Books matching: dublin setting
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- #1
'The Woman Who Walked Into Doors' by Roddy Doyle is a powerful and realistic portrayal of the life of Paula Spencer, a woman who suffers from domestic abuse at the hands of her husband Charlo. The book delves deep into Paula's struggles, her descent into alcoholism, and her journey towards self-discovery and liberation. Written in a raw and unflinching style, the novel captures the emotional turmoil and complexities of Paula's life, offering a poignant and harrowing insight into the harsh realities of domestic violence.
I knew before he spoke. It clicked inside me when I opened the door. (For years opening that door scared the life out of me. I hated it; it terrified me. We had this screeching bell like an alarm that... - #2
'My Left Foot' by Christy Brown is a heartwarming and inspirational story that provides an inside view into the life of a creative genius who overcame many odds. Through the author's own words, readers get a glimpse into the challenges, triumphs, and daily struggles faced by a person with disabilities. The writing style is simple, realistic, and devoid of unnecessary details, making it a poignant and eye-opening read for anyone looking to gain a different perspective on life.
I WAS BORN in the Rotunda Hospital, on June 5th, 1932. There were nine children before me and twelve after me, so I myself belong to the middle group. Out of this total of twenty-two, seventeen lived,... - #3
Stir-Fry by Emma Donoghue tells the story of Maria, a small-town Irish girl entering college in 1990s Dublin. Seeking independence, she shares an apartment with lesbian couple Ruth and Jael. Initially unaware of their relationship, Maria soon faces her own emerging feelings as her friendship with Jael deepens. The narrative explores her coming of age journey, full of moments of humor and confusion, alongside her struggles with self-identity and societal norms.
Donoghue's writing is often described as exquisite and relatable, rendering Maria's complex emotions with clarity. While the story captures the vibrant atmosphere of college life and personal discovery, some readers find the ending a bit unfulfilling. The style mixes casual dialogue with political undertones, often reflecting the youthful energy of the time. Despite minor criticisms, the book is noted for its charm and thoughtful portrayal of diverse sexualities.
It was all in red ink except the Wow!, which must have been scrawled on by a passerby. A thumb had smudged the top of the 2, giving it the shape of a swan with its beak held up to the wind. Maria lean... - #4
'Evening Class' by Maeve Binchy is a heartwarming novel that follows a group of diverse characters who come together to attend an Italian evening class in a rundown neighborhood in Dublin. Led by the mysterious and eccentric Signora, the class becomes a place where hidden fears and hopes are uncovered, and lives are transformed through the power of learning and community. As the characters intermingle and share their stories, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and second chances. Binchy's storytelling style weaves together multiple perspectives and subplots, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected lives that culminate in a heartwarming and emotionally inspiring tale of renewal.
Aidan might find one in a newspaper at a weekend. Are You a Thoughtful Husband? or possibly What Do You Know About Show Biz? They scored high on the answers to Are You Well Suited? and How Well Do You... - #5
The Brightest Star in the Sky by Marian Keyes is a novel that revolves around the lives of the residents of 66 Star Street in Dublin. The story is narrated by a spirit that observes the tenants living in the apartment house, providing glimpses into their lives and interactions. The book delves into deeper themes beyond the initial lightheartedness, with characters that are described as deeply flawed and realistic, adding substance to the typical Chick Lit genre. While some readers found the supernatural aspect intriguing, others felt that the ending was a bit unnatural and contrived.
June the first, a bright summer’s evening, a Monday. I’ve been flying over the streets and houses of Dublin and now, finally, I’m here. I enter through the roof. Via a skylight I slide into a living r... - #6
In the book 'In the Woods' by Tana French, Detective Rob Ryan and his partner Cassie Maddox are on the hunt for a child killer in the same woods where Ryan's own childhood trauma occurred. The story unfolds with a slow yet intriguing start, weaving a double mystery that keeps readers engaged. The narrative delves into the past and present, exploring themes of psychological tension, guilt, and the complexities of police procedural work. The book is set in Dublin and features atmospheric storytelling that blends elements of romance, violence, and suspense.
The central character, Rob Ryan, grapples with his dark history while investigating the murder of a young girl, drawing parallels to his own childhood tragedy of losing two friends in the same woods. The writing style is praised for its beautiful prose, compelling characters, and intricate plot development that keeps readers riveted. Despite mixed feelings about the ending, readers appreciate the depth of the story and the psychological depth of the characters, making it a compelling read in the Dublin Murder Squad series.
What I warn you to remember is that I am a detective. Our relationship with truth is fundamental but cracked, refracting confusingly like fragmented glass. It is the core of our careers, the endgame o... - #7
"With Our Blessing" by Jo Spain is a murder mystery set in Dublin, where an elderly woman is found crucified in a park, leading Inspector Tom Reynolds and his team to investigate the crime. The story unfolds in a convent with a dark past, once a Magdalen laundry, where young unmarried mothers were mistreated and babies forcibly taken away. The plot is intricately woven with twists and turns, revealing the societal issues and historical injustices surrounding the Catholic Church's practices in Ireland.
He was dreaming. He knew this, even though in his imaginings he was actually up and getting dressed, albeit in that sleepy, sluggish way of dreams. It was his day off and he was going to get the paper... - #8
The 'Four Letters of Love' by Niall Williams is a lyrical and thought-provoking novel set in Ireland, exploring themes of love, relationships, faith, and the search for meaning in life. The story follows the intertwining lives of characters like Nicholas, Isabel, and their families, delving into their struggles, tragedies, and moments of hope and redemption. The writing style is described as poetic, vivid, and enchanting, with rich imagery that captures the beauty and melancholy of the Irish landscape.
When I was twelve years old God spoke to my father for the first time. God didn’t say much. He told my father to be a painter, and left it at that, returning to a seat amongst the angels and watching ... - #9
'The Break' by Marian Keyes is a contemporary novel that follows Amy, a woman in her forties, who faces a crisis when her husband, Hugh, unexpectedly announces that he wants a six-month break from their marriage to travel. The book delves into Amy's struggles as she navigates her busy PR career, caring for her daughters, dealing with family dynamics, and confronting her own emotional turmoil. The story is filled with cultural references, realistic characters, and explores themes of relationships, self-discovery, and resilience. The writing style is characterized by humor, depth in character development, and a blend of light-hearted moments with more profound reflections.
‘Not twenty-two.’ It’s imperative to shut her down before she utters my age. I don’t know how I got to be forty-four. Clearly I’d my eye off the ball but, a bit late to the party, I’m trying to airbru... - #10
'Conversations with Friends' by Sally Rooney is a novel that delves into the complex relationships and personal issues of young college students in Dublin. The story follows Frances and Bobbi, two 21-year-old university students who perform spoken word poetry together and become entangled with a married couple, Melissa and Nick. As their relationships overlap and intersect, the characters navigate themes of friendship, love, self-discovery, and growing up. The narrative offers a deep understanding of the emotional struggles and self-awareness that young people experience as they try to find their true selves.
Rooney's writing style is described as direct, strong, and engaging, with complex and well-developed characters that captivate the reader. The novel captures the intensity of early adulthood, portraying the challenges and complexities of relationships, self-consciousness, and personal growth. The dialogue is smart and funny, with moments of beautiful imagery woven into everyday scenes, creating a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that explores the nuances of human emotions and interactions.
Bobbi and I first met Melissa at a poetry night in town, where we were performing together. Melissa took our photograph outside, with Bobbi smoking and me self-consciously holding my left wrist in my ...