Status
Available
Call number
Series
Publication
Faber and Faber (2007), Edition: Reprint, 312 pages
Description
Roseanne McNulty, once one of the most beautiful and beguiling girls in County Sligo, Ireland, is now an elderly patient at Roscommon Regional Mental Hospital. As her hundredth year draws near, she decides to record the events of her life, hiding the manuscript beneath the floorboards. Meanwhile, the hospital is preparing to close and is evaluating its patients to determine whether they can return to society. Dr. Grene, Roseanne's caretaker, takes a special interest in her case. In his research, he discovers a document written by a local priest that tells a very different story of Roseanne's life than what she recalls. As doctor and patient attempt to understand each other, they begin to uncover long-buried secrets about themselves.
User reviews
LibraryThing member tututhefirst
A powerful, incredible book. Set in an insane asylum, the Roscommon Regional Mental Hospital in Sligo Ireland, this is the story of one of its patients, 100 year old Roseann McNulty and her psychiatrist Dr. Grene. The hospital is slated for demolition shortly, and Dr. Grene must evaluate his
Unbeknownst to the other, each is keeping a diary, writing a scripture if you will. Hers is the story of her life, as she remembers it, and it appears she has not previously shared this information with any of the staff. The good doctor, on the other hand, while struggling with grief for his recently deceased wife, feels a great fondness for Roseann, and tries gently to come to an understanding of how she came to be there, since she seems perfectly sane to him. Naturally, he feels a great reluctance to turn out a 100 year old woman who has no place to go, and seemingly no living relatives. In the meantime, his discovery of a document written by a priest who knew Roseann, which paints a very different picture from what she seems to be telling him (and the reader in her secret diary) adds to his dilemma and helps build the tension.
As they both struggle through the story of Ireland's politics and religious wars and the iron grip the Catholic Church held on the morals of the town,as they review and remember long lost family members and events in their past, their stories-hers working from the start, his working backward--come to an explosive and (for me) unexpected conclusion at the very end of the book.
This is an exquisite, elegant story of love, betrayal, treachery, secrets kept, secrets revealed, secrets misunderstood, and the ultimate goodness of a few people who persist to bring the story to its incredible climax. I really didn't see it coming, which made it all the more satisfying. It's difficult to say much more without spoiling a beautiful story.
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patients to see if they should be moved to another institution or can be 'turned loose' into Society. Unbeknownst to the other, each is keeping a diary, writing a scripture if you will. Hers is the story of her life, as she remembers it, and it appears she has not previously shared this information with any of the staff. The good doctor, on the other hand, while struggling with grief for his recently deceased wife, feels a great fondness for Roseann, and tries gently to come to an understanding of how she came to be there, since she seems perfectly sane to him. Naturally, he feels a great reluctance to turn out a 100 year old woman who has no place to go, and seemingly no living relatives. In the meantime, his discovery of a document written by a priest who knew Roseann, which paints a very different picture from what she seems to be telling him (and the reader in her secret diary) adds to his dilemma and helps build the tension.
As they both struggle through the story of Ireland's politics and religious wars and the iron grip the Catholic Church held on the morals of the town,as they review and remember long lost family members and events in their past, their stories-hers working from the start, his working backward--come to an explosive and (for me) unexpected conclusion at the very end of the book.
This is an exquisite, elegant story of love, betrayal, treachery, secrets kept, secrets revealed, secrets misunderstood, and the ultimate goodness of a few people who persist to bring the story to its incredible climax. I really didn't see it coming, which made it all the more satisfying. It's difficult to say much more without spoiling a beautiful story.
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LibraryThing member jeniwren
My second book by this author having previously read A Long Long Way. Rosanne McNulty is 100 years old and a long term patient at a mental facility that is marked for closure. Her physciatrist Dr Grene must assess all the patients for future placement and he has a soft spot for Rosanne. With strong
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suspicians that she may have been wrongly incarcerated he sets out to document her story whilst she is writing down her own life. This was an interesting story looking at the power of priests and the shocking treatment of women in the name of God set against tumultous time in Irish history. The writing is beautiful and aside from an annoying plot element towards the end this is a near perfect novel. The Man Booker Prize 2008 is announced soon and this is a serious contender IMO Show Less
LibraryThing member teresa1953
This is a beautiful and haunting story set mostly in an ancient Irish mental facility, or lunatic asylum, as it was charmingly referred to when it was created. The differences in 100 year old Roseanne's recall and that wriiten down in records, kept mostly by the Catholic church, are both unsettling
The late twist in the plot was rather unbelievable for me......or I would have awarded this novel 5 stars.
However, Dr Grene's final act at Roseanne's former home was spot on.
I thoroughly recommend this book for it's beautiful writing alone.
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and extremely sad. The tale of the feathers and the hammers is absolutely heartwrenching. Alongside Roseanne's secretly hidden journal, we learn the thoughts of her recently bereaved doctor who is desperately trying to "do the right thing" for his patient whilst awaiting the demolition of the asylum. Like many others in the hospital, Roseanne should never have been placed there...but how do you rehome such an elderly lady who has been incarcerated for some 60 or more years.The late twist in the plot was rather unbelievable for me......or I would have awarded this novel 5 stars.
However, Dr Grene's final act at Roseanne's former home was spot on.
I thoroughly recommend this book for it's beautiful writing alone.
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LibraryThing member BCCJillster
This was my first Sebastian Barry, but definitely just a beginning as a fan. The language was lyrical, evocative, and captured me right away when I first heard Roseanne's voice. Her story spans 100 years along with all the confusion of Irish history after partition.
Although her surroundings were
Barry through Roseanne examines the ambiguities and difficulties of remembering over a long life; they compare it to a box room, filled with stuff that gets jumbled. And though we don't know what the truth might be, as her memories compete with the statements of a local priest about her, we know we prefer her version. It's a bit like the Life of Pi--which story do you choose to believe? Does it ultimately matter?
Dr. Grene's tale is almost sadder because he and his wife both had choices, yet made each other suffer. Dr. Grene is drawn to Roseanne's story, but in a halting, 'I don't want to pry' manner strange for a psychiatrist. But she is fragile and worth caring about as he tries to decide what will become of her in the process of shutting down the mental hospital in which she's all but entombed. at age 100.
It's hard today to accept how repressive Irish Catholic society could be in the 1920s to 1940s, and a lot of my friends were somewhat troubled by her passivity, but it seemed to me to fit the times and her situation.
There are so many images that will stay with me--feathers and hammers, the Pointing Man, her near-death scene at the sea, the shuffling character of John Kane (a hospital attendant). Brilliant writing that doesn't require any effort but carries you along and perhaps is the main character along with Roseanne.
Apparently Barry has written another book about the McNulty family, The Whereabouts of Eneas McNulty, and that's going to be a Must Read for me now. Barry has left me with images and lots to think about. Excellent book for group discussion--we had ours today.
Although her surroundings were
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meant to be dreary and confining, somehow she rose above them and carried me with her. She wasn't into feeling sorry for herself, so I wasn't either--just tremendous empathy and caring. She was luminous and filled with an innocent grace that was not the least bit artificial or learned. It was the way she was written, because her actions certainly didn't gain her that status. She was repressed by others, squashed, controlled, brutalized. But she must have almost absented herself to survive the way she did.Barry through Roseanne examines the ambiguities and difficulties of remembering over a long life; they compare it to a box room, filled with stuff that gets jumbled. And though we don't know what the truth might be, as her memories compete with the statements of a local priest about her, we know we prefer her version. It's a bit like the Life of Pi--which story do you choose to believe? Does it ultimately matter?
Dr. Grene's tale is almost sadder because he and his wife both had choices, yet made each other suffer. Dr. Grene is drawn to Roseanne's story, but in a halting, 'I don't want to pry' manner strange for a psychiatrist. But she is fragile and worth caring about as he tries to decide what will become of her in the process of shutting down the mental hospital in which she's all but entombed. at age 100.
It's hard today to accept how repressive Irish Catholic society could be in the 1920s to 1940s, and a lot of my friends were somewhat troubled by her passivity, but it seemed to me to fit the times and her situation.
There are so many images that will stay with me--feathers and hammers, the Pointing Man, her near-death scene at the sea, the shuffling character of John Kane (a hospital attendant). Brilliant writing that doesn't require any effort but carries you along and perhaps is the main character along with Roseanne.
Apparently Barry has written another book about the McNulty family, The Whereabouts of Eneas McNulty, and that's going to be a Must Read for me now. Barry has left me with images and lots to think about. Excellent book for group discussion--we had ours today.
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LibraryThing member bcquinnsmom
Well, Sebastian Barry has done it again. I love his work and this one is no exception. I couldn't even talk after I finished this book (which is rare...I always have something to say!), and I was a wee bit choked up. So...you may want to have a tissue at the ready. I read this in just about 3 hours
Basic plot: Roseanne Clear McNulty is probably a hundred years old, and lives in a mental institution which is about to be torn down. She is being assessed by the head of the place, a Dr. Grene, who has to decide if she's able to make it on her own on the outside. She in turn, has been writing a record of her life and keeps the thing hidden in her room under the floorboard. In this diary she tells of not only her life, but indirectly of the politics and troubles of Ireland. She loses her father at a young age, has a troubled mother, and has to take on life completely unprepared. Her life is ultimately ruined (I won't say how) by an Irish priest named Father Gaunt -- who obviously hates & mistrusts women and takes it upon himself to turn her life completely upside down at a time when she was happy. At that time, the priests of the church wielded a lot of power, so much so that they held the lives of people in their hands. But ... no matter how badly things were for Roseanne, and although her memory may fail her at times, she tries so hard above all else to be fair in her memories ...even to those who were less than kind to her. But Roseanne's story is one of two in this book -- Dr. Grene has his own demons with which he must grapple.
An amazing story; it's easy to see why Sebastian Barry's work keeps getting nominated for literary awards. He's an incredible writer, and his glimpses into Ireland's upheavals and the human costs of the troubled times are staples in his books. I can most highly recommend this book to anyone familiar with Barry's writing, or to anyone interested in Irish fiction, or to those who want to put a human face on Ireland's suffering, or to anyone interested in the (as the book cover blurb puts it) "stranglehold" of the Catholic Church on the Irish people. I loved this book and I won't soon forget it.
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and couldn't stop reading it except to fetch cookies out of the oven every 12 minutes. A beautiful book and one that really made me a bit angry when I think about it...the treatment of this young woman by a Catholic priest was just sad. Basic plot: Roseanne Clear McNulty is probably a hundred years old, and lives in a mental institution which is about to be torn down. She is being assessed by the head of the place, a Dr. Grene, who has to decide if she's able to make it on her own on the outside. She in turn, has been writing a record of her life and keeps the thing hidden in her room under the floorboard. In this diary she tells of not only her life, but indirectly of the politics and troubles of Ireland. She loses her father at a young age, has a troubled mother, and has to take on life completely unprepared. Her life is ultimately ruined (I won't say how) by an Irish priest named Father Gaunt -- who obviously hates & mistrusts women and takes it upon himself to turn her life completely upside down at a time when she was happy. At that time, the priests of the church wielded a lot of power, so much so that they held the lives of people in their hands. But ... no matter how badly things were for Roseanne, and although her memory may fail her at times, she tries so hard above all else to be fair in her memories ...even to those who were less than kind to her. But Roseanne's story is one of two in this book -- Dr. Grene has his own demons with which he must grapple.
An amazing story; it's easy to see why Sebastian Barry's work keeps getting nominated for literary awards. He's an incredible writer, and his glimpses into Ireland's upheavals and the human costs of the troubled times are staples in his books. I can most highly recommend this book to anyone familiar with Barry's writing, or to anyone interested in Irish fiction, or to those who want to put a human face on Ireland's suffering, or to anyone interested in the (as the book cover blurb puts it) "stranglehold" of the Catholic Church on the Irish people. I loved this book and I won't soon forget it.
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LibraryThing member writestuff
Sebastian Barry’s fourth novel opens in an Irish mental hospital with the voice of Roseanne McNulty who, in the 100th year of her life, has decided to write her memoir and hide it beneath the floorboards of her room. As Roseanne revisits the past, the Roscommon Regional Mental Hospital is being
Barry’s novel covers the period of the Irish Civil War (1922-23), as well as WWII and is steeped in the history of the Catholic Church and the politics of Ireland. There is a magical quality to the novel with rich and mysterious characters (including a priest who plays a large role in Roseanne’s life).
Early on, the reader becomes aware of discrepancies in Roseanne’s memories and part of the tension in the novel is one of separating the truth from fantasy. What is real and what is false?
Barry’s writing is simply gorgeous. Lyrical and descriptive, the reader can hear the lilt of the Irish voices and see the desolate countryside of Ireland. The Secret Scripture is a novel about love and betrayal, truth and fantasy, sin and redemption … an intimate look at the history and religious politics of Ireland as it collides with one woman’s life. Barry is the consummate story-teller, weaving his fantastical account beautifully and creating a truly memorable character for literary fiction lovers.
Highly recommended.
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dismantled due to safety concerns. Roseanne’s psychiatrist Dr. Grene is attempting to evaluate the patients to determine if they can be set free, or must be re-committed in the new hospital. The story alternates between Roseanne’s memories of her past and Dr. Grene’s written thoughts in the present. As the novel progresses, the mystery of Roseanne’s life unfolds and Dr. Grene uncovers a secret in his own life.Barry’s novel covers the period of the Irish Civil War (1922-23), as well as WWII and is steeped in the history of the Catholic Church and the politics of Ireland. There is a magical quality to the novel with rich and mysterious characters (including a priest who plays a large role in Roseanne’s life).
Early on, the reader becomes aware of discrepancies in Roseanne’s memories and part of the tension in the novel is one of separating the truth from fantasy. What is real and what is false?
Barry’s writing is simply gorgeous. Lyrical and descriptive, the reader can hear the lilt of the Irish voices and see the desolate countryside of Ireland. The Secret Scripture is a novel about love and betrayal, truth and fantasy, sin and redemption … an intimate look at the history and religious politics of Ireland as it collides with one woman’s life. Barry is the consummate story-teller, weaving his fantastical account beautifully and creating a truly memorable character for literary fiction lovers.
Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member Berly
To be honest, I would not have finished this book if it were not a book club selection... with the discussion being held at my house! I am so glad I struggled through to the end. The book has so many depressing themes: death, adultery, the seemingly limitless power of the Catholic Church to control
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people's lives, the powerlessness of women, commitment against one's will to an insane asylum, war...Get a hanky out! And yet, the writing is beautiful and the story compelling. I thoroughly enjoyed the unfolding story of Roseanne's life in two voices: Roseanne's remembrances of her life in a hidden journal, written as she approaches 100 years of age, and the musings and medical records of Dr. Grene, who must determine if she is sane enough to be released back in to the world. The most fascinating aspect of this book lies in the question, "In memory, what is truth?" Roseanne is old enough to wonder if her memories are real, and her story contrasts sharply at times with the information Dr. Grene uncovers. The ending has a satisfying twist and I know this book will haunt me for quite some time. Worth reading! Show Less
LibraryThing member lauralkeet
Roseanne McNulty has lived nearly a century, and spent much of her adult life in a home for the mentally ill. As officials prepare to relocate to a new facility, the staff must assess and place each resident in the appropriate level of care. Records pertaining to Roseanne's case are scarce, so Dr
Roseanne came of age in the wake of the Troubles, and her life's course was heavily influenced both by the Catholic-Protestant divide, and attitudes towards women and their place in society. Although Roseanne was Presbyterian, the local Catholic priest was a powerful force, and intervened in her affairs on numerous occasions -- usually with ill effects. More details of Roseanne's life are spoilerish, but let's just say the church doesn't come off well here.
Meanwhile, Grene is dealing with his own problems and sadness, and tries valiantly to soldier on in his work. His character was somewhat less developed than Roseanne's, and I often wished for more of his back story. My wish was granted near the end of the book in a way that I didn't see coming, and yet in hindsight strikes me as rather predictable. Despite a rather neat tying up of loose ends, I found Roseanne's story both compelling and moving.
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William Grene visits her almost daily, attempting through their conversations to piece together her story and understand events that resulted in her being sent to live there. At the same time, Roseanne spends her days documenting her history in a journal that she stores beneath the floorboards. The Secret Scripture shifts between these two narrators, with Roseanne's story anchored in early 20th century Ireland, and Grene's in the present day. Roseanne came of age in the wake of the Troubles, and her life's course was heavily influenced both by the Catholic-Protestant divide, and attitudes towards women and their place in society. Although Roseanne was Presbyterian, the local Catholic priest was a powerful force, and intervened in her affairs on numerous occasions -- usually with ill effects. More details of Roseanne's life are spoilerish, but let's just say the church doesn't come off well here.
Meanwhile, Grene is dealing with his own problems and sadness, and tries valiantly to soldier on in his work. His character was somewhat less developed than Roseanne's, and I often wished for more of his back story. My wish was granted near the end of the book in a way that I didn't see coming, and yet in hindsight strikes me as rather predictable. Despite a rather neat tying up of loose ends, I found Roseanne's story both compelling and moving.
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LibraryThing member 1morechapter
Sebastian Barry is a magnificent writer, and I will definitely be reading more of his work.
Roseanne McNulty is almost 100 years old, and Dr. Grene is the psychiatrist attending her at Roscommon Mental Hospital. The story slowly unfolds by giving alternating accounts of Roseanne and Dr. Grene. As he
With Ireland as a backdrop and themes of religion, mental illness, and family loyalty and betrayal, The Secret Scripture is superbly crafted and would definitely have been worthy of the Booker Prize.
What can I tell you further? I once lived among humankind, and found them in their generality to be cruel and cold, and yet could mention the names of three or four that were like angels.
Roseanne McNulty is almost 100 years old, and Dr. Grene is the psychiatrist attending her at Roscommon Mental Hospital. The story slowly unfolds by giving alternating accounts of Roseanne and Dr. Grene. As he
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seeks to understand her and her tragic past, he must also deal with some tragedy of his own. As everyone knows, ‘grief lasts two years.’With Ireland as a backdrop and themes of religion, mental illness, and family loyalty and betrayal, The Secret Scripture is superbly crafted and would definitely have been worthy of the Booker Prize.
What can I tell you further? I once lived among humankind, and found them in their generality to be cruel and cold, and yet could mention the names of three or four that were like angels.
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LibraryThing member heckles001
I hardly know how to describe this book. On the surface, the plot is slow and fairly predictable, but the way the characters' lives and thoughts are expressed is so humane, you are drawn in and find yourself caring deeply about what happens to them. Some of the events depicted are brutal, but they
Some of the book's themes that resonated particularly with me were the nature of memory and the reliability or otherwise of history, the helpfulness or otherwise of the "helping" professions, the various manifestations of love, and the destructiveness of ideology.
A touching novel that manages to be both powerful and gentle at the same time. Remarkable.
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are written about with a detachment that prevented me from burning up with anger.Some of the book's themes that resonated particularly with me were the nature of memory and the reliability or otherwise of history, the helpfulness or otherwise of the "helping" professions, the various manifestations of love, and the destructiveness of ideology.
A touching novel that manages to be both powerful and gentle at the same time. Remarkable.
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LibraryThing member laytonwoman3rd
Full of the heartbreak, poverty, tragedy and perfidy I've come to expect from Irish literature. At least as a 100 year old woman looking back, Roseanne McNulty does remember childhood happiness, never mind that she had her father, her husband and her son all taken from her, and has spent more than
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half of her lifetime confined to an "asylum" for the mentally ill. As we see her, recording the main events of her life, she seems far from insane. As we learn her story, both from her memory and from the investigation done by Dr. Grene, the superintendent of the mental hospital, it seems remarkable that she retains any coherent faculties at all. I loved the way this book was constructed, and how Roseanne's life story slowly rose to the surface like a developing photograph. It's difficult to discuss specifics without bringing in spoilers, which would...well...spoil it. Excellent use of recurring symbols, and parallel situations. Yes, you can see the ending coming long before it's all spelled out. But I had no objection to that at all. Show Less
LibraryThing member thejohnsmith
This is a beautifully written story in which Roseanne, an elderly patient in an Irish psychiatric hospital, describes her life in a secret memoir whilst the resident psychiatrist constructs his own history of Roseanne as he tries to assess her need for ongoing institutionalization. The characters,
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their lives and the world in which they live are so well written, so engaging. This is one of the best books I've ever read. Show Less
LibraryThing member Cariola
My thoughts on this one are mixed. I might have rated it higher, but the unrealistic conclusion--a bit of a deus ex machina--lowered my opinion. Barry creates a fascinating character (or should I say victim?) in Roseanne, a 100-year old woman who has spent most of her life in an asylum that is
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about to close. The story is told from two points of view: Roseanne's, mostly in the form of pages she has written and concealed; and Dr. Grene, who is in charge of assessing Roseanne for either release or transfer to another institution. The cruelty and prejudice of mid-20th century rural Ireland permeates the novel, and at times, the suffering of Roseanne is almost too harsh to believe. I was left to wonder whether and how one person (Mrs. McNulty, Roseanne's one-time mother-in-law) could have had such moral power over an entire town. Perhaps Barry was trying a little too hard to write a hand-wringingly tragic Irish novel, so it sems he decided to leave his readers with an impossibly happily ever after ending. Show Less
LibraryThing member Rhinoa
The narrative alternates between Roseanne’s personal testimony as she approaches one hundred and Dr Grene who runs the asylum where she was placed a number of years ago in her twenties. Roseanne tells her life story growing up with a mother who was also committed after her father died. She gets
Dr Grene has his own problems. The home is being demolished and he is approaching retirement. There is not enough room in the new building for all of the patients and recent press forces him to look at if any of the patients were wrongly committed. Rose’s case is intriguing and he begins to try and question her to see if he can make alternative arrangements. Her version of events differs somewhat from those recorded in the old files.
I was very disappointed by this novel. There is a big twist, but the problem was I guessed the twist in the first couple of chapters and was annoyed that it was so simple and I was correct. I am not sure I would read more by this author as things stand.
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married to a Catholic despite being a Protestant in Ireland during dangerous times of unrest. There is a priest who does what he thinks is best for Rose, but his motives are questioned.Dr Grene has his own problems. The home is being demolished and he is approaching retirement. There is not enough room in the new building for all of the patients and recent press forces him to look at if any of the patients were wrongly committed. Rose’s case is intriguing and he begins to try and question her to see if he can make alternative arrangements. Her version of events differs somewhat from those recorded in the old files.
I was very disappointed by this novel. There is a big twist, but the problem was I guessed the twist in the first couple of chapters and was annoyed that it was so simple and I was correct. I am not sure I would read more by this author as things stand.
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LibraryThing member thesmellofbooks
Although it’s been several days since I finished reading this book, I have been avoiding writing a review. I realise now that that’s because to write a review I have to notice how I am feeling when I think about the book, and how I am feeling as I do is that I want to cry.
Sebastian Barry paints
They both must explore her past: what led to her incarceration, and whether or not it had occurred because she was truly mentally ill or if it had been provoked for other reasons and she should be freed.
Roseanne is a beautiful presence. I loved spending time in her head. Even with the very limited sphere of life she is consigned to she is able to find interest and joy. The narrative of course eventually reveals a painful story and my sorrow at what this woman endured, what so many of us have endured in one way or another, is real and intense.
I am not at all sorry I read this beautiful Irish book, and I was absorbed by it the entire time I read. It is not a complete tragedy, but if this book doesn’t spark your compassion, I’m not sure what would.
Sebastian Barry paints
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a very complete picture of the interiors of two people coming to an enormous turning point in their lives. Rosanne, at 100 years old, has lived in an institution for much of her life. Dr. Grene has overseen her institutionalisation for several decades. As the time grows near to close down the hospital and move remaining patients to a smaller building, thus necessitating a cull, he needs to assess each patient's candidacy for release. In the process he finds himself spending more and more time in the presence of this elderly woman, and attempting to reconstruct her story, one which she refuses to tell.They both must explore her past: what led to her incarceration, and whether or not it had occurred because she was truly mentally ill or if it had been provoked for other reasons and she should be freed.
Roseanne is a beautiful presence. I loved spending time in her head. Even with the very limited sphere of life she is consigned to she is able to find interest and joy. The narrative of course eventually reveals a painful story and my sorrow at what this woman endured, what so many of us have endured in one way or another, is real and intense.
I am not at all sorry I read this beautiful Irish book, and I was absorbed by it the entire time I read. It is not a complete tragedy, but if this book doesn’t spark your compassion, I’m not sure what would.
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LibraryThing member sharonlflynn
This book is beautifully written in a language that evokes the sense of Ireland in the 20s and 30s, as well as contemporary Ireland. I visited Sligo while reading it, and even walked out on Strandhill (a complete coincidence) which made the book seem even more real to me.
The story is of Roseanne
Of course, we know how the story must end, but there are some surprises along the way. Roseanne receives a life sentence from those around her who should have had mercy. In particular, the actions of the local priest are shocking but not unexpected.
I thought the ending was a little bit too neat, and Roseanne's guardian angel is a lot more clever and devious than might be expected. But the book was so beautifully written, and evoked so many feelings, that I'm prepared to forgive this.
The story is of Roseanne
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McNulty who is 100 years old, and has been living in an asylum for the last 60 of these. It is a terribly sad and tragic story, but probably quite typical of the times. Her story emerges through her secret journal, as well as that of the head of the asylum, Dr Grene, who takes an interest in her after the death of his wife and in the context of plans to close the institution.Of course, we know how the story must end, but there are some surprises along the way. Roseanne receives a life sentence from those around her who should have had mercy. In particular, the actions of the local priest are shocking but not unexpected.
I thought the ending was a little bit too neat, and Roseanne's guardian angel is a lot more clever and devious than might be expected. But the book was so beautifully written, and evoked so many feelings, that I'm prepared to forgive this.
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LibraryThing member carolcarter
I can't think when I have read a more stunning novel. Barry's writing is just beautiful and I was thinking while I read 'what a lovely book'. Which is a strange reaction to such a dark tale.
The Secret Scripture is told in two voices: the first is Roseanne McNulty, an Irish centenarian who has spent
Dr. Grene is charged with evaluating the patients in the crumbling asylum to determine which of them can be returned to society as the new building will not hold everyone. His efforts to find out the reason behind Roseanne's incarceration meet with resistance from her. Slowly he acquires old documents which shed some light on the terrible events which overtook Roseanne.
Roseanne is writing from a distance of seventy or more years and she questions her memory many times. The book is as much a meditation on the uses and abuses of memory as it is a sharp tale of conditions in Ireland in the twenties and thirties of the previous century. At that time the turbulence was, if not at its height, certainly quite high. The catholic clergy had a stranglehold on the citizenry and far too much power to determine the fate of protestants and women. There is a priest in the story who, according to Dr. Grene, if sane, makes sanity look deplorable. This priest, Fr. Gaunt (good name), is instrumental in everything that falls upon Roseanne's shoulders. When Dr. Grene finds an old account written by Fr. Gaunt we see that it diverges from Roseanne's memories in many places.
Eventually Roseanne's document falls into Dr. Grene's hands and further information from the original asylum she was in leads him to answers about himself as well as her. The ending was quite shocking and I have read that many reviewers felt the ending was too contrived. Maybe on a second reading I might think so but at first account it was totally unexpected to me and I thought it was very satisfactory.
The Secret Scripture is told in two voices: the first is Roseanne McNulty, an Irish centenarian who has spent
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the last seventy years of her life in mental institutions; the second voice is Dr. Grene, Roseanne's psychiatrist and the head doctor of the asylum she resides in currently. Barry slowly unravels two stories - Roseanne's through a secret document she is writing detailing her early life and Dr. Grene's through a personal document which includes his notes on Roseanne as well as his own history.Dr. Grene is charged with evaluating the patients in the crumbling asylum to determine which of them can be returned to society as the new building will not hold everyone. His efforts to find out the reason behind Roseanne's incarceration meet with resistance from her. Slowly he acquires old documents which shed some light on the terrible events which overtook Roseanne.
Roseanne is writing from a distance of seventy or more years and she questions her memory many times. The book is as much a meditation on the uses and abuses of memory as it is a sharp tale of conditions in Ireland in the twenties and thirties of the previous century. At that time the turbulence was, if not at its height, certainly quite high. The catholic clergy had a stranglehold on the citizenry and far too much power to determine the fate of protestants and women. There is a priest in the story who, according to Dr. Grene, if sane, makes sanity look deplorable. This priest, Fr. Gaunt (good name), is instrumental in everything that falls upon Roseanne's shoulders. When Dr. Grene finds an old account written by Fr. Gaunt we see that it diverges from Roseanne's memories in many places.
Eventually Roseanne's document falls into Dr. Grene's hands and further information from the original asylum she was in leads him to answers about himself as well as her. The ending was quite shocking and I have read that many reviewers felt the ending was too contrived. Maybe on a second reading I might think so but at first account it was totally unexpected to me and I thought it was very satisfactory.
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LibraryThing member frisbeesage
This is the haunting story of an elderly woman who has lived quietly in a mental hospital for many years. The resident doctor becomes interested in her case and digs up her history in an attempt to decide if she really is insane.
This book has been short listed for the Booker award and its easy to
I listened to the audio version of this. Wanda McCaddon's Irish accent really added to the atmosphere and context of the story. She does an especially impressive job with elderly Roseanne's voice versus young Roseanne's voice. I highly recommend listening to this one!
This book has been short listed for the Booker award and its easy to
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see why. Lyrical prose combined with a captivating plot make for a book I couldn't put down. Above all I loved the pacing, the book starts out slowly, all about the beautiful writing, and then the plot takes over, building to a big climax. I listened to the audio version of this. Wanda McCaddon's Irish accent really added to the atmosphere and context of the story. She does an especially impressive job with elderly Roseanne's voice versus young Roseanne's voice. I highly recommend listening to this one!
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LibraryThing member atelier
Sebastian Barry is one of the best writers of the English language that I read in some time. This is the first book of his that I've read, and it certainly will not be the last. This is a powerful novel of life in Ireland over the past tumultuous century that gives a hauntingly personal perspective
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to the tragedy of that country. A strong and engrossing plot, peopled with very human characters, and told in an original and lyric voice, this work is one not to be missed. Show Less
LibraryThing member SulfurDog
A well written book but 2 stars nevetheless. And why ?, well I just didn't like it nor understand it.
I was born and live in the USA, am not of Irish descent nor am I Catholic or for matter religious at all. A common theme in so many novels by Irish writers is the suffocating hegemony of the
Is there a The Irish Civil Wars for Dummies out there ?
These are two of the major motivating themes in this book. If you don't mind coming to grips with yet another depiction of the evil RCC, and have more than a superficial knowledge of the Irish Civil Wars then you might appreciate this book, if not you will find yourself for many chapters completely at sea.
I was born and live in the USA, am not of Irish descent nor am I Catholic or for matter religious at all. A common theme in so many novels by Irish writers is the suffocating hegemony of the
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Catholic Church, a topic that I inevitably find depressing as all Hell, and the Irish Civil Wars, a topic that I freely admit to not understanding at all, their events, their factions, terminology etc.Is there a The Irish Civil Wars for Dummies out there ?
These are two of the major motivating themes in this book. If you don't mind coming to grips with yet another depiction of the evil RCC, and have more than a superficial knowledge of the Irish Civil Wars then you might appreciate this book, if not you will find yourself for many chapters completely at sea.
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LibraryThing member RobinDawson
An extraordinary achievement . The perfect combination of interesting plot, wonderful sweep of Irish history brought to life through an excellent cast of characters, and all written with the most lyrical and moving prose.
Barry was robbed - this should have won the Booker. The Secret Scripture will
Barry was robbed - this should have won the Booker. The Secret Scripture will
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be read long after The White Tiger has been forgotten. Show Less
LibraryThing member amachiski
A very slow but compelling story. I picked it up based upon its good reviews but found the beginning quite slow and often had no idea what the character, Roseanne, was talking about. As I went on further in the book, I realized this was because Roseanne was trying to capture her fleeting memories
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and she was nearly 100 years old! It embodies not only some of the most painful circumstances in Irish history, but also probes deeply into the prejudice of the Irish Catholic society toward protestant women during that time. Sebastian Barry writes about loss, broken promises, and failed hopes but also upholds the possibilities of dignity, forgiveness and redemption. This book was my pick for a book club and while it was not a favorite it did generate some excellent and lively discussions. The book gives you a big reward for your perseverance, as the end is really worth it - but this is not a light and easy reading. I would recommend this for those who are interested in learning more about Ireland during its rebellious years and for those who enjoy mysteries with surprise endings. Show Less
LibraryThing member kalky
In The Secret Scripture, Sebastian Barry takes the misery of Irish history, and the sadness of his main character's existence, and paints it with such lovely language, you almost forget how heart-wrenching sections of this story are. Roseanne Clear is approaching her 100th birthday, having been
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institutionalized many years before. Dr. Grene, the asylum's psychiatrist, has the job of evaluating Roseanne's mental health to determine whether she can be offered freedom when the residents of the asylum are relocated to a new, smaller psychiatric hospital or released to the real world. The Secret Scripture is an examination of Roseanne's story through her own writings as well as those of Dr. Grene during this evaluation process. The book lags a bit when it turns to Dr. Grene's journal -- more because Roseanne is a much better storyteller and her reflections are recorded with such wonderful descriptions. Dr. Grene isn't as much of a poet, and because the story is Roseanne's, the reader has a much clearer picture of her. I found myself rushing through Dr. Grene's accounts in order to get back to Roseanne. Along with the story itself, I enjoyed the characters' reflections on the accuracy of history. At one point, Roseanne determines it to be a “fabulous arrangement of surmises and guesses held up as a banner against the assault of withering truth”. You may come away from the book wondering a bit about what of Roseanne's history is the real, but I believe that's part of the charm of this excellent novel. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lunarreader
A very well written novel, unfolding slowly as you read on.
The story is about an elderly woman and her psychiatrist, told from both their viewpoints, and with their own lives on the background. The psychiatrist is confronted with the rehousing of all of his patients and starts to wonder if the
Set against a scenic moral history, combined with religion, violence, the "troubles", the family relations, being declared mentally ill because ou just didn't fit the picture, ... In some words: a very rich story.
Barry is truly an artisan, the switching between the protagonists, the celtic give-aways, of which sadly a lot is lost in translation (into Dutch), making it necessary to "rewind" sometimes in the book, are well hidden, or just well enough to keep it a bit of a secret scripture.
The time lapsing, the psychiatric bemusings on what kind of tricks our memory plays with us (one of my personal intrests) are just great.
On the downside for me, the story itself didn't catch me enough to make me read more vigorously, hence the long period it took me.
That this book lost to win the Booker prize from [White tiger] is unacceptable, it's ten times better.
What am i saying? A hundred times!
The story is about an elderly woman and her psychiatrist, told from both their viewpoints, and with their own lives on the background. The psychiatrist is confronted with the rehousing of all of his patients and starts to wonder if the
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older woman is just there because of the troubled times before in Ireland, or because she really is mentally not fit.Set against a scenic moral history, combined with religion, violence, the "troubles", the family relations, being declared mentally ill because ou just didn't fit the picture, ... In some words: a very rich story.
Barry is truly an artisan, the switching between the protagonists, the celtic give-aways, of which sadly a lot is lost in translation (into Dutch), making it necessary to "rewind" sometimes in the book, are well hidden, or just well enough to keep it a bit of a secret scripture.
The time lapsing, the psychiatric bemusings on what kind of tricks our memory plays with us (one of my personal intrests) are just great.
On the downside for me, the story itself didn't catch me enough to make me read more vigorously, hence the long period it took me.
That this book lost to win the Booker prize from [White tiger] is unacceptable, it's ten times better.
What am i saying? A hundred times!
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LibraryThing member Eliz12
An absolutely beautiful and haunting book. Barry is a magnificent writer; his words are like poetry and so lovely I had to stop and re-read passages, just to savor the language. A very, very good story, too, which I did not figure out until near the end. I am so glad I discovered this author.
Awards
Booker Prize (Longlist — 2008)
Dublin Literary Award (Longlist — 2010)
Costa Book Awards (Shortlist — Novel — 2008)
LA Times Book Prize (Finalist — Fiction — 2008)
James Tait Black Memorial Prize (Winner — Fiction — 2008)
British Book Award (Shortlist — shortlist — 2009)
Irish Book Award (Winner — Novel — 2009)
Independent Booksellers' Book Prize (Shortlist — 2009)
Kerry Group Irish Fiction Award (Shortlist — 2009)
Spear's Book Award (Shortlist — Novel — 2009)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2008 (1e édition originale anglaise, Faber and Faber)
2009-09-03 (1e traduction et édition française, Littérature étrangère, Editions Joëlle Losfeld)
2011-01-20 (Réédition française, Folio, Gallimard)
Physical description
312 p.; 4.96 inches
ISBN
0571215297 / 9780571215294