A review by yilliun
Close to Home by Michael Magee

dark emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

What does it mean to have a love/ hate relationship with where you’re from and how can you grow past that? This book explores these questions through the lens of Sean, who feels trapped by his past and unable to break the cycles that keep him trapped. It took me about 70 pages or so to become really interested in the story. I think Mairead entering the picture represented a turning point for both myself as the reader and Sean. I enjoyed the nonlinear path of Sean’s life and I think it made him a more realistic character to me. You would think he’s on the right track then Finty and Ryan pull him right back again into old patterns. 

Adjusting to the Irish slang used throughout the book took some getting used to, and I do think that contributed to how I struggled to get into the story itself. I think you also need to go into this book with the knowledge of what The Troubles represent in Northern Ireland even to the present day. 
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