Ireland in the 1950s

exquisitely evocative of Ireland in the 1950s with its background as part of the British Empire and it portrays the plight of of single women in rural Ireland

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

Wonderful

This resonated so strongly with me. The language and the turns of phrase are lyrical but also rooted in place and time. I enjoyed the character of Annie Dunne; her interior dialogue; her joy in the simple things and in the nature around her; and her half-acceptance of the changes in the world around her. A simple, yet complex, woman. Accepting her situation and getting on with the hard work of life on a small farm, while yet holding to herself the grander days of her youth in Dublin Castle as giving her a sense of superiority. Her social inadequacy. She has a good understanding of herself and her faults, but not in her relations with others. Her flawed understanding of others, means that other characters are not so fully drawn, potential plots appear not to develop beyond perception and misperception, but this is the world through Annie’s eyes.

Special mention must go to the performance. Caroline Lennon has captured Annie Dunne perfectly and enhances the enjoyment and understanding of the book

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

how does this man do it?

another astonishing read, astonishing construction of a troubled little world, depicted so gently so beautifully with such fine brushstrokes. and such compassion and wisdom..

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

Tender but powerful

Sebastian Barry has an incredible way with words. He’s able to capture a time period and the voices of those who inhabit that space.

In this case, it’s a small family unit. Two female adults who have a backstory that’s revealed bit by bit. Their space is invaded by two young relatives who have their own difficulties and they challenge accepte norms.

It’s a slow paced read, character driven and it very much captures ruralIreland in the late 1950s. I loved the different viewpoints and the way the adults deal with the uncertainties created by the children. Moral boundaries stretched. Fascinating.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Slow burner but beautifully written

As always with SB, the writing is exquisite. A slower burner than some of his other books but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Mind you, I haven’t yet come across anything he had written that hasn’t been worth reading. Narration spot on

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Just wonderful

A story with characters that linger with you long after it has finished. Sebastian Barry has such insight into the minds and hearts of Annie Dunne and her cousin Sarah and writes with a gentle and tender touch.
The narration captures the accent and voices authentically.
Now to listen to many more by this author.
Thank you

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful