Play Book Tag discussion

When All Is Said by Anne Griffin, 5 stars. This 2019 debut will definitely be in my top 10 of the year, and I'll want to keep an eye out for this author in the future.

I really loved this book about an Irish man telling a story, while toasting five of the most important people in his life. It's very moving and down to earth. The structure of the story is smart, with five stories that flow together beautifully to tell his life story. In addition, the author weaves in a strong underlying narrative about his challenging history and business dealings with a neighboring family. I really liked the combination of family and work issues. There is a little bit about learning disabilities that some might find familiar and/or inspiring.

This book brought me to tears even before I started thinking about my own father. The Irish have a strong tradition of story telling, and that really came through in this book. I listened to the audio, and I really loved the Irish brogue of the narrator. He must be a professional actor, because by the end I could hear him choking up. He brought a lot of humor, emotion and charm to the reading.

While I loved the book, I'm sure it's not for everyone. As with another book I read this month, I don't think I could have appreciated this book as much when I was younger. Another reviewer didn't like the audio narrator at all, so audio users will want to listen to the sample before deciding. (My mother couldn't really understand him. She has trouble with British accents too.)

No comments? I was hoping someone else had read this.

NancyJ wrote: "No comments? I was hoping someone else had read this."

Sorry, haven't read it yet. It's your fault it's another one on my list now.

Went to add it to my TBR and it was already there!