Reading the 20th Century discussion

I'm reading my first book by Sebastian Barry and I am really impressed by it...


Days Without End

I've seen him mentioned in passing on our wonderful group and so know that his work is popular amongst some of you

I'd say Days Without End is a masterpiece which also has an unusual and interesting take on gender identity and sexuality during the 19th century

What have you read by Sebastian Barry?

Which of his books would you recommend?

I also liked Days Without End. Annie Dunne is also excellent. I will try more of Barry's novels this year.

Days Without End is indeed very good, and all about the engaging narrative voice - I didn't get on with the sequel, A Thousand Moons, precisely because the voice switches to a different character.

I've also read A Long Long Way which is excellent, and have a couple more tbr: definitely The Temporary Gentleman.

Thanks Barbara - and thanks Roman Clodia, duly noted

I have read all of the novels except A Thousand Moons. I think A Long Long Way may be the best, though the most imaginative is probably Days Without End. I liked The Secret Scripture too but saw the ending coming and felt it a little too contrived. I also like the way most of his novels fit into a larger whole.

Thanks Hugh. Your comment, and the others, have convinced me to read more books by Sebastian Barry

I have read A Temporary Gentleman and The Secret Scripture, both of which I enjoyed immensely. I will definitely be reading more of his works.

I thought A Long Long Way was excellent, but I haven't read any more by Barry as yet. I would certainly like to.

I've now finished Days Without End. Here's my review...


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

5/5

It's superb. What a wonderful start to 2021

Thanks for all the Barry top tips. I'll certainly be reading more of his work.

A Long Long Way is my favorite by Barry. Don't miss On Blueberry Hill, a recent production. It is very, very good and free if you are an Audible Plus member in the US. It should be listened to, not read.

Thanks Chrissie

You're welcome. OBH is not just half good--but really, really good. That it is free for some is very nice. Most of the free stuff is substandard.

Roman Clodia wrote:


"Days Without End is indeed very good, and all about the engaging narrative voice - I didn't get on with the sequel, A Thousand Moons, precisely because the voice switches to a different character."

I couldn't resist reading A Thousand Moons (2020) as I was keen to reacquaint myself with John Cole, Thomas McNulty, Winona et al.

I've read a quarter so far and, whilst not up to Days Without End levels, it's still very readable and engrossing

I have a copy on order, and it is the only Barry novel I have not read, but I don't know how soon I will get round to reading it. I did like Days Without End.

Thanks Hugh - please keep us posted


Hugh wrote: "I did like Days Without End."

Along with all right thinking people everywhere

Roman Clodia wrote:


"Days Without End is indeed very good, and all about the engaging narrative voice - I didn't get on with the sequel, A Thousand Moons, precisely because the voice switches to a different character."

Yes. I came to a similar conclusion RC. Worth reading but pales in comparison with its predecessor

Review here...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

3/5

Interesting, Nigeyb, that we had similar experiences - from what I recall, Moons became almost 'cosy' in its approach and I could never quite take the harsh things that happen seriously. Winona's voice never felt right to me, and the cute alternative family too stylised. That said, Days was always going to be a hard act to follow.

Yes, I agree with all of that RC.


The new characters were also very thinly drawn. For example, Peg, Winona's love interest, was very opaque. Compared with the previous book it's chalk and cheese.