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" It was written well, but it took a long time to get into the plot. Once, I got into the plot it was ok. About halfway into the book, I predicted what the big twist would be. If you like somewhat predictable books, then you might like it. If you don't, then stay away. "
- Lauren, 1/31/2014
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" Clunky, tiresome and predictable - don't agree with all the hype I'm afraid. "
- Vicki, 12/29/2013
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" I was torn between 3 and 4 stars for this book. I think I would have enjoyed the audio version better (my sister loved it - the female narrator speaks in an Irish brogue). Although well-written and engrossing, this was not an easy book to read. It was just so depressing and maddening! Regardless, I'm not sorry I read it. "
- Debra, 12/22/2013
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" I read this as we drove around Ireland and it is a new easy read. However, the ending is a bit obvious. "
- Jak, 12/6/2013
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" Roseanne McNulty, Ireland, spends 1/2 her life in a mental hospital. How she ends up there and why she stays makes a story of intrigue and love well worth reading. "
- Bette, 12/5/2013
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" It was OK but the author did not give enough cluies in the text to make the ending convincing "
- Mum, 11/27/2013
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" What a compelling and touching book. I could not mark it up because I borrowed it, but there were so many quotable passages that rang so true. And the shocking ending (which I won't give away) takes everyone's breath away, reader and characters. "
- CarrieLyn, 11/8/2013
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" This was the first Sebastian Barry book that I read and loved it. A lady who is turning 100 has decided to tell her story. Very good and thought provoking. "
- Linda, 10/8/2013
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" Definitely a book where you "read" the words, and appreciate the way it is written, not just the story itself. "
- Imen, 9/29/2013
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" I enjoyed this book and the very interesting twist at the end. "
- Debi, 4/16/2013
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" Beautifully written study in perspective and the relative terms of sanity and mental health. Women in 1920's Ireland faced a treacherous minefield of sexual repression and two-faced morality, and those who strayed could find themselves confined in asylums. "
- Ken, 4/3/2013
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" I bought this because of the title that really appealed to me. Although it took a few pages to really get into this book, it just captivated me with its concept and how important it is to have some record of a life. "
- Peter, 2/8/2013
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" While the book has an interesting structure - essentially two diaries written by two different people - it doesn't have the sense of place or character to make it a good read. The story itself is quite convoluted, and disintegrates into a sense of impossibility once examined too closely. "
- Tricia, 1/29/2013
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" Couldn't put it down, loved the way it was written, looking back through the eyes of an old old woman. "
- Paula, 1/23/2013
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" 'I am like my father on his old motorbike, careering at speed certainly, but holding so fast to the handlebars there is a sort of safety in that.' "
- Anne, 10/16/2012
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" Story alternates between Roseanne's retelling of her life of 99 years and Dr. Grene's piecing it together from mental hospital records. Which account is true? The writing is poetic...so poetic in fact that my wonky knowledge of Irish history was tested when Sebastian Barry referred to The Troubles. "
- Jessica, 10/8/2012
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" A lyrical and beautifully written story about an old lady committed to an asylum, and the doctor who tries to uncover the truth about why it happened. Sad and lovely, with some haunting images. I found the ending a bit glib though.. "
- Gemma, 10/31/2011
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" It was ok. It was only to the very last couple chapters did the author ever get to the point of the book. "
- Danielle, 9/14/2011
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" So beautifully written I will forgive the bone jarring plot hiccup "
- Campbell, 7/25/2011
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" Wasn't bad, a decent read, didn't move the earth but worth a gander "
- Catherine, 7/17/2011
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" I'll look for more books by Sebastian Barry!
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- Sandra, 5/13/2011
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" I literally snored my way through. I'm sure it was a great book but I just need it to be a little more fast-paced.
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- Amy, 5/12/2011
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" Excellent ending! Did not see any of it coming.
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- Ashley, 5/11/2011
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" This was slow reading. Lovely prose, and quite a good story, but I found it too padded out, and not that easy to read.
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- Anne, 4/24/2011
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" Not at all what I expected from the title. Great book.
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- Lucy, 4/21/2011
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" This was a good book - I wish I liked it more.
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- Jamie, 4/12/2011
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" A bit depressing; I had it figured out too soon so the last 1/4 of the book was sort of annoying!
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- Leslie, 4/8/2011
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" a very beautifully written book, loved every page of it.
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- Conor, 3/20/2011
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" Very good book about Ireland and a mental instution. The main character is a 100 year old woman the other is the Doctor. Good read
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- Carol, 3/13/2011
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" Really good story of an old woman's past, as told to her Dr. Interesting twist!
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- Nancy, 3/10/2011
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