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tenin18's review against another edition
1.0
I'm clearly in the minority here, but I could not get into this book. I read about the first 50 pages.
piyali's review against another edition
4.0
A fantastic story teller, weaves magic with her words yet again to present us the lives and works of Catholic nuns in the late nineteenth (I assume) century New York. The story begins with the suicide of a young Irisish immigrant Jim and how Sister St. Saviour takes charge of Jim's young widow and their unborn child. The story follows the life of Annie, the young widow and her chiod Sally as she grows up in the laundry room of the nunnery with Sister Illuminata where her mother works. The characters are gritty and real, each of them figuring out their role and purpose. It is fascinating and beautiful. I believe this book will generate a good discussion.
amyredgreen's review against another edition
5.0
This was perfection. Every single character is fully fleshed out and interesting. I loved the very spare use of first person plural. This was funny and beautiful and poignant and heartbreaking and I loved everything about it.
jengallo19707's review against another edition
2.0
For a pretty short book...I had a really hard time getting through this...
lecybeth's review against another edition
3.0
A beautifully written novel by McDermott about an Irish widow, her daughter and the nuns who serve the family in mourning. This is a very long story and doesn't have a lot of momentum, so you really need to connect with the characters in order to appreciate it.
aesquibel11's review against another edition
4.0
Refreshing, quaint and seems to evoke a silent solemnity in the reader. Not the story of mysteries or grand heroics but quiet lives lived as well as possible.
kali76's review against another edition
5.0
I wish I could give this more than 5 stars. So perfectly crafted.
mkane3744's review against another edition
5.0
Easily won of the best books I've read all year. There is a mystical, otherworldly quality to McDermott's writing that is nonetheless down to earth. A subtle, yet richly woven plot. As an audiobook, the narration is nothing short of perfection.
annasforages's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0