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A review by jinkx
Days Without End by Sebastian Barry
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I have never read a book quite like this one. For starters, it is entirely out of my wheelhouse (I am more keen on fantasy genres). The style of the writing has such a specific character voice that shortly after starting, I decided to read along with the audiobook to be able to better appreciate the rhythm and flow of the narration. (This was also my first foray into audiobooks, and I enjoyed the narrator's voice.)
It took longer than it usually would for me to finish this book, but I loved it from beginning to the end. The author uses his ability to craft evocative descriptions for both good and evil. At times they are beautiful, and at times they are awful (...or gross—he does not shy away from gross details at times).
Parts of this book were very hard for me to read, particularly some points nearer to the end. But still, I loved reading the relationship between Thomas McNulty and John Cole all throughout, from how they first struck a friendship, to how they became family to one another and also to Winona. Eventually, I am sure I will read the sequel, which focuses more on Winona.
It took longer than it usually would for me to finish this book, but I loved it from beginning to the end. The author uses his ability to craft evocative descriptions for both good and evil. At times they are beautiful, and at times they are awful (...or gross—he does not shy away from gross details at times).
Parts of this book were very hard for me to read, particularly some points nearer to the end. But still, I loved reading the relationship between Thomas McNulty and John Cole all throughout, from how they first struck a friendship, to how they became family to one another and also to Winona. Eventually, I am sure I will read the sequel, which focuses more on Winona.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Racism, Violence, Colonisation, and War
Moderate: Racial slurs