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An Irishwoman's Tale (2008)

by Patti Lacy(Favorite Author)

3.73 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

0825429870 (ISBN13: 9780825429873)

languge

English

genre

Mystery & Thriller

publisher

Kregel Publications

review 1: Having been forced out of her home in Ireland, alone, and sent to America at a very young age, Mary has snippets of memory that she tries to make solid with a couple of trips back to Ireland. All she gets are hints; no one ever comes right out and says what really happened, or anything concrete about her history. Her mother is vague, a neighbor is vague, her grandmother is vague. Only an aunt near the end finally gives her some information, and it's still not enough to satisfy a reader. Deaths, a suicide, the way she was treated as a child, and why people turned out to be the way they were are only really hinted at.There are scenes in the book where the narrative is so confusing one can barely figure out what's really going on. I think the author is trying to be creative, ... morebut it didn't work very well.I despise giving bad reviews because, for the most part, I enjoy even moderately interesting books. But this one bothered me from beginning to end. I really wanted to like it since I love Irish stories. I think there were wonderful intentions and it could have been great, but the writer made everything too confusing, even the characters. Not enough true information was given about each character for the reader to figure out if they can even be LIKED, including the main character, Mary. Sometimes she's sweet, and giving, almost timid, then, even on the same page, her thoughts, words, or leers show a nasty side. I seriously couldn't figure out if I liked her... Even though I pitied her, I don't think I liked her.I was so frustrated all the way through the book, as the main character never got any solid answers about her past.The plot is great, but in order for it to be complete, and be a satisfying read, it needed to be longer and explained better.I'm not sure if this was intended to be a mystery, but it sure was for me. Comments (2) | Permalink | Most recent comment: Apr 1, 2012 10:21 PM PDT
review 2: I've always wanted to visit Ireland, and Patti Lacy's book only deepened that desire! Descriptions of rugged cliffs, pounding surf, and too many shades of green to name are the recurring backdrop to this deeply moving story of a woman's lifelong struggle to come to terms with her identity and find a lasting sense of self-worth. Cast out by the Irish family that didn't want her, sent across the ocean to live with relatives who are dysfunctional in their own way, Mary Freeman can't seem to find peace. Her emotionally gripping journey finally takes her back to Ireland to confront her past. Ms. Lacy handles difficult subjects with tenderness and grace, weaving spiritual truths into a heartrending story that will linger long after you close the book. I look forward to reading more from this talented author. less

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