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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
Interesting topic, but definitely not a cheerful story.
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Ironically, I'd been studying a bit about the Magdalen laundries right before I found this book during a shift at work. I had a joy-induced conniption fit when I realized what the book was about.
Definitely enjoyed it. It included a lot of different aspects about the laundries: The fact that girls could be sent there for bs reasons, the fact that a lot of the laundries were attached to orphanages, the fact that (as the author points out at the note in the end) children and Magdalens were often buried in unmarked graves on the property, and the fact that, to be perfectly frank, they could keep you there as long as they liked; Catholicism was the state religion and that meant the laws were shaped to fit that.
Teagan I was just constantly heartbroken for, just to see the extent her life went downhill because of a misunderstanding and a lie. Nora and Lea broke my heart too, especially
ETA: I also strongly recommend that if you enjoyed this book, you may also want to check out the movie "The Magdalene Sisters". It used to be on Netflix instant watch, but it looks like it's only available for DVD rental now.
Definitely enjoyed it. It included a lot of different aspects about the laundries: The fact that girls could be sent there for bs reasons, the fact that a lot of the laundries were attached to orphanages, the fact that (as the author points out at the note in the end) children and Magdalens were often buried in unmarked graves on the property, and the fact that, to be perfectly frank, they could keep you there as long as they liked; Catholicism was the state religion and that meant the laws were shaped to fit that.
Teagan I was just constantly heartbroken for, just to see the extent her life went downhill because of a misunderstanding and a lie. Nora and Lea broke my heart too, especially
Spoiler
after Nora had her baby, and then said baby (and Lea) died. I wasn't expecting Lea to die after she survived falling off the roof, so kudos to the author for pulling that out.ETA: I also strongly recommend that if you enjoyed this book, you may also want to check out the movie "The Magdalene Sisters". It used to be on Netflix instant watch, but it looks like it's only available for DVD rental now.
Michele pick; story about the "laundries" for wayward women + girls; fictional story of Teagan, Nore, and Lea. Just okay w/me.
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Though the story itself is a well written fiction, the Magdalen laundries were very real. Therefore, everything I write falters the moment I push the letters on the keyboard.
Heart-wrenching, heartwarming and beautifully written, The Magdalen Girls story opens eyes to just some of the traumatizing and unjust experiences and events that once took place in Magdalen asylums. The relatability of the main protagonist, Teagan, and the gaslighting she endures is uncanny to many things I was surrounded by growing up in a very Christian home, but the entirety of the situation at the asylum itself, unimaginable.
I will finish without going into further details by recommending this brilliantly written book and giving it a solid 4.5 stars.
Heart-wrenching, heartwarming and beautifully written, The Magdalen Girls story opens eyes to just some of the traumatizing and unjust experiences and events that once took place in Magdalen asylums. The relatability of the main protagonist, Teagan, and the gaslighting she endures is uncanny to many things I was surrounded by growing up in a very Christian home, but the entirety of the situation at the asylum itself, unimaginable.
I will finish without going into further details by recommending this brilliantly written book and giving it a solid 4.5 stars.
I first learned of the Magdalen laundries about a year ago, when I read "Christine Falls" by Benjamin Black. I was horrified to discover this often erased part of history and I wanted to learn more about the experiences of the women who had to suffer within these convents. While this book does give the perspective of three different teenage girls, overall the book is a bit melodramatic. Yes, the things that happened in the laundries were horrific. But the details herein turn all of that into a soap opera, complete with long lost family members and visions of the Virgin Mary. I know the history of the laundries is now becoming public knowledge after being hidden for so long, and I hope that perhaps someone else can come along and give a more accurate representation of the lives of the Magdalens.
adventurous
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No