intelligent prose

the story floored me really, I found the story so compelling, the little snapshot of time following a bereavement. it was such a beautiful story and the narrator was an excellent choice.

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Forensic exploration of grief

It took me a little longer to get into this, compared to previous Sally Rooney books, but I was drawn in so deep I felt I was living it.
The writing is so focused and detailed and yet so effortless and natural that each nuance, every thought and emotion is perfectly realised.
Sad and beautiful, I didn’t want it to end.

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Solid novel good read but not quite great

I’ve been enjoying this book. Another strong showing for Irish literature. Sally Rooney does well to explore themes around relationships. It is generally well written but the author lacks an ability to change pace in her narrative. It is also a fairly standard attempt by a female to write through the eyes of male characters which doesn’t quite work. Whilst Sally’s charaterization is well devloped she hasnt full captured the male psyche. With a bit more work this good book could have achieved a great deal more.

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a tale of two brothers and their grief

a tale of two brothers, stricken with grief and trying to find their way in a new normal. a study of relationships and of love. the characters and emotions fill this book, thought provoking.

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Breathtaking

Amazing work. Sometimes difficult but all worth it. It reaches deep into your heart even when sometimes the intellectualisation goes over your head (a paper book would probably be better for these moments). The authenticity in the two men’s voices, the seemingly insignificant descriptions of nature, people, feelings- brilliantly crafted.

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A story of human nature

So easy to listen to. Addictive.. Beautiful story of how weird and wonderful with absolutely normal feelings, emotions and desires we as human beings are

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Snorefest

I have never listened to s book that so instantly sent me to sleep. The narration was so flat, so lifeless that it was like a stage curtain descending whenever the reader started, sleep overtook me. The story, dull as dishwater, just didn't have a single hook to keep me listening. Don't know how anyone enjoyed it.

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Very good at describing the inner world of men

Spoiler alert……
I really liked this book up to a point that the elder brother was forced to choose. I suppose the writer wouldn’t be of her generation if she’d chosen the sort of ending which would have worked for me.
It seems to me that what makes life what it is is precisely having to choose.

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Incredible overall

Incredible performance, story and writing. Quite possibly her best piece of writing. The reading of it was done so beautifully. I wish I could experience it again for the first time.

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Beautiful characterisation

It was a brilliant book with complex and intriguing characters. Rooneys writing added depth and insight into the characters thoughts and feelings and creating mushroomed conflicting sympathies. Incredibly moving and heartfelt.

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