I was going to review this book in February, but then I decided to hold it a few weeks so it could be part of #ReadingIrelandMonth25 hosted by 746 Books. This may be my only contribution, because I’m busy finishing my A Century of Books project. And now for my review.
When he was two, the unnamed narrator’s brother had brain cancer. To her mother’s mind, her praying rather than the surgery saved him, and she became extremely religious. Her father left, saying he couldn’t take it. So, she, the younger child, her brother, and her mother grew up in a sort of microcosm.
When she isn’t praying, their mother is full of anger, which is expressed at them, particularly at her. Their classmates think they are weird—he because he is slow and has a scar across his head, she because she scorns them and is intelligent. She doesn’t care, but he wants to fit in.
Then at 13, she begins a sexual relationship with an older relative that forms her later relationships with men around violence and mistreatment.
This book isn’t for everyone. For one thing, it is written in an experimental, half-incoherent style. It takes a while to get used to it. However, it is bold and bleak and ultimately it made me cry, which to me means it’s very good. It’s ground-breaking.
It contains scenes of verbal and physical abuse, sexual violence, and rape. Also, suicide and death. So be warned.
What? Me Read? 
It’s quite a tough read, isn’t it? I think it’s really groundbreaking though. Thanks for taking part in Reading Ireland Month!
My participation is sort of by accident, but I have one more coming at the end of the month. Yes, it was challenging until I got used to the writing style. I had already read one by McBride, though, that was challenging, too.
I find reading her work that I have to get into the swing of it, but once I do it’s worth it.
Yes, that’s how it works for me.
Despite your enthusiasm, this one isn’t for me – I’m never a fan of experimental style. Glad you enjoyed it though!
I’ve read some experimental books that I hated, and some that I thought were really good. They can be very different from each other, so I try not to judge them as a group. But I know a lot of people prefer a straightforward approach to fiction. I just remember the first really experimental book I read, The Sound and the Fury, back when I was in college. It practically made the hair stand up on my head, because it was such a revelation to me.
Ha, whereas I abandoned Absalom! Absalom! because I absolutely hated his style!
It’s a totally different style in The Sound and the Fury, but harder to understand.