Book review

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The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry.

This novel,set in Ireland, chronicles the life of Roseanne McNulty as she nears her 100 th birthday. She is a patient in a mental hospital where she has lived for many years. Running parallel to this is the life of her psychiatrist, Dr. Grene. He is hoping to assess Roseanne. In the eventual closure of the hospital a suitable home, either in another institution or in the community must be found for her. A secretive lady ,she hides her life story, written on scraps of paper under the floorboards as the doctor approaches. Her life has been hard, living in Ireland during the harsh fighting of the Irish Republican Army and the 'Black and Tans.
Dr. Grene has his own troubles as he tries to get over the death of his wife.
As a Catholic woman I found the negative stance on religion uncomfortable.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I think I would like to read this book even with it's controverse. I have added it by TBR list. I think you will really like Sharon K. Penman. Please let me know what you read and what you think of her when your finished.
5 February 2009 at 19:06
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