Irish Readers discussion

I had a couple of flights this week so I was able to get stuck into it. Think I'm about halfway through. Finding it quite good so far. I think this is my favourite category of book; none! Or maybe a novel about life and people and relationships is a category.

I enjoy well observed characters, and realistic nuances to plot. I'm beginning to think there is a big divide in what people enjoy from novels. A lot of people go for the plot.


I had a couple of flights this week so I was able to get stuck into it. Think I'm about halfway through. Finding it quite enjoyable so far. I think this is my favourite category of book; none! Or maybe a novel about life and people and family and relationships does have a category. I guess in TV land it's called drama.
I enjoy well observed characters, and realistic nuances much more than I enjoy plot. I'm beginning to think there is a big divide in what people enjoy from novels. Some people seem to get more from a book with a good exciting plot where the characters are almost a backdrop, and others seem more to enjoy a book where the plot is merely a backdrop to realist characters.

A quick glance through the Goodreads reviews is amusing in this light.

The bad:

"I found this Novel a disappointing read and the reason I only gave it two stars is because of its lack of story"

"This is an ok read...... but the story fell a bit short for me."

The Good:

"I highly recommend this debut novel. It's expertly written, rich with prose and characterization."

"The characters are real and complex, flawed but sympathetic, but it's the overall voice that sweeps you up and carries you along"

So far I'm agreeing with the latter. I'm curious about the story too but it's just a backdrop for well observed characters that I can relate to. And that, I'm enjoying.

Oh Look - Maria Edgeworth is real.

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Ed...

I don't think I had heard of her before - so wasn't sure if she was fictionalized or not.

Just got this from the library and am looking forward to starting it. It will be interesting to see which group I fall into. I like well-defined characters but story is also important to me, so we'll see.

AS a PhD student in Dublin, I am finding this work very close to the bone!

Just started and am only up to page 32 but am finding it a bit dull. Will plod on it might pick up a bit.

Liking Tom, but not so sure about Mark, comes across as a sulky teenager.

It took me an hour to read the first 10 pages, I kept drifting off and thinking of other things, then having to re-read the pages.

I'm up to page 85 now and it's getting a bit better.

it is a slow read for sure. It is beautifully written though which I think makes it worth it. the story does unfold at a slow pace. slow but enjoyable.

Alison and Sam,

When you get to the other discussion (with spoilers) once you've finished, you'll see that I was unable to complete this book. While I like good characters, I also like a good story that keeps moving. I just felt this book dragged on and on. Since I have a pile of books to get through and more on the way from the library, I just couldn't make myself finish this. Hopefully, I'll have better luck with the next read.

hay! I read this amazing book called outsiders