The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry
Discussion Questions Available!
Release date: 2008 / 300 pages
Synopsis (from back cover): “When she was a young woman, Roseanne McNulty was one of the most beautiful and beguiling girls in County Sligo, Ireland. Now, as her hundredth year draws near, she is a patient at Roscommon Regional Mental Hospital, and she decides to record the events of her life.”
First line: “The world begins anew with every birth, my father used to say.”
Review: Well, all I can say is that I tried — I really tried — but this novel was just too dark for me. I’m surprised by this since I have never shied away from gritty, realistic narratives — I loved The Road, for example. But after two attempts, I just had to return it to the library.
My initial issue was how slowly I was reading it — and how I just wasn’t connecting with the characters, even on the level of simple curiosity. So, knowing the waiting list at the library was long (it had taken me months to receive it), I decided to take it back after not even 50 pages.
Then I learned that my friend would be reading it for her book club, so I gave it another go and reached page 88. I was intrigued by the organization of the narrative. As stated in the above summary, the protagonist is telling the story on the eve of her hundreth birthday from the confines of a mental hospital. In addition, the doctor/director of the hospital interviews her and so we shift from his perspective to her own. Therefore, we are privvy to Roseanne’s present life, as well as her past. Happily, I connected with Roseanne’s father, too, even though he had the regrettable job of gravedigger.
But then came the rats… and then the burning orphans… and then the clock… which precipitated one final tragedy that pushed me over the edge (and possibly Rosanne, too — I have no idea since I read no further). I must admit,aI sense of relief washed over me when I slipped it through the library shute.
So, there’s my partial review. Has anyone else read — or attempted — this novel yet? If so, I would love to hear your perspective. Did I give up too soon?
I’ve not read it and after reading your review I proably won’t. Well at least you didn’t pay money for the book. =)
I haven’t read it and like Kathy, after your partial review, I probably wouldn’t either. Sometimes it’s okay to give up on a book. (Of course, I didn’t listen to this when reading The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, though, but finished it anway. Eh. It was okay, in my opinion.)
unfinishedperson’s last blog post..TSS: Looking back at the year that was 2008
So true!! I just love my library… from requesting on-line to the automated check-out!
I did receive a Kindle for Christmas, so the question will be which books are “Kindle-worthy” 
Might be a good idea for a future meme…
I read this one and actually liked it, but it was definitely different than expected.
S. Krishna’s last blog post..The Election – Jen Lancaster’s Views
Well, The Secret Scripture just won a literary award… Sigh… Maybe you should give it a try?
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The Secret Scripture was one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read…loved loved it..does anyone know if there is a structured book club questions for the book..I can’t find any on line
Now I want to give it another try!! I did a quick search for discussion questions and didn’t find any… If I find a spare minute, I’ll work on some!
Well I loved this book. It did take a little while to connent with. I thought the narrative was beautiful and a wonderful lyrical flow. Read it aload. I did think the plot (or the resolution to the story) a little over the top but what the hell I’ve read books which were less convincing. The book does examine very well history and the different perspectives one can have of the same events. I think well worth the read.
Thank you for stopping by, Martin! I’m happy to report that I did try this novel again — finished it the second time — and agree with you that it is well worth reading…
Here’s my second review: http://bookclubclassics.com/Blog/review-free-giveaway-secret-scripture/
Just read it for bookclub. I am an avid reader and I really STRUGGLED with this one. I couldn’t connect with the characters, really didn’t care about them, found it boring and a struggle. I often wonder about books like this that are praised yet everyone seems to agree it is not worth the time nor the effort.
Thanks for stopping by, Isy! I actually gave this novel a second chance and while I did not enjoy it the second time, I did appreciate it more… I thought it was well-written, but just so darn bleak! Geez…
I loved this book. In fact I read it for my book discussion group( meeting tonight!)
I thought the prose was beautifully written, loyrical and honest. I enjoyed and connected with the characters – I wanted to know what happened next, some of the history was gritty and disturbing – but not everything should have a happy ending in fiction. I really enjoyed it and like good writing gave me more questions than answers!
Would definately recommend it! (Worth sticking with!)
Thank you for your take on the book, Louise!! I’m always interested in what other readers think about whatever I’ve read and reviewed… Have a great book club tonight!! Feel free to stop by tomorrow and let us know what the consensus of your group was, too!
As on person commented, this is a rather dark tale. However I also found it to be filled with light & the hope of light. Despite the “darkness’, the human spirit is portrayed to be strong & free in so many revealing ways. I totally loved this book. February, 2011