Reviews

The Butchers' Blessing by Ruth Gilligan

georginadaw's review against another edition

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challenging dark slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

feelingpeachygreen's review against another edition

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sad tense 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? No

3.75

Very beautifully written. Every sentence is carefully considered. 

The impact of mad cow disease on Ireland isn't anything I've ever considered before - but, as an audiobook, this needed more focus than I could give it. I frequently forgot who characters were and the ending went over my head. I didn't realise when perspectives changed. It would have gained more stars if read rather than listened to, I think.

sparklymoom's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Loved the story being told from the different perspectives
The conclusion was a little disappointing and predictable

laz92's review against another edition

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5.0

Absolutely fierce

larastead's review against another edition

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challenging emotional sad medium-paced
  • 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? It's complicated

4.5

mollybenton's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

andy5185's review against another edition

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5.0

WOW. I am stunned with how quickly I blew through this book. I think I just ignored my life for 24 hours and dove full-on into the lives of these characters. There is a strange, creepy vibe throughout the story that I am still feeling after finishing it, but instead of repulsing me I’m even more intrigued thinking about it. I’m SO happy I took the recommendation to read this (thanks Pam!) because it may be the best book I’ve read in years. A+++++ Also want to read everything this author ever writes... just beautifully crafted!

spoonofnutella_'s review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced
  • 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

5.0

A mythic story that captures the dark and chaotic psyical landscape of Ireland through the wild characters and storylines. A fictional legend but a very honest account of the day to day trials and tribulations of the people of rural Ireland. 

Strong and energetic female characters and a gripping mystery to boot. This book has it all; would highly recommend this unique read!

bloodylecter's review against another edition

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the last two pages holy shit

flykites's review against another edition

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dark reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

2.5

This kind of did nothing for me.