Bookmarks Subscribers discussion

I just finished this on audio. I was disappointed. A lot of positive press, including 4 stars from Bookmarks, but I thought it was light and predictable, with only mediocre character development and writing style. Anyone else read this one yet? The reviews here on Goodreads are a mixed bag, with most people really liking it, but a handful feeling exactly like I did.

I though the exact same thing. I had read a review that said it was more than just a simple story about an Irish immigrant but after reading the book, I have to wonder in what way is it more. Eilis is apparently supposed to be a nice person but I didn't really like her. I never did figure out if she loved Tony but I can't say that I really cared. I really liked Blackwater Lightship so I was really looking forward to this book. I have his other book, The Master, which got good reviews. Maybe I'll like that better.

I don't have Brooklyn A Novel on my TBR, but my interest had been sparked by the number of members who voted on it for the Sept/Oct 2009 group read. Now, considering your comments it probably won't make it's way to my TBR. (Sometimes I like these poor reviews as much as the good ones!)

I know this is picayune, and maybe I wouldn't have caught it if I had been reading rather than listening, but he used one phrase so many times I started to scream (I was in my car alone) each time I heard it. Eilis has all these experiences and at least 10 times he wrote, "and she could never tell anyone about it." It drove me nuts.

I also had no sense of the time period. Her naivete seemed more likely to be set in the 20's or 30's rather than the 50's. I had to go look up a review online to see when it was supposed to have been set.

Lisa wrote: "I don't have Brooklyn A Novel on my TBR, but my interest had been sparked by the number of members who voted on it for the Sept/Oct 2009 group read. Now, considering your comments ..."

Poor reviews are the only way to weed down my long list of to-read books. I appreciate them, too.

I really enjoyed The Master, so was excited by the prospect of a new book by the author. I read the first two chapters and it just wasn't grabbing me. I agree with Betsy and Nancy that it didn't seem much different than other immigrant stories. Too many books, too little time, so I took it back to the library without finishing it.

I have just started reading Brooklyn, even though I have heard from others who've read it that it's not as good as the critics said. It was also nominated for the Booker prize, and I know lots of people thought it didn't quite deserve it. I'm going in with lowered expectations, so hopefully I'll enjoy it more than I'm expecting to.

But yes, his previous book, The Master is supposed to be brilliant (it's on my TBR).

I am over halfway through the audio-version and it does appear to be a bit light without anything truly exciting or interesting happening. I hate to admit the best thing about the audio is probably the great irish accents. I find this very sad to admit, but true. I will keep listening in hope of some redemptive qualities shining through in the next couple of hours.

I ended up really loving that book. It was one of my favorites of last year.