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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
The Magdalen Girls by V. S. Alexander is fiction set in 1960s Irish history of the Magdalen laundries. I admire the resilience and friendship of Teagan, Nora, and Lea. In each twist and turn, the book captures another element of the history of the Magdalen girls. The book keeps me reading until the very last page, and then turning the page again to find out what happens next.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2016/12/the-magdalen-girls.html
Reviewed based on a publisher’s galley received through NetGalley
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2016/12/the-magdalen-girls.html
Reviewed based on a publisher’s galley received through NetGalley
I chose to read this book, because I had previously watched the movie "The Magdalene Sisters" and thought it was an interesting topic. The plots were very similar, but I enjoyed it.
All of the characters in this novel are incredibly believable and human. There wasn't a time while reading that I felt the characterization was lacking. In particular, I was very intrigued by Sister Anne and her backstory.
This story is full of atrocities, and sometimes hard to fathom. But the reality is that things like this did happen and within the last number of years. When Teagan explains how she feels like a prisoner in her own freedom, it really shows the psychological damage to the Magdalens as well as the physical damage.
All of the characters in this novel are incredibly believable and human. There wasn't a time while reading that I felt the characterization was lacking. In particular, I was very intrigued by Sister Anne and her backstory.
This story is full of atrocities, and sometimes hard to fathom. But the reality is that things like this did happen and within the last number of years. When Teagan explains how she feels like a prisoner in her own freedom, it really shows the psychological damage to the Magdalens as well as the physical damage.
3.5
Is this a good book yes. Is this a super depressing read also yes. The history element is good and I enjoyed the writing but dear lord it is a difficult read.
Is this a good book yes. Is this a super depressing read also yes. The history element is good and I enjoyed the writing but dear lord it is a difficult read.
I felt like this book had so much potential, but it just didn't reach it. The characters felt unrealistic, and even when dramatic things were happening to them, it felt superficial. I really wanted to like this, especially considering the premise, but alas.
I didn’t realize until after that this was a historical fiction and that a lot of the story came from true events. This story had great parts of friendships and being there for someone but a lot of the story was sad, depressing, and I felt like things were just getting worse and worse for Tiegan and Nora. I also wanted more to Nora’s story. I felt that she was left to dry when she had been her whole life.
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
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:
Yes
I really enjoyed this. The history behind the Magdalen laundries is dark but interesting.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
DNF because I know about the horrors and just can’t bring myself to read it right now. I also dislike the authors style. Just reads like a novice wrote it. I may try another book on this topic later.