Cal
MacLaverty, BernardA tender and realistic novel about a young man from a Catholic family in a Protestant area in Northern Ireland. [Small font]
Comments from Groups
Most thought the book well written - a powerful story. Whitby 004 An excellent book. Highly rated by the group - good spare writing. A tragic story which engendered an excellent discussion. Greytown 001 Discussion was one of the best we've ever had. Beautifully written, daunting. Highly recommended to read. Auckland 021 Most of us loved this book but found it extremely sad in that there was never going to be a happy ending. Wanaka 001
Pages
153
153
Year
1983
1983
Reviews
31-08-2022
I couldn't have picked the breadth of discussion that this book elicited. Very quickly it became dominated by the theme that provided the backdrop to this rather grim 'love story' - English colonisation. The group quickly transposed the N.Z. experience of being colonised. We all found that we had been "engaged" by the writing style but felt it missed touching on the famous Irish sense of humour.
31-08-2022
A beautifully crafted story - simple and poignant.
31-08-2022
Brief but lively discussion. One or two were critical of the plot, felt the relationship between Cal and Marcella unlikely. One appreciated the immediacy and grittiness of the style. All felt overall sadness of insoluble situation.
31-08-2022
We enjoyed this. It was felt to be a powerful book.
31-08-2022
Good book - discussion went well.
31-08-2022
An interesting read looking at the main characters' relationships with people and with the changing city. Worth persevering with!
31-08-2022
General opinion was that it was very well-written. We are lucky enough to have a member who lived in Ireland as a child, so was able to add even more to the discussion. All agreed a thought provoking read.
31-08-2022
Mixed reaction about the book from our group. A few really liked it, others thought it sad and "ho-hum". Predictable ending, but it gave a tiny insight into Northern Ireland and the Catholic/Protestant conflict.
31-08-2022
Only two read this book to the end, found it hard to read. They enjoyed it but found the end "unfulfilling".
31-08-2022
Wonderful book. Fine tragedy. Splendid writer!
31-08-2022
Beautiful writing. The story came to an inevitable sad conclusion.
31-08-2022
Very mixed response. Some thought it a really good read, others too confronting.