Thought provoking & timely

Very quirky, unusual style which creates a compelling story and unique perspective of The Troubles in late 1970’s Northern Ireland. It underscores aspects of toxic violence, particularly male violence which share common threads with all conflict zones, from Ireland to Afghanistan, Iraq and the burgeoning far-right gangs such as the Proud Boys in contemporary US culture. Really interesting, particularly as it’s written in the voice of a young woman wishing to simply avoid the violence and go about her teenaged life freely without threat and harassment.

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12 people found this helpful

good reflection of life in Northern Ireland

love it
as it has many levels and clever way of building the atmosphere of a period

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Thought provoking and surprisingly fresh.

I absolutely loved this. I have, in the past, struggled to get into audio books, but the artistry of the language, the intrigue of the story, and the rather mesmerising voice and accent of the narrator, had me compelled from the get go.

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Initially difficult but rewarding

I was completely drawn in to this novel. I came to it with no expectations and found the first few chapters difficult, the style was so different to anything I had read before. But I became so involved in the story and the characters I thought about it for days after finishing. I found it so interesting to read a story of normal people living through conflict. The story gives insight to how they are shaped and learn to cope by the trials of their environment. The narration was perfect for this novel.

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unique style

Funny first person account of somebodies and nobodies set in 1970s Northern Ireland. This unusual writing style with diction perfect delivery makes one hell of a special book.

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A challenging but rewarding read

I was incredibly impressed with this clever, original and insightful novel. With wry, and often biting, humour the unnamed narrator’s observations about everyday life in an unnamed town in Northern Ireland during the Troubles expose the absurdity, perversity, misogyny and tragedy of that world. It’s not an easy read, and definitely not a page-turner, but Brid Brennan’s superb narration makes it accessible and enjoyable.

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Hard to put down.

Unexpectedly it struck a cord with my younger self and reminded me of all that strength and endurance needed in the process of growing up.

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pretty wonderful

As someone northern Irish, but not having lived there, this speaks to me and intrigues and saddens me. The writer captures your heart. Unique, poetic, charming and gritty. A wonderfully narrated and beautiful book.

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Too much waffle on Irish history

Of course history is interesting and important but I felt like this was 80% historical recounts, 20% plot. What we heard of the plot I enjoyed but could have condensed into 4 hours. Bordered on non-fiction.

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Thoroughly enjoyable

The narration was excellent and the story beautifully written. I felt immersed in the world of the story from the beginning.

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