Q2 2018; The Good People Spoiler Thread

[Bookworm with Kids]

This is the spoiler thread for the Quarterly Irish read - The Good People by Hannah Kent.

[Colleen]

I liked it but I don't think it will stay with me .Maybe I wanted the Good people to make an appearance ) I do have one question so far
What medical condition did Micheal have ?

[Bookworm with Kids]

Colleen wrote: "I liked it but I don't think it will stay with me .Maybe I wanted the Good people to make an appearance ) I do have one question so far
What medical condition did Micheal have ?"

Colleen,
Some people have posted questions about this on the page for The Good People. The only suggestion is hypothyroidism but that wouldn't produce the symptoms that Micheal had, I don't think.
Maybe someone else has an idea?

[Bookworm with Kids]

I have just been reading a bit about hypothyroidism and it does fit some of the symptoms that Micheal had. I suppose it would have been worsened by the malnutrition or poor diet of the time.

[Donald]

I liked The Good People. I found it to be a straightforward story, that is a fictionalized retelling of a true event. About two thirds of the way through, I found the novel’s pace dragged somewhat in its telling of Michael’s affliction, but then the pace and suspense picked up with the trial.

The novel disappointed, perhaps, in its “straightforwardness”. I cannot say that I found the novel to have many layers. I am drawn to novel’s that offer more depth for the reader to discover. I would be interested in hearing if others felt the same way. It could be that I am just missing something.

I would and have suggested The Good People to a friend. It does bring to life a superstitious rural culture from early 19th century Ireland.