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isabellaeileen's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Such a clever ending to such a beautifully written and deeply tragic book. I particularly loved of the interconnecting relationships between all the characters and the ever-shifting narrative.
cazinthehat's review against another edition
4.0
The only reason for one star removal is the blatant contemporary references - I just felt they jarred the otherwise brilliant writing. Hilarious and a great story to boot
clare_tan_wenhui's review against another edition
3.0
Strictly speaking a 3.5
This was a tad unlikable book, with all the characters I was largely unable to relate to, some characters being downright disgusting. However, the payoff finally arrived in the final chapter when I understood the larger scheme of things behind the book. Ultimately, this book isn't about the individual characters, it is about the state of that nation itself, how screwed up as a whole it is. And even then, as the protagonist Maureen declares. She has had enough of this mad circle of messed up-ness, and it has to stop, starting with her efforts to fix Ryan Cusack.
This was a tad unlikable book, with all the characters I was largely unable to relate to, some characters being downright disgusting. However, the payoff finally arrived in the final chapter when I understood the larger scheme of things behind the book. Ultimately, this book isn't about the individual characters, it is about the state of that nation itself, how screwed up as a whole it is. And even then, as the protagonist Maureen declares. She has had enough of this mad circle of messed up-ness, and it has to stop, starting with her efforts to fix Ryan Cusack.
abbievillehorror's review against another edition
5.0
Trigger warning: sexual assault/rape
Only read this book if you want to be wrecked. At the beginning it seems humorously tragic, but the further you get into the stories, the more these characters lives get twisted together and twisted in general. This book will have you laughing even as it breaks your heart over and over again. Each character faced a tough reality and none of them come out unscathed or the same as they were or even the way they want to be. McInerney's writing is masterful, which is a dumb fcking phrase, but she pulls this book off despite all the odds stacked against the off-putting style of switching perspectives, heavy slang, and traumatic experiences. This is a book you'll need to recover from.
Only read this book if you want to be wrecked. At the beginning it seems humorously tragic, but the further you get into the stories, the more these characters lives get twisted together and twisted in general. This book will have you laughing even as it breaks your heart over and over again. Each character faced a tough reality and none of them come out unscathed or the same as they were or even the way they want to be. McInerney's writing is masterful, which is a dumb fcking phrase, but she pulls this book off despite all the odds stacked against the off-putting style of switching perspectives, heavy slang, and traumatic experiences. This is a book you'll need to recover from.
freshasadaisy's review against another edition
5.0
McInerney takes the phrase 'gritty realism' to a new level in this truly 'glorious' debut novel. She manages to weave together the narratives of a number of pivotal characters, a device which I usually find confusing and unnecessary, in a skilful manner and mastered the art of providing just enough information on each character for me to make a connection with them while still keeping the plot moving swiftly ahead. It took me longer than anticipated to finish this novel, which is usually a sign that I'm not enjoying it, however, in this case I was merely trying to fully appreciate each masterful page and intersecting plot point.
I think that I found it particularly disconcerting and resonant because I know these places, these people - not in a literal sense of course, but the novel is set in my home town, a generally unassuming, quiet sort of place, or so one would think. She ruthlessly unmasks the dark underbelly of Cork and manages to imbue life and authenticity into the characters who inhabit this dark, cruel world through masterful dialogue and vivid, if sometimes unpleasant, imagery. It is certainly a novel that won't be forgotten easily and I will wait in eager anticipation for McInerney's next literary foray.
I think that I found it particularly disconcerting and resonant because I know these places, these people - not in a literal sense of course, but the novel is set in my home town, a generally unassuming, quiet sort of place, or so one would think. She ruthlessly unmasks the dark underbelly of Cork and manages to imbue life and authenticity into the characters who inhabit this dark, cruel world through masterful dialogue and vivid, if sometimes unpleasant, imagery. It is certainly a novel that won't be forgotten easily and I will wait in eager anticipation for McInerney's next literary foray.
mergito's review against another edition
5.0
An absolutely outstanding book. I couldn't recommend it enough.
annatrag's review against another edition
4.0
Laugh out loud, amazing dialogue. Ugly, honest picture of contemporary Irish family and community survival. Reminds me of Shameless, yet it’s critique of piety and chastity gives it a unique dimension. McInerney keeps the reader searching for each character’s redemption in every word. Sometimes revolting honesty, but for good reason. Enjoy!
tanninsandtales's review against another edition
5.0
It has been a few days since I finished reading this book and I often catch myself thinking about the fantastic and complex characters created by Lisa McInerney. The prose is powerful and the scene in which Maureen goes to confession is one of the best things I have ever read. A really impressive debut.
(Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy!)
(Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy!)
esther_a_'s review against another edition
2.5
This one was hard going, it took me ages. But I’m reading through all the women’s prize winners so wanted to try and finish it.
This was an audiobook which possibly made it harder to keep my interest.
Wouldn’t fault the writing but I couldn’t connect with the characters and the story. The subject matter was just so depressing.