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What Members Thought
What an outstanding read! The story at its core is about Cyril Avery. It tells his life story and what it was like to grow up as a gay man in Ireland and then later, in other parts of the world, all of which provide a snapshot of the times and how communities viewed gay rights and gay people in general during those periods. The book really touched a number of emotions in me from sadness to great joy. I laughed out loud many times as the author, Jon Boyne, ably shined bright lights in contrast to
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I don't really know how to rate this book. I liked it, but I'm not sure how much. Maybe 3.5 stars?
It read quickly, and I should have finished it earlier than I did, but I found myself just not picking it up at night. Telling, perhaps.
I didn't think much of Cyril. Part of his personality definitely stems from his upbringing by his "adoptive parents", part of it is growing up in Ireland with all of its repression AND oppression, but he was also just... meh? It normally doesn't bother me not to lik ...more
It read quickly, and I should have finished it earlier than I did, but I found myself just not picking it up at night. Telling, perhaps.
I didn't think much of Cyril. Part of his personality definitely stems from his upbringing by his "adoptive parents", part of it is growing up in Ireland with all of its repression AND oppression, but he was also just... meh? It normally doesn't bother me not to lik ...more
Heartbreaking and heartwarming story of told of an Irish man given in adoption to a peculiar pair of parents. The novel follows him from the mid 20th century to the present day.
I had read Boyne’s History of Loneliness and enjoyed his narrative style. I appreciate his critical approach to Irish cultural history.
I had read Boyne’s History of Loneliness and enjoyed his narrative style. I appreciate his critical approach to Irish cultural history.
I almost stopped reading this book during Part 1 but I am very glad I persisted.
Feb 03, 2018
Rachel
marked it as to-read
