Comments on: Sebastian Barry: The Secret Scripture

By: nico

nico — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:13:35 +0000

Trevor, we are on the same page, I totally agree with your analysis and treasure the first portions of the book (he is a poet, no doubt there). Also, since memory is unreliable, the ending would have allowed more vacuums and not a conventional and schematic ‘fill in the gaps’ resolution.

By: Trevor Berrett

Trevor Berrett — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:24:17 +0000

The New York Times Book Review got around to this book today, in a very short review. Click here for the review.

By: Trevor Berrett

Trevor Berrett — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 02:21:34 +0000

Stewart, it is a good book in many ways, so your time won’t be wasted if you dislike the ending as much as some of us. At least I don’t regret the time I spent with it.

To be fair, I think the reason I disliked the ending so much was because I was really enjoying the rest of the book. The contrast was startling. Had the book not been as good up to that point, I probably wouldn’t have been so disappointed.

By: KevinfromCanada

KevinfromCanada — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:46:38 +0000

Stewart: Having seen your comments on other books, I’d save reading this one for a month or so. Only my thought, however.

By: Stewart

Stewart — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:40:56 +0000

Even though I’ve pretty much reneged on this year’s attempt to read the longlist, I think I’m going to have to read this soon, if only to find out what this disappointing ending is for myself.

By: Trevor Berrett

Trevor Berrett — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:06:31 +0000

I agree, dgr. Had he ended it with no resolution, it would have been better. And though I at first thought I could forgive the ending because it was quick for me and the rest of the book stood out, it turns out that was just “at the time.” With more time between me and this book, the ending is the only thing sticking! Which is sad, because I enjoyed the rest of the book quite a lot and it’s now going to oblivion.

By: dovegreyreader

dovegreyreader — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:59:58 +0000

I was mortified about the ending! I love Sebastian Barry’s writing, A Long Long Way, for me the best book that didn’t win the Booker but the ending of TSS felt like too huge a flaw to absorb for me and it wasn’t needed imho. Barry writes so superbly that he prepares you for uncertainty and the book could have easily supported an ending that left gaps and silences, we’d have coped.An element of ambiguity would have meant this book would still be sparking around in my mind even now but sadly it’s settled into a.n other good read in my memory, not a very very special one.

By: Trevor Berrett

Trevor Berrett — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:19:55 +0000

I’m in complete agreement, Kevin. Sure am looking forward to getting back to my own pile of books!

By: KevinfromCanada

KevinfromCanada — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:13:43 +0000

For those following the Booker longlist, Trevor’s last comment highlights, for me, the axiom of this year’s list: Whatever book is your favorite, be prepared to excuse some pretty severe flaws. I can do that with The Lost Dog (others can’t and I understand why). I am on book 10 and say that even the ones that I like require a very generous attitude from the reader.

By: Trevor Berrett

Trevor Berrett — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:08:41 +0000

I agree Kevin. I think the reason the ending didn’t completely destroy the book for me was because I read it quickly. The rest of the book, thankfully, remained much stronger in my mind. Thanks for your insights!