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jemma_m's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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
3.5
kkjg's review against another edition
5.0
Such a lovely read! The book is full of wonderful characters who I came to know bit by bit. And the better I knew them, the more remarkable they became.
Beautiful writing, marvelous story, and incredible characters - all wrapped up in this amazing, quiet little book!
Beautiful writing, marvelous story, and incredible characters - all wrapped up in this amazing, quiet little book!
tlaloq's review against another edition
4.0
I found the novel engaging in several ways. McDermott creates vivid and varied characters whose actions and behavior are driven by their histories and environments. The principal community is religious in nature, and is composed of strong women.
Occasionally, McDermott will interrupt the narrative to pursue a tangent and the reader may wonder where the heck she is going, only to wind up--in a logical fashion--back at the point where the narrative was broken off, and, with relevant information that enriches the story.
The ending is profoundly poignant, and is blessedly free of contrivance.
Highly recommended.
Occasionally, McDermott will interrupt the narrative to pursue a tangent and the reader may wonder where the heck she is going, only to wind up--in a logical fashion--back at the point where the narrative was broken off, and, with relevant information that enriches the story.
The ending is profoundly poignant, and is blessedly free of contrivance.
Highly recommended.
nanbrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Gorgeous writing filled with tenderness and humanity as the story unwinds threads of life and it's challenges. Loved the setting, time frame and coming of age characters.
kayshaj's review against another edition
3.0
I have to admit I knew nothing about nursing nuns, even though I heard of the Sisters of Mercy (the band's name had to come from somewhere). It was an interesting slice of life, but I didn't feel particularly passionate about any of the characters.
chrissa_kuntz's review against another edition
5.0
I love to read historical fiction, novels about strong women, mysteries, and stories about nuns -- and this book has it all!!!! Thanks to Carol Schmitt, who is still giving me great recommendations even now that she's not at PHS anymore.
nonnareads42's review against another edition
5.0
Alice McDermott writes what she knows. She was raised as an Irish Catholic girl on Long Island. As was I. Sally, Anne and Liz are the secular women of the story. Their lives are changed due to the kindness of the Little Nursing Sisters of the Sick Poor. The Ninth Hour is a beautiful tribute to all the nuns that she knew. The nursing order in The Ninth Hour heals the neighborhoods physical issues and soothes their emotional ones.
ediegirl's review against another edition
1.0
Not a fan. It wasn't unenjoyable to read but I felt like it never got going and there were narrative/time jumps that were not easy to follow. Then towards the end one of the main characters just goes rogue and I did not like it.