childhood memories in such an immersive and precise manner. Perhaps that was more relatable to me at that time, since I was his age in the book. Even though he is coming of age, he is still a child at the end of this story.

Content warning:

There are many detailed scenes depicting pubescent masturbation / underaged sexual relationships, and those parts are really tough to read. Just... pretty gross. Also, there is some physical abuse.

 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Child death, and Medical trauma

Moderate: Child abuse and Domestic abuse

cu00's review

3.0

This was a very popular book when I read it. It is an engrossing story and well told, but not a great book.

sammyhpotter's review

medium-paced

4.0

Wonderfully simple writing.

From an objective standpoint, much of the book is heartbreaking.

But every time I read a few chapters, I’d put it down with a surprising hint of joy and hopefulness. I think that’s a testament to the writing style and his ability to help the reader process the content with a child-like innocence and desire for pure simple fun, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Think this book should be a standard part of high school English curriculum.

whispersofareader's review against another edition

dark emotional slow-paced

3.5

aasnur's review against another edition

dark reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

sonjaelisee's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny sad slow-paced

3.75

Took me almost a year to finish. I was invested for the first half of the book. But then I lost interest. The middle slogs through repetitive and depressing recounts of childhood poverty and catholic school. This ended up being the thing I listened to while waiting for other audiobooks to become available. Don’t get me wrong. There is a lot to appreciate about this book. There are some great quotes and I enjoyed the “childish” narration, observations, and conclusions about the world. But it is LONG. The last quarter of the book became more engaging as Frankie gets older and begins working towards his goal of returning to America. I thought the ending was great. I will probably pick up the next memoirs in the series and will enjoy listening to the author narrate the next installments of his life. 

dohaadel's review against another edition

3.0

Books that can make you laugh and cry at the same time are rare..
books that make you realize the ugly truth of poverty and appreciate every single little thing you have are valuable..
Children like Frankie who face the world with their innocent questions and all their wonders and hopes.. how they struggled to be better.. are to change the world.

candelavl99's review against another edition

reflective sad slow-paced

4.5

Es el libro más bonito y triste que me he leído en toda mi vida. Mi madre tenía razón, es precioso y no estaba preparada

hannahmorgan's review

informative reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

st3llz's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny sad tense medium-paced

3.75