By Claire Evans
I nearly gave up on this because the first few chapters introduce a number of seemingly unrelated characters and incidents, and I couldn't keep track. Had to keep going back to find out who was whom. But my perseverance was rewarded.
It's a gripping story that takes the reader to unexpected and rather unpleasant places. Totally believable and with the rise of the right-wing these days necessary reading. ****
By Sebastian Barry
It took a little while for me to get into this partly I think because I struggled to work out when in time it was set. I don't know why that caused me a problem but I suppose I like to be able to 'see' characters, their style of dress and appearance.
A mental hospital is due to be demolished and the doctor in charge has the task of assessing the remaining patients to determine their futures. One he finds himself particularly drawn to is 100-year-old Roseanne who has been institutionalised for so long no-one remembers why.
The book alternates between reports from the doctor - that also cover what's happening in his life - and Roseanne's own story. Very unexpected end. Highly recommended. ****
2 comments:
Oh, I read a book by Sebastian Barry once. It was called "Days Without End" or something like that and concerned the misadventures of two young gay men during the Indian Wars and the American Revolution. The parts about mistreatment and murder of indigenous people were very gut-wrenching to read.
Yes, lots of horrific stuff in this one too, Debra.
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