Play Book Tag discussion

The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry - 5 stars - My Review

Centenarian Roseanne Clear McNulty has been confined in a mental institution in rural Ireland for over four decades. The institution is being replaced, and her psychiatrist, Dr. Grene, must determine if she should be released or sent to the new smaller facility. Roseanne is writing her life story, hiding it under the floorboards of her room. Dr. Grene is writing his “Book of Commonplace,” a journal of sorts, recording observations about Roseanne and events in his own life.

This book is a deep character study of two individuals set against a backdrop of political and religious rivalries in Irish history. The plot revolves around the reasons Roseanne was initially confined, leading to up to a decision regarding her mental health. The story is artfully told, gradually revealing more information to uncover the secrets of the past. It explores the relationships among memory, fact, history, and the stories we tell ourselves. The writing is evocative. The prose sequences are reminiscent of a Victorian novel, though the time period covered here is the early 1900s through 2007. It is an emotional book about trauma, loss, betrayal, injustice, aging, and hope. I found it beautifully told, thought-provoking, and memorable.