Reviews

Εις γην Χαναάν by Αύγουστος Κορτώ, Sebastian Barry

pegish's review against another edition

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4.0

If the year continues with the level of this writing, it will be a wonderful year. I may in later months add it to my top for 2012 shelf instead of just "read".

Thank you, Bob, for the recommendation.

tanyaweaver's review against another edition

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5.0

Deeply moving and beautifully written. Still can't quite believe it's written by a man considering the protagonist is an 89 year old women who is reminiscing about her life. Some of the passages are so poignant - I'll have to revisit the book in a few years time.

daisyfrog49's review against another edition

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5.0

Beautifully written, wonderful characters who change and grow.

shatcher's review against another edition

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4.0

A lyrical examination of emigrating to and surviving in 20th century America. Could be read as a sequel to Days without End which expores the same territory a century earlier.

pebbles65's review against another edition

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4.0

What a bitter sweet novel. Sebastian Barry's lyricism soothes the way.

pruemansfield56's review against another edition

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5.0

Others have written of the plot. The device of Lily/Grainne reflecting on her life, set out in days after death, effectively transmitted the containment, tightness, and complete absorption in grief. I loved this book, grabbed every chance I had until it was (sadly) finished.

maevejreilly's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Beautifully written and moving—reflections of an 89-year-old after the tragic death of her grandson. Such an interesting and complicated life she had.

lazwright's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

mmejolie's review against another edition

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4.0

Barry’s prose is so beautiful, simply lyrical. Lilly casts her memory back through her life, beginning as a young girl in Ireland, as she approaches the end of her life. In the remembering, she gains a peace with what life has dealt her. We begin one day after she has lost Bill (no spoilers) and on each subsequent day she recounts more of her story. It is a hard life, but she realizes she has had blessings as well.

jovirginia's review against another edition

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4.0

Some of the most beautiful prose I've ever read.