The Secret Scripture
by Sebastian Barry
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Book Reviews of The Secret Scripture
Book Review: The Perfect Summer Read
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the best book I've read since "The Kite Runner"! Written by an Irish author, it has the expected tragedy and angst, but it's the beauty of the storytelling that lifts this book above so many other "recommended" fiction books I've read this year. It was one of those rare books that kept me ignoring items on my "To Do" list so I could sneak in another chapter before bedtime. Regretfully, it was only 300 pages, which flew by much too quickly. I'm glad I have Barry's "The Whereabouts of Eneas McNulty" on hand to turn to next. However, since "The Secret Scripture" included the character of Eneas in the plot, I wish I'd read that book first.Book Review: Brilliant!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have just finished this book and found it a brilliant read. As an ordinary reader, I sometimes find Booker prize winners heavy going but this one gripped me from the start. I had to keep reminding myself that this was a work of fiction and not a true story. However, it is true in the sense that this kind of thing used to happen in Ireland and not that long ago. Roseanne's story would break your heart for all those poor people who ended up in asylums because nobody wanted them or they were an embarassment to their family. Would recommend this excellent book to anyone.Book Review: Not an attention grabber
Summary: 2 Stars
I feel compelled to write a review because I think the 4plus stars this book has is over rated. It is very slow moving...takes very long to be developed. I didn't look forward to reading it.
I think the subject matter is good and interesting and gives a description of the times, but just way too slow for this reader to really enjoy.
I agree with the reviewer that said give this book a go before you buy so you know what you are getting.
That's my two cents.
Good luck.
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Book Review: Mediocre
Summary: 1 Stars
Difficult to get through and ends with such a melodramatic unrealistic conclusion I was upset I wasted so much time and effort to get through it. Why is this book praised so highly? I have no answer. Parts of it came close to being interesting, but were always overshadowed with cheap plot tricks aimed at evoking any emotion, no matter how superficial, from the reader rather than creating anything substantial.
Just remembering reading this book frustrates me.
Book Review: One of the great ones...
Summary: 5 Stars
Though I agree slightly with another reviewer who felt the novel had a Hollywood ending, I thought this was an absolutely stunning novel. The prose is at times so poetic, so lyrical, so profoundly insightful I found myself reading passages several times just for the pure joy of it. No doubt about it, this is one of the great ones.