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gingerreadsbooks's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
jaclyncrupi's review against another edition
3.0
Just from the synopsis I knew I would not be as drawn to this book as I was to Burial Rites. Folklore, fairies and (pre)famine are not my bag. But what instantly drew me in was Kent's writing. Such glorious writing! The details and the descriptions (is any contemporary writer better with adjectives?) are stunning. I truly luxuriated in the writing. But my instinct was right and I felt the book was a little long. I also thought there was a bit too much set up and it took a long time to reach the climax only to have the book end rather quickly. All deliberate choices by Kent I'm sure but it made for a less satisfying read. If you loved Burial Rites there is a lot to like here though: A cold climate, traditional ways under threat, women committing crime, the blurring of reality and folklore. And the writing!
thetbrstack's review against another edition
4.0
Hannah Kent deserves at least an honorary place in the pantheon of great Irish novelists.
samgalanor's review against another edition
3.0
C 7 * A 3,8 * W 7,9 * P 5 * I 6 * L 5 * E 5
I don't particularly like magical realism, but a magical ending would have saved the plot for me. It was clear from the beginning this will have a tragic ending, so the whole realistic ending felt flat for me. (I didn't knew what the book was about and had zero expectations on how the plot will develop.)
Also there is no indication in which century this takes place until the last couple of pages.
I don't particularly like magical realism, but a magical ending would have saved the plot for me. It was clear from the beginning this will have a tragic ending, so the whole realistic ending felt flat for me. (I didn't knew what the book was about and had zero expectations on how the plot will develop.)
Also there is no indication in which century this takes place until the last couple of pages.
sarah_catherine's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
3.75
angelica_st92's review against another edition
4.0
Τόσο δυνατή γραφή, όπως ακριβώς και στα "Έθιμα Ταφής"!
shrook's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jobird's review against another edition
3.0
This was an up and down read for me.
I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story and the Irish folklore. But I don't think I was in the right headspace for the mood of the book. I found it to be somber and harrowing at times.
But I did enjoy the story and the writing was beautiful.
I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story and the Irish folklore. But I don't think I was in the right headspace for the mood of the book. I found it to be somber and harrowing at times.
But I did enjoy the story and the writing was beautiful.
celiapowell's review against another edition
4.0
Gripping story set in a small village in 19th century Ireland, which winds its way claustrophobically to a tragic conclusion.