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Liked It3 of 3 members found this review helpful “Such is the skill of the author Sebastian Barry that I easily found myself reading most of the book in a warm and rich Irish brogue, he writes so skillfully that it rolls naturally off your tongue (minds tongue, unless you're reading out loud of course). The story is written in journal form and...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It1 of 2 members found this review helpful “Roseanne McNulty was one of the most beautiful girls in County Sligo, Ireland. Now, as her hundredth year draws near, she is a patient at Roscommon Regional Mental Hospital, and she decides to record the events of her life. Roscommon Hospital will be closed in a few months and her Doc, Dr. Grene,...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
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“Beautifully written novel and I enjoyed the two voices of Roseanne and Dr. Grene. For me, though, the ending was just a little too conveniently wrapped up. Still a lovely book and deserving of the awards.”
Natalie wrote this review 3 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Not an easy read. The story is told from the writings of the two main characters: a one-hundred-year-old female resident of a closing mental asylum, and facility's psychiatrist trying to figure out what living arrangements to make for her. I found myself almost overcome with the descriptiveness of the writing...it is very beautiful, but very wordy. When I got to the halfway point, I found I couldn't put it down. And the ending was such a sweet, lovely surprise.”
Kathleen S wrote this review 13 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“About a women who was put in an mental hospital as a way of removing her from a marriage that wanted her to go away. The book told in flashbacks. and was for me, a very interesting and effective way of telling her story.”
Kathe Dimeo Coleman wrote this review 13 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“3.5 Stars”
Andrew wrote this review Tuesday, March 12, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Beautiful - an encompassing story that is perfectly executed.”
Melissa Kristine N wrote this review Saturday, March 9, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Great book, beautifully written and moving until the last page!”
Michiel van Ratingen wrote this review Monday, January 21, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“The dual narrative of doctor and 'asylum' patient becomes more and more entangled as the plot progresses in this extraordinary novel. The connections between past and present are deftly woven in Sebastian Barry's descriptive prose. Highly recommended.”
Ms Cox wrote this review Tuesday, January 1, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Barry's novel reads like poetry or song-- a hauntingly beautiful, poignant work. Barry narrates his story through the voice of a 100 year old mental patient who is recording the story of her life, navigating the foggy terrain of her memory and the painful road of the past, and the voice of her doctor, attempting to unearth the truth about his patient's past and her initial commitment to the institution. Both stories end up intersecting in a surprising, satisfying way. This work is one of the best I've read in a while. I'm glad I found Sebastian Barry!”
dawnb wrote this review Saturday, November 24, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I'm not sure I would have finished this had i just read it; the audiobook was excellent. The reader distinguished between Roseanne and Dr. Grene's alternate narratives wonderfully. This would be a very discussable book.”
Ellen M wrote this review Wednesday, October 24, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Very descriptive and atmospheric novel which kept me turning the pages. Set in Ireland and dealing with mental illness this emotional book points out the poor care afforded to mentally ill in the early. 20th century. I did not foresee the conclusion.”
LJayBarr wrote this review Tuesday, July 31, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
