Roseanne McNulty may (or may not) be on the point of nearing her 100th birthday -- but there is little certainty about this fact. In her twilight years, her destiny is uncertain, as the Roscommon Mental Hospital -- her home for so many years of her life -- is on the point of closing. As the fateful hour approaches, Roseanne spends her time of talking to her psychiatrist of many years, Dr Grene. The relationship between the two is strangely interdependent, and the doctor is also attempting to come to terms with the death of his wife. As we learn more about the two principal protagonists, we are presented with a rich and subtle picture of human relationships -- and the (often unintentional) damages that we all do to each other.

A late gift to Ms September Southern Cross Exchange...

Thanks so much for this wish list book, jennymidget.
I've heard lots of good things about it.

Such a lovely, lovely book . . . Just gorgeous!

I've been wanting to read this for quite a while: since hearing podcast discussions, readings and author interviews - and now that I've got here, I have not been disappointed in the slightest.

It is a rich book in so many ways. The language is elegant and beautiful, the characters realistic for the times and therefore believable, the history woven in but not intrusive, the structure is masterful, the story being told is both interesting and heartbreaking.

Rosanne is a wonderful narrator. The twist at the end, while satisfying, is not what makes the story, and were it not there I'd still rate this book just as highly. It is a powerful and fascinating examination of the whole area of memory and 'truth'. It is a beautifully told tale of how sometimes people and lives are damaged and destroyed by others for petty, selfish reasons. It is a tale of how some people can rise above all the pettiness and selfishness and shine out despite their adverse circumstances.

My only disappointment is with myself - that I did not have a better grasp of the Irish history of the times, which would have made the reading even more rewarding.


Thank you so much, jennymidget, for giving me the opportunity to read this one.

Was placed into the OZ VBB last week and chosen by bekoh.

Posting off to bekoh in NSW tomorrow (Monday).
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Received safe & sound. I'm sorry I forgot to journal it straight away.