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whippycleric 's review for:
This Side of Brightness
by Colum McCann
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is an incredibly well written book, and I'd recommend it to people who love reading. However it is a very depressing story and the ending definitely leaves one feeling unsatisfied. The story of a family over 3 generations told from each perspective jumps through time but eventually culminates in the present with all the stories coming together, this is done fluidly and never feels jarring. It's also a story of mental illness, homelessness and the links bwteen the two, and in this vein it's clearly well researched. Top marks for writing for sure, but a bit lower for plot. I always prefer stories with a more closed ending and found I was lacking some resolution for the characters. There was also points where characters developed during time jumps which I though could be more involved. I'll read more McCann in the future with great enthusiasm but I doubt I'll re-read this book, despite how good it was.