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: Now, are you thinking… Hmmm… Didn’t you already review the first 50 or so pages of this novel? Didn’t it fall victim to the 50 page rule — twice, in fact? Didn’t it give you multiple nightmares?
Well, the answer is yes to all of the above. However, multiple requests for discussion questions later… I just had to try again. And, while I stand by my earlier impressions of the first 50 pages, if you can get past the first 100 without falling into a deep, dark abyss, then the last 200 pages are actually quite rewarding!
Barry is a lyrical writer — I swear I could hear his Irish lilt as he tells the sad tale of Rosanne and her Dr. Grene. His imagery is lovely, too, and the two days I spent reading this novel were truly spent on the cliffs of Ireland.
The characters are also extremely engaging — especially Rosanne. In fact, I liked and sympathized so deeply with her that I had to stop reading the novel — twice! But I do recommend that anyone who begins this novel finish it. I cannot describe the ending without fear of inadvertently giving something away, but I think you will agree that this is a novel worth beginning — and finishing.
Anyone else agree — or not?
By the way, if your book club decides to tackle The Secret Scripture — I do have Secret Scripture discussion questions available. And for this give-away, I will not only mail you the novel itself (as usual), but will include my new questions, too, hot off the presses… Simply drop me a comment if you are interested!
Very interested! I am certainly intrigued by your review!
Also interested – especially since the 2nd reading made it worth while!
I’ve had this on my wish list so I’d love to be entered. Thanks for the opportunity.
I’d love a copy– I fell victim to the first 50 page problem and felt EXACTLY like you did so I gave it away. Now I’m without a copy and thinking I should try again. Hmmmmmm. You’re throwing down a challenge now!
Would love to have the opportunity to read this one.
I really liked this book, so I’m glad you stuck with it and found it to be good! No need to enter me.
I would love to give this book a try!
Thanks!
I am always looking for a good book!
Sounds like a very interesting book. Please enter me.
sharon54220@gmail.com
It sounds like a very interesting book – I’d love to be entered! Good think you gave it a chance
You won, Sarah!!! Congratulations!!
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I liked what you wrote about rosanne and found secret Scripture very hard to read, but Rosanne was so kind to others, esp. her father, Joe Clear who certainly was a transparent = innocent man. Of course I finished it and was thankful that I did. I esp. loved the last paragraph. . .but for all who haven’t read the entire novel, don’t skip to the end. Read it all and read it again. The second time is so fulfilling.