An epic story of family, love, and unavoidable tragedy from the two-time Man Booker Prize finalist
Sebastian Barry 's novels have been hugely admired by readers and critics, and in 2005 his novel A Long Long Way was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. In The Secret Scripture, Barry revisits County Sligo, Ireland, the setting for his previous three books, to tell the unforgettable story of Roseanne McNulty. Once one of the most beguiling women in Sligo, she is now a resident of Roscommon Regional Mental Hospital and nearing her hundredth year. Set against an Ireland besieged by conflict, The Secret Scripture is an engrossing tale of one woman's life, and a vivid reminder of the stranglehold that the Catholic church had on individuals throughout much of the twentieth century (Goodreads).
My Thoughts:
I got this book from work, someone left it for taking. I read the back of the book and it sounded very interesting. I stated to read this book right away but at much slower pace than I usually do when I read books. Not because I did not enjoy it or anything like that, for some reason I just did not want to rush through this book.
This was such a sad story, it makes you heart hurt just thinking about Roseanne McNulty and all the things she went thought in her life. You want to rage at how life can be unfair and cruel to some individuals. Roseanne is such an interesting character, she suck you in, into her life and you can not stop wondering what will happen. You read about Roseanne's life and all the men in her life. Her father of whom she was very found of and really did not have a clear picture of who he was and what he did. Her husband, who I believed to be a weak man personally, mommas boy. Priest (I can not remember his name right now) whom I despised from the start of the book.
Story was narrated by Roseanne herself, she secretly writes down the account of her life and hoping that one day after she dies someone will find the writing. On the other hand story is also narrated by Dr. Grene, psychiatrist. This book was so beautifully written, the sentences that the author has put together are amazing. It is very lyrical and poetic. Here we have this lyrical voice that is narrating the story set in twentieth century Ireland, the landscape that is beautiful and comforting at the same time. But on the other hand very dangerous and dreary.
I was bit surprised by the ending and Dr. Grene's discovery. Actually not too surprised because half way thought the book I kind asked myself would it not be funny if Dr. Grene turned out to be.... Still it was beautiful ending that brought tears to my eyes.
I have to say that Mr. Barry has done a beautiful job with this book, it was beautifully written. I will definitely checking out some of his other books. I give this book 5/5 STARS. This story has everything, brilliantly constructed characters, character growth and development are constant, and plot line was well though out. Happy Reading everyone.
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