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udflyer's review
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Wow. What a story! Excellently written. Drew me in and kept me. Immersed me into the story. I will miss Cyril.
yodamom's review against another edition
5.0
I ended this story in tears, what a beautiful, horrible, epic family tale. It ranged from 1945 till present times, through many nightmarish times for me. The first years of Aids, the fears the lies, and the Twin Towers, such darkness. I felt so much, this was such an emotional story. It was so real, laced with histories I lived through, a time machine of sorts. I had to stop many times to think about the events and to compare them to my memories of the time.This was the longest I've ever taken to read a book, it could not be read quickly it was too intense.
Cyril born in 1945 to a single mother thrown out by her family and church in Ireland placed in a adopted family lived an epic life. Raised by off centered cold parents, he was always held apart and alone. Growing up he had love for his friend that wasn't allowed or returned. He was a young gay man when it was a near death sentence to be one in Ireland. Political, legal, religious, and social wars against gay people were extreme, he hid and became a bit self destructive. He was terrorized, as were most in that time. He left Ireland after a punch in the gut wedding and began an epic journey through 3 countries, one great love, a new family, and many horrible loses. The great circle of life brought him so close to his roots many times always just a touch.
What a book. I don't think I am capable of describing it fully. It is beyond my ability to write the feelings.
Cyril born in 1945 to a single mother thrown out by her family and church in Ireland placed in a adopted family lived an epic life. Raised by off centered cold parents, he was always held apart and alone. Growing up he had love for his friend that wasn't allowed or returned. He was a young gay man when it was a near death sentence to be one in Ireland. Political, legal, religious, and social wars against gay people were extreme, he hid and became a bit self destructive. He was terrorized, as were most in that time. He left Ireland after a punch in the gut wedding and began an epic journey through 3 countries, one great love, a new family, and many horrible loses. The great circle of life brought him so close to his roots many times always just a touch.
What a book. I don't think I am capable of describing it fully. It is beyond my ability to write the feelings.
kallmekirby's review against another edition
5.0
A literally heart wrenching book that wove history & humanity across decades. I read slowly just to think about every piece of cyril’s life.
laura_corsi's review against another edition
3.0
I loved this book and loved following Cyril's progression from a confused, shame-filled young man to someone confident in who he is and someone who knows what he wants. He does all of this with some messiness along the way as we all do, but it all turns right in the end. Very satisfying. I also found that the author's perspective on how Cyril's closetedness around his homosexuality created undesirable personality traits to be very plausible. It was self acceptance, even in the face of prejudice, that brought a turn around in Cyril's character. Very highly recommended.
skylerswee's review against another edition
5.0
I don't know what took me so long to start this. A beautifully written book. I laughed out loud multiple times, cried a few times too. I loved following Cyril and all the hardships he had to go through. Would recommend to anyone.
katie_masz's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
aylaliebs's review
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
It broke my heart over and over but I couldn’t stop turning the page. Incredible and devastating
jrmarr's review against another edition
4.0
Parts of this book were really compelling, but other parts felt contrived and unrealistic. I think it tells an important story of the history of bigotry and religious/cultural conservatism, but it all felt a bit convenient at times and it took away from the power of the story. Cyril is a complicated character to like, and the mistakes he makes throughout his life are difficult to reconcile, but I did enjoy the book and it was a good read despite its shortcomings. Probably a 3.5 star book for me.
nicoletallywhite's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5