Murrin takes us back to the ‘90’s in Ireland, when divorce was illegal and a separation was a sin.
We meet Izzy, Delores & Colette. Three women whose Murrin takes us back to the ‘90’s in Ireland, when divorce was illegal and a separation was a sin.
We meet Izzy, Delores & Colette. Three women whose marital relationships are strained or irreparable. . Colette who left her husband and has returned but can’t get access to her children. An unlikely friendship begins between Izzy & Colette.
This was a dark time for women. Held captive in a marriage by a law determined by men. Marriages that didn’t work, some destructive, others harmful. The shaming and double standards.
Themes of divorce, alienation, betrayal, alcoholism and acceptance.
Sally is strange. And quirky. She has a tendency to interpret things quite literally which draws unwanted attention to her now, at the age of 43. PeopSally is strange. And quirky. She has a tendency to interpret things quite literally which draws unwanted attention to her now, at the age of 43. People remember Strange Sally Diamond. Her autism; her odd behaviours. Some even remember the horrors she endured before she turned 7. She doesn't. But now those memories are creeping to the surface. And maybe Sally isn’t all that strange after all. Maybe her awkwardness and weirdness stems from her horrific childhood. Maybe that can explain her complex behaviours.
Nugent, you thrilled me! But this was not a delightful story. It was dark. It was disturbing. It was compelling. And Sally. What an authentic character. 4.25⭐️...more
Juno doesn’t have a leg fetish. Legs is a dude. Two misfits growing up in Dublin in the ‘80’s, in poverty. The sanctimonious Catholic nuns and priests.Juno doesn’t have a leg fetish. Legs is a dude. Two misfits growing up in Dublin in the ‘80’s, in poverty. The sanctimonious Catholic nuns and priests. Beating children when they weren’t compliant. The twisted control these hypocrites had over the community.
Juno. A sassy one. Despite the hardships and losses she suffers. She’s fearful but Brave. Legs, another outcast but bound to Juno. Both just searching for a place to belong. The two separate for a number of years because of their shenanigans before finding each other again.
This is a love story about friendship. The unconditional kind. The writing lyrical and rich. The characters so much depth. 4.25⭐️
Note: this is a coming of age story but def not YA....more
As we forgive those who trespass against us…Ireland, 1975. The Troubles. An affair between a female teacher and a married man of significant age diffeAs we forgive those who trespass against us…Ireland, 1975. The Troubles. An affair between a female teacher and a married man of significant age difference. A political hotbed of violence between the Catholics and Protestants. When one can’t help a neighbour without it becoming a choice of whose side you’re on. A tragic period in Ireland’s history. A terrific debut. 4⭐️
I keep thinking I don’t like post apocalyptic stories, but I keep reading stories that prove me wrong.
This is all about survival. Surviving the wildfI keep thinking I don’t like post apocalyptic stories, but I keep reading stories that prove me wrong.
This is all about survival. Surviving the wildfires in the US that have burned it to the ground. The entire continent. Surviving a perilous journey across the sea from America to Ireland in the hopes they are taking refugees. But by the time they almost arrive, a storm takes most of them out and those remaining are targeted by the militia. Lark somehow survives and meets up with a dog, Seamus, and a woman, Helen.
This is a dark read. It makes you wonder if this is the path humanity will take. History repeating itself. Discriminating against groups. Ignoring the warning signs happening now with climate change.
House takes on a frightening journey. But there is hope in this darkness. And a beagle who just makes you appreciate life in all its forms. ...more
Anyone who enjoys historical fiction will embrace this one. Harmon has become a go to author for me as a talented writer. She swept me away in The SongAnyone who enjoys historical fiction will embrace this one. Harmon has become a go to author for me as a talented writer. She swept me away in The Songbook of Benny Lament as well as Where the Lost Wander This is another enjoyable one. It’s a time traveller piece which at first made me hesitate but not for long as I was quickly immersed in this story. Ireland. 2001. Annie tosses the ashes of her grandfather into the lake per his wishes. Next thing you know, it’s 1921 and Annie has been transposed into her own history. A fascinating historical perspective of Ireland’s fight for independence and the turbulence of civil war written in the diary of the doctor, Thomas. A romance that transcends time. 5✮ Fans of the Outlander series will love this one....more
4.5 ✭ 3 days. That’s all it takes to change lives drastically during the 1918 flu pandemic for a nurse, a runner, and a doctor in a maternity ward in D4.5 ✭ 3 days. That’s all it takes to change lives drastically during the 1918 flu pandemic for a nurse, a runner, and a doctor in a maternity ward in Dublin. Julia Power, a passionate nurse trying to help her patients with her hands tied by not being a practitioner but knowing as much as one; Bridie, the charming girl who has come in as a volunteer runner completely taken off guard by the devastation of the illness; Dr. Lynn. A rebel doctor on the run from the police.
This is the story of frontline workers and the parallels we are seeing right now at the height of the 1918 pandemic. The knowledge they had for treating the flu still aligns to what we know today. Masks, washing hands, fresh air. “Influenzas” - defined as the influence of the stars. Medieval theory that the heavens determined our fates. Memorable characters and the structure of the story in 4 colours of human illness: red, brown, blue and black. The darkest days slivered by the light of hope. 4.5⭐️...more
The Secret Scriptures is a remarkable holy grail of writing. Barry masterfully writes a poetic psychological mystery where he magically weaves a storyThe Secret Scriptures is a remarkable holy grail of writing. Barry masterfully writes a poetic psychological mystery where he magically weaves a story of 2 voices: One of Roseanne McNulty, who now sits in a mental institution and has for the past 40 odd years of her 100 year life; and the other of her psychiatrist, Dr Grene, who has known her for the duration of her stay. Roseanne sits in her room as she nears the end of her life, reflecting back through the daily journal she writes and hides in the floorboards of her room. Grene has been told he needs to release patients as the hospital is closing down. He now has the task of evaluating those who are mentally sound and for reasons unbeknownst to him, were incarcerated for reasons other than mental illness. As such was the life of Roseanne - when the Irish Catholic church had a vice like grip on what morality was and for many women who didn’t fit the mold were demoralized and removed from society by being institutionalized often under horrific conditions. Themes of good vs evil rebound; infidelity; aging; religion and loyalty. An eloquent read. 5 ★...more
Canadian Jen
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Books:
ireland
(9)
