Scan barcode
A review by bookstorian
Scenes of a Graphic Nature by Caroline O'Donoghue
4.0
I wasn't 100% sure what I was in the mood for next, but after reading the first page of 'Scenes of a Graphic Nature' I was intrigued. There is just something so consuming and compelling about Caroline's writing and I'm really glad I have stepped into her back catalogue of work after reading The Rachel Incident last year.
Things I liked about the book:
- The experience of a young person with an unwell parent and how it can impact their living arrangements, ambitions and relationships.
-The setting (It initially felt a bit rom com, the mystical tourist island with a small knit community) and what connection to place looks like. Ireland as a setting made sense and I loved the exploration of how you can belong to a place even if you have never been.
-The moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters and why people keep secrets. I think this part of the story will stay with me for a long time.
-The tragedy and the aftermath of what happened to the island felt very real. It was also confronting to read as a teacher myself.
- Seeing the world and the story as it unfolded through Charlie's eyes. It kept me motivated to read as I wanted to find out what happened as she did.
What I didn't:
-Got a bit confused at times with the characters, their connections and motivations. There was a lot of people to keep up with.
-The relationship between Laura and Charlie. It was difficult to connect with this part of the story and I felt exasperated by the characters and their purpose in one another's lives.
Overall, I love Caroline's writing and how she blends genres. Think Sad Girl Novel cross mystery.
Things I liked about the book:
- The experience of a young person with an unwell parent and how it can impact their living arrangements, ambitions and relationships.
-The setting (It initially felt a bit rom com, the mystical tourist island with a small knit community) and what connection to place looks like. Ireland as a setting made sense and I loved the exploration of how you can belong to a place even if you have never been.
-The moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters and why people keep secrets. I think this part of the story will stay with me for a long time.
-The tragedy and the aftermath of what happened to the island felt very real. It was also confronting to read as a teacher myself.
- Seeing the world and the story as it unfolded through Charlie's eyes. It kept me motivated to read as I wanted to find out what happened as she did.
What I didn't:
-Got a bit confused at times with the characters, their connections and motivations. There was a lot of people to keep up with.
-The relationship between Laura and Charlie. It was difficult to connect with this part of the story and I felt exasperated by the characters and their purpose in one another's lives.
Overall, I love Caroline's writing and how she blends genres. Think Sad Girl Novel cross mystery.