so-soI don‘t know what to think of this book. It‘s incredibly sad, and yet didn‘t manage to grip me emotionally. On the whole, I found it pretty forgettable.
2 likes
The Story of Lucy Gault | 
so-soI don‘t know what to think of this book. It‘s incredibly sad, and yet didn‘t manage to grip me emotionally. On the whole, I found it pretty forgettable.
pickI fell head over heels at the beginning of this book. I knew I was going to love it; the writing was so beautiful. However as the book progessed, and as her life unfolded, it became less engrossing. I think that this might have been deliberate, to show maturing and aging. But it made it less compelling. I'm glad I read it, and I think it will stay with me for a long time. I'm looking forward to reading more from the author.
"'The gift of mercy,' the nuns said... They would visit that church in Italy one day, they said. She smiles all that away. What happened; simply did... She should have died, a child. She knows that, but has never said it. Has never included in the story of herself, the days that felt like years when she lay among the fallen stones. It would have lowered their spirits, although it lifts her own. Because instead of nothing, there is what there is.
pickA lyrical and allegorical story deeply rooted in the landscape of rural Ireland this is in many ways the antithesis of a novel From the moment of the initial incident the characters become suffused by trauma and depression that only intensifies as the story progresses. There is passivity and a sense that the characters in some way deserve their fate that is only redeemed finally by acceptance and a small reconciliation. A good but strange read.
so-soBarely a so-so because the idea two adults who own farm property wouldn‘t communicate with the caretakers for 30 years is far fetched. It also seems little happens between main action point (disappearance of the daughter) and the end. 🤷🏾♀️ But I often fell asleep during it so I can‘t be trusted. 😅
Pic of what I believe is a newly molted(?) cicada. The husk was papery dry.
pickIf you're ever in the mood for a beautifully-written, melancholic book set in Ireland, this is the book for you!
Frustrating story so far, turning on a plot point around communication that is unfathomable in 2021 but very possible in 1921.
pickWhat craft! Precise, intense sadness and beautifully drawn.
pickExquisite and memorable. I loved it bigly. Beautifully-drawn characters, delicious prose, heart-breaking story. What more could you want?
Ever since my ex-wife told me the entire plot of this book as we walked around Paris 15 years ago, I‘ve been meaning to read it. It‘s finally time.
pickThe first book I have read by this author and I was impressed. I liked the style of writing and it subtly added to the atmosphere and emotion of the book. The historical context of the book was familiar to me but again is subtly explained without too much detail. It is set mostly in the south of Ireland. I will happily read another book by this author if anyone has any recommendations as to which one.
Ireland is where I have found myself for stop number 2. #backpackEurope #1001books
pickA small, dense story of loss, penance, missed chances. Very tragic. Although the writing is a bit aloof (I wonder if this is the right word) and certainly not dramatic, I felt being drawn into the lives and feelings of the Gaults. #1001books
