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that_reader_naomi's review against another edition
3.0
Definitely enjoyed the first part more than the latter half. Got way too involved in Catholicism for me. Please, I’m just a simple Jewish girl, going back and forth between the notes gave me whiplash. Don’t think I got much out of reading this.
stazja_'s review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
eric_conrad's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is not an easy read. I know that many will dislike it. For me, I learn something new each time I read it. Yes, I have read it more than once and not because of a class assignment.
Cranly is a perfect foil for Stephen and his banter is my favorite part of the book.
Cranly is a perfect foil for Stephen and his banter is my favorite part of the book.
amnesis's review against another edition
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
- 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? Yes
3.0
joellita's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- 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? Yes
4.0
glock_shmee's review against another edition
3.0
Too much talk of the church but the second half really picked up. Also yay Ireland
_sal_'s review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
muksreads's review against another edition
4.0
The most beautiful coming of age story I have ever read. Joyce painfully and honestly describes life growing up as an Irish Catholic; it is harrowing, beautiful and at times heartbreaking to read, and he describes it all using his signature mix of wit and elegance. The message at the core of the book is that to grow you have to give up what you are, a message well heard but often little understood; to read this book is not to just understand that message but to experience it. A few of my favourites quoted are below.
On love
On independence
And one quote that describes me very well
On love
His lips would not bend to kiss her. He wanted to be held firmly in her arms, to be caressed slowly, slowly, slowly. In her arms he felt that he had suddenly become strong and fearless and sure of himself. But his lips would not bend to kiss her.
His heart danced upon her movements like a cork upon a tide. He heard what her eyes said to him from beneath their cowl and knew that in some dim past, whether in life or revery, he had heard their tale before.
On independence
The soul is born, he said vaguely, first in those moments I told you of. It has a slow and dark birth, more mysterious than the birth of the body. When the soul of a man is born in this country there are nets flung at it to hold it back from flight. You talk to me of nationality, language, religion. I shall try to fly by those nets.
And one quote that describes me very well
Have read little and understood less.