tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post8599108918670629571..comments2024-03-25T20:57:40.930-04:00Comments on Gulfside Musing: TSS - The Secret Scripture by Sebastian BarryJoAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13691864361197071517noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-39547188227079313842012-11-07T17:50:32.722-05:002012-11-07T17:50:32.722-05:00mel u - A trip to Ireland is so exciting, especial...mel u - A trip to Ireland is so exciting, especially considering all the time you have devoted to Irish short stories over the years! I won Secret Scripture from dovegreyreader several years ago. She insisted that I also read Barry's A Long Long Way, too, saying it is a far superior novel. I finally picked up a copy, but it is still unread.<br /><br />I really enjoy Colm Toibin's writing. In addition to his stories, I loved his novel, Brooklyn. The Blackwatet Lightship has been on my wish list for ages.<br /><br />Anne Enright's writing is beautiful, too. I read The Forgotten Waltz earlier this year and then bought The Gathering at a library sale this summer.<br /><br />John Banville's The Sea is another favorite.<br /><br />I'll be curious to see which books you choose.JoAnnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13691864361197071517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-85651136810747764762012-11-07T17:29:12.809-05:002012-11-07T17:29:12.809-05:00I am looking for a first Sebastian Barry novel. ...I am looking for a first Sebastian Barry novel. I enjoyed your review a lot and your comment on over use of coincidences seems the book blog consensus. I am going to Ireland in May and am seeking the best of contemporary Irish literature.Mel uhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08714473754458914681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-49489283324839507162009-07-16T07:58:50.002-04:002009-07-16T07:58:50.002-04:00Ivy,
If you like great writing, then this is a per...Ivy,<br />If you like great writing, then this is a perfect book for you. I'm honored to be the first commenter on your blog! Good luck!JoAnnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13691864361197071517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-76311914785240553882009-07-16T06:00:02.757-04:002009-07-16T06:00:02.757-04:00This is such a great review, definitely makes me w...This is such a great review, definitely makes me want to read it immediately...Thank you for commenting on my post-you're the first one who commented since I started this one!<br />xo,<br />IvyIvanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18243664836278611954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-78087609590838785362009-07-14T15:33:15.781-04:002009-07-14T15:33:15.781-04:00Matt - Barry's writing is just beautiful, but ...Matt - Barry's writing is just beautiful, but the ending was such a disappointment. I was probably a little too harsh in my rating.<br /><br />Karen - I know what you mean. I think I would have liked this better if I'd been able to concentrate more fully on it.<br /><br />Wendy - I am thinking of reading A Long Long Way or possible Annie Dunne next.<br /><br />Jo - Yes, the ending was just too convenient. I'm surprised it bothered me so much, but it's still some of the most beautiful writing I've read in a long time.JoAnnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13691864361197071517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-74294712496213517842009-07-14T08:58:42.475-04:002009-07-14T08:58:42.475-04:00I agree on both points. The writing was lovely and...I agree on both points. The writing was lovely and the ed was a bit too conveient, even if it was set up throughout the story. Overall,I think the writing won out for me in the end.Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04904771329502876178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-33984448478485463422009-07-13T10:44:40.614-04:002009-07-13T10:44:40.614-04:00This was my first Barry book...I have a Long, Long...This was my first Barry book...I have a Long, Long Way on my TBR stack. I will definitely be reading more from this author :)Wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14332796775305098552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-45017801558891869782009-07-13T02:49:27.288-04:002009-07-13T02:49:27.288-04:00I have heard so many amazing things about this one...I have heard so many amazing things about this one. I did pick it up some months ago but I just don't think I was in the head space to read it then and I ended up not being drawn into it. I will have to try and give it another go I think...Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15971901652392645980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-40477265921969100592009-07-12T23:01:25.649-04:002009-07-12T23:01:25.649-04:00I agree that the beautiful writing is what captiva...I agree that the beautiful writing is what captivated me when I read the novel. I thought the ending was a bit contrived but it was a good read.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-41286724661994934072009-07-12T22:24:30.908-04:002009-07-12T22:24:30.908-04:00Stacybuckeye - I was going to rate this book much ...Stacybuckeye - I was going to rate this book much higher before the ending. Now I'm afraid I may have been a bit too harsh.<br /><br />Frances - I'll have to read a few more reviews on this - especially relating to the Booker. I'm starting to wish I'd saved the book for a less hectic time. Oh, well...JoAnnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13691864361197071517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-46450937585730914282009-07-12T22:11:49.844-04:002009-07-12T22:11:49.844-04:00infiniteshelf - Thank you. Barry's writing is ...infiniteshelf - Thank you. Barry's writing is beautiful. I hope you enjoy it.<br /><br />Paperback Reader - I'll be very curious to hear what you think when you get to this one.<br /><br />Vasilly - I loved Barry's writing. If you liked the quotes, there are more like them all the way through!<br /><br />Darlene - My mood can certainly influence my feelings about what I read. I wonder if the plot thing would have bothered me if I'd been able to just concentrate on the book for a few consecutive days.JoAnnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13691864361197071517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-26858873728375019642009-07-12T22:03:46.526-04:002009-07-12T22:03:46.526-04:00Wendy - Thanks. The twist crossed my mind earlier ...Wendy - Thanks. The twist crossed my mind earlier in the book, but I dismissed it for being too coincidental. Have you read any of Barry's other books? I'm thinking about reading A Long Long Way.<br /><br />Nymeth - The writing was beautiful and I would recommend the book for that. Barry is quite talented!<br /><br />Claire - I can't tolerate a poorly written page turner, but have more patience with beautiful plotless writing. I guess it was really the twist that bothered me here. Robinson's writing is excellent! I read Housekeeping with a book group, but haven't read Gilead.<br /><br />BookPsmith - I really must read Wodehouse! I'm starting to sound like a broken record with this - lol!JoAnnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13691864361197071517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-38685617386716954092009-07-12T20:02:42.459-04:002009-07-12T20:02:42.459-04:00I don't think you are alone in that opinion at...I don't think you are alone in that opinion at all. Many say the Booker eluded Barry last year because of what many perceived as a trite ending. I did not mind it though as I was so caught up in the language and the stronger components of the novel. Think you may have enjoyed it more had you been able to read uninterrupted. But how many get to do that? :) Happy reading!Franceshttp://www.nonsuchbook.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-62767548538859740722009-07-12T19:30:14.266-04:002009-07-12T19:30:14.266-04:00It's too bad the end didn't hold up for yo...It's too bad the end didn't hold up for you. It sounds wonderful otherwise.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-5398598486655489872009-07-12T18:59:37.986-04:002009-07-12T18:59:37.986-04:00The very fact that you could put the book down for...The very fact that you could put the book down for days says a lot doesn't it. Having said that, I do find that my mood can really affect how receptive I am to a story. Poor authors.Darlenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07415316482631852565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-28406720413509836042009-07-12T15:34:58.726-04:002009-07-12T15:34:58.726-04:00I haven't read The Secret Scripture but I'...I haven't read The Secret Scripture but I've been meaning to pick it up. I think I'll pick it up just for the writing.Vasillyhttp://classicvasilly.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-81881061072336005332009-07-12T15:04:03.334-04:002009-07-12T15:04:03.334-04:00I have also been meaning to read this for a while....I have also been meaning to read this for a while. Your review has made me curious rather than trepidatious.Paperback Readerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14579608422235511054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-64761996353822609682009-07-12T14:24:51.379-04:002009-07-12T14:24:51.379-04:00Great review. I haven't read Barry yet, but ha...Great review. I haven't read Barry yet, but have been meaning to for a while. I love the excerpts you chose, but it's good to hear an honest review on the book.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-32613131554586764972009-07-12T13:49:53.691-04:002009-07-12T13:49:53.691-04:00This is a new author for me...one I will have to c...This is a new author for me...one I will have to check out. Some of Wodehouse's plots are repeats that he redresses in different characters and hilarious writing, so often the plot takes a back seat to his masterful way with words.Stacyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12387313238448432017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-85241765342010897642009-07-12T13:39:05.452-04:002009-07-12T13:39:05.452-04:00This has been on my tbr since last year, and hope ...This has been on my tbr since last year, and hope to get to it soon. I admit I'm a writing-over-plot reader, so I love books like this. An example is Marilynne Robinson's Gilead. I notice that I can't stand a book that has horrible writing, no matter how interesting the plot, but I can enjoy a plotless book with good writing. :)clairehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14397226316253896335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-7379460411513149032009-07-12T13:33:47.623-04:002009-07-12T13:33:47.623-04:00I've been meaning to pick this up ever since o...I've been meaning to pick this up ever since one of my professors recommended it to me. Actually, urged me to read it is more like it :P She had nothing but praise for it. I'm actually glad to hear another opinion, so that I don't go into with with too high expectations. It's too bad the plot disappointed you, but judging by those passages the writing really is gorgeous!Ana S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16092495983972185943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080965436653289398.post-91367242978625661682009-07-12T13:08:11.080-04:002009-07-12T13:08:11.080-04:00Great review of this book...I liked it better than...Great review of this book...I liked it better than you, but I'll admit it was the gorgeous writing that captivated me (vs. the story itself). I saw the plot twist coming...but it didn't detract from the novel for me. I think I can forgive a lot of plot issues when the writer writes as beautifully as Barry *laughs*Wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14332796775305098552noreply@blogger.com