Ireland. Family. Love and loss. Fantastic writing. What more could I possibly want in a novel? I suppose that that's why I devoured Anne Enright's The Gathering in just under 2 days and then wanted to start all over again. I rarely re-read books - this one I will.
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This is not a happy story. It is no delightful lark. But it is honest, and human and raw and Irish and completely engulfing. Six generations of life happening in the way that life sometimes happens, with births and deaths and betrayals and small moments of magic. With beautiful young daughters, and complex mothers. With siblings twisted by alcohol and abuse, and dark living room corners that no one ever sits in. With dull marriages and lingering affairs and the hope for something more just around the corner.
This is a good book. A lovely, lyrical, heart-rending, saturating book. All books should be this book.
Oh good. Just bought this for $1 at a used book sale at work. When I saw it was a Booker I came looking for your review. Now I'm really looking forward to getting started.
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Hmmm ... for some reason this comment got hung up in 'awaiting moderation' land ... hope you enjoyed the read. :)
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