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A review by lailat
Before My Actual Heart Breaks by Tish Delaney
4.0
Mary Rattigan, growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, knew she was going to leave one day. She wasn’t sure where, or how, but she knew it would happen. 30 minutes and one teenage pregnancy later, things haven’t gone quite as planned. Now she’s got five children, yet she’s alone and still living in Northern Ireland.
This is a coming of age novel set in Northern Ireland during the height of the Troubles. Based on the synopsis, it’s not one I would have picked out myself if it hadn’t been so hyped on Bookstagram, but I’m glad I did.
Bleak, beautifully written yet understated, Before My Actual Heart Breaks is full of rich characterisation - from Mary’s abusive mother to her larger than life best friend. I found myself rooting for Mary, and my heart did actually break when she was knocked down again and again both through life events and her acceptance of her less than ideal life.
Describing bombs, the IRA and the conflict between Catholics and Protestants, it’s clear that author Tish Delaney was living in Northern Ireland during the height of the troubles. She paints a vivid picture of the impact it had on families and their lives.
An excellent debut full of regret and wasted years, it’s a lesson in appreciating what you have, and asking for what you want, before it’s too late.
This is a coming of age novel set in Northern Ireland during the height of the Troubles. Based on the synopsis, it’s not one I would have picked out myself if it hadn’t been so hyped on Bookstagram, but I’m glad I did.
Bleak, beautifully written yet understated, Before My Actual Heart Breaks is full of rich characterisation - from Mary’s abusive mother to her larger than life best friend. I found myself rooting for Mary, and my heart did actually break when she was knocked down again and again both through life events and her acceptance of her less than ideal life.
Describing bombs, the IRA and the conflict between Catholics and Protestants, it’s clear that author Tish Delaney was living in Northern Ireland during the height of the troubles. She paints a vivid picture of the impact it had on families and their lives.
An excellent debut full of regret and wasted years, it’s a lesson in appreciating what you have, and asking for what you want, before it’s too late.