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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
This was a weird one. It felt so chaotic, and almost as if the author didn't have anyone to tell them to narrow their focus. There was just too many stories introduced without there being a logical need for them. It just felt like every brain-storm topic that popped into her head made it into the story.
3. This was a good book, especially if you know little about the Magdalene Laundries. Alexander conveys well the stories of two (three, really) Dublin girls who are sent to the convent for the most specious of reasons -- one for making out with her boyfriend, the other for being attractive to a young priest. Their lives and trials there are vividly described. The plot is engaging, and except for a kind of forced revelation at the end, plausible. The writing left something to be desired, but it was readable and I finished it. Recommended, if you have interest in the subject.
The Magdalen Girls, set in 1960s Dublin, tells the story of three girls who have ended up under the care of nuns in a convent. The title (of the book and the girls) refers to Mary Magdalene, the follower of Jesus who was initially determined to be guilty of adultery. The book feels very predictable, and lacks the closure that I would have hoped for. In any case, it is a captivating read providing some insight into the lack of justice that has plagued religious institutions for centuries.
Perhaps it's a small thing, but the author lost credibility with me by naming the mother Shavon instead of the traditional Irish spelling, Siobhan. In fact, none of the characters had true Irish names, except Teagan, and that name wasn't really used in the 1960s. This book was just OK for me, and a little more authenticity woul dhave helped.
I’m grateful to learn about the historical significance of the Magdalen Laundries but this storyline just became tedious to me.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
When a bit of religion, supernatural, and family drama all try to roll into one book, it rolls into a book like this. This book felt a little long and disjointed but I liked it overall. Good for fans of historical fiction who don’t mind a bit of the afterlife in their stories.
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
sad
fast-paced