From the Bookshelf of Constant Reader…

When All Is Said

Anne Griffin

Start date: April 15, 2021

Finish date: May 1, 2021

Discussion: Reading List

Discussion leader: Ann

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Reading List

* The Schedule for July through Dec. 2025
By Lynn · 1 post · 49 views

last updated Jun 20, 2025 08:37AM

Nominations list for January - June 2026
By Lynn · 13 posts · 24 views

last updated Nov 07, 2025 05:56PM

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What Members Thought

Apr 12, 2021 Ann D rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book is about Maurice, an 84 year old Irish farmer who has gone from experiences deep childhood poverty to becoming a wealthy landowner. He reviews his life as he contemplates ending it. He makes 5 toasts to the people he was closest to and tells his own story through theirs. These people are his older brother Tony whom he worshiped; his tiny daughter Molly who had a very brief presence, but large impact; his mentally handicapped sister-in-law Noreen with whom he shared a surprisingly close ...more

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May 23, 2021 Mary Ellen rated it really liked it

A very well-written novel which takes place almost entirely via an interior monologue the main character, Maurice, addresses to his son.

Maurice is taking a look back at his life via toasts to the five people closest to him. This structure did not always work smoothly - the subjects of some of the "toasts" were lost as Maurice reminisces about others related to them - but it did not interfere with the story, either.

Maurice is a charming, humorous storyteller but, IMO, a rather cruel and self-abs ...more

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Jan 08, 2023 Renata rated it really liked it · review of another edition

So, I started this on Audible a while back, and just could not get into it. The hardcover languished on my shelf until now, and I’m glad I finally got to it! Very much enjoyed the way the story was told.

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