This book was a really interesting read about a family (and community) in the countryside of Ireland, near Dublin. One by one we get inside the head of each family member, developing opinions about the others (without yet knowing their background and motivations). Gradually the reason for their behaviors come to light, and also shed light on events from their past.
The format of the book brings to mind movies like Wonder and American Beauty. Especially the climax of this book feels like it is lifted straight out of American Beauty, with one big difference.
I really enjoyed the storytelling of this book, and felt like I really knew these characters. It is a pretty long book, and as we get to know these people so well it comes as a bit of shock at the end when you have to say goodbye to them. I’d have preferred more resolution to the story but I can understand why it ended the way it did.
