“I saw this book as both very Irish and truly unique. It explores themes that are familiar to anyone interested in Irish literature: family, alcoholism, the connection to the landscape and the burden of religion. But it does so in a very carefully balanced fashion, the writing blending heart-breaking intimacy with the cool academic observations of a Hegarty outsider. Very depressing at times, especially the lingering suggestion that the abuse is not an one-off, but rather symptomatic of that place at that time. It exposes a kind of social pathology the aftermath of which is still widely felt in the country. Despite everything, a joy to read.”
“It is understandable why THE GATHERING won the Booker Prize. I was impressed by Enright's crafting of the story releaing bits at a time thus providing a tension which both draws you in and repels you at the same time. The voice of our narrator is compelling in it's distance yet her attachment to the story and characters are evident. In my opinion Anne Enright is a very skilled writer.Lillian”
