Skip to main content

The Secret Scripture (review 2)

Author
Sebastian Barry
Genre
Media
Book
Publisher
Faber & Faber
ISBN
978-057121529
Reviewer
Wendy

Synopsis

Nearing her one-hundredth birthday, Roseanne McNulty faces an uncertain future, as the Roscommon Regional Mental hospital where she's spent the best part of her adult life prepares for closure. Over the weeks leading up to this upheaval, she talks often with her psychiatrist Dr. Grene, and their relationship intensifies and complicates. Told through their respective journals, the story that emerges is at once shocking and deeply beautiful. Refracted through the haze of memory and retelling, Roseanne's story becomes an alternative, secret history of Ireland's changing character and the story of a life blighted by terrible mistreatment and ignorance, and yet marked still by love and passion and hope.

Review

The story is about Roseanna McNulty looking back on her long life.

Sebastian Barry writes in a lyrical style about loss, grief and love with half buried and confused memories. An emotional book  which is quite heart breaking and disturbing in parts.

I could not put this book down but I know it will remain in my memory for a long time.

divider

 If you enjoy what we provide, please consider making a donation.