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Beautiful,
Dramatic,
Confusing

5 reviews

The Secret Scripture: A Novel
by Sebastian Barry

Published: 2009-04-28
Paperback : 336 pages
3 members reading this now
21 clubs reading this now
5 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 5 of 5 members
An epic story of family, love, and unavoidable tragedy from the two-time Man Booker Prize finalist. Now a major motion picture starring Rooney Mara. Sebastian Barry's latest novel, Days Without End, is now available. 

Sebastian Barry's novels have been hugely admired by readers and ...
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Introduction

An epic story of family, love, and unavoidable tragedy from the two-time Man Booker Prize finalist. Now a major motion picture starring Rooney Mara. Sebastian Barry's latest novel, Days Without End, is now available. 

Sebastian Barry's novels have been hugely admired by readers and critics, and in 2005 his novel A Long Long Way was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. In The Secret Scripture, Barry revisits County Sligo, Ireland, the setting for his previous three books, to tell the unforgettable story of Roseanne McNulty. Once one of the most beguiling women in Sligo, she is now a resident of Roscommon Regional Mental Hospital and nearing her hundredth year. Set against an Ireland besieged by conflict, The Secret Scripture is an engrossing tale of one woman's life, and a poignant story of the cruelties of civil war and corrupted power. The Secret Scripture is now a film starring Rooney Mara, Eric Bana, and Vanessa Redgrave.

Editorial Review

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Excerpt

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Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

Roseanne seems to be reluctant to share with Dr. Grene anything of her past and the events that led to her being placed in Roscommon Hall and yet at the same time is writing her autobiography that she keeps hidden away. What do you think her motivation is
What do you think of Roseanne's father, Joe Clear? How do you think his death impacted her?
Do you think Roseanne was rewriting her history to sanitize it or do you think she truly
by kimloves2read (see profile) 06/03/16

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

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Book Club Recommendations

Disturbing and heartbreaking
by kimloves2read (see profile) 06/03/16
The story of Roseanne McNulty and why she ends up in a lunatic asylum is truly heartbreaking. The intertwining story of her phyciatrist, Dr. Grene, and his unpleasant task of determining where the residents should be placed as the great home is being closed down. We learn a lot about how our minds deal with unpleasant and hard events and the effect of time.

Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
by Laureen S. (see profile) 04/09/22

 
  "You should definitely read this...."by Kim K. (see profile) 06/03/16

This beautifully written story takes some getting used to when you begin the book but it is worth it! The story of Roseanne McNulty is heartbreaking. You get a good idea of what the times we... (read more)

 
  "Troubling but Fascinating"by Kathryn D. (see profile) 11/14/13

A view of Ireland during the Civil War and the War of Independence--and beyond. Beautifully written in two voices: Roseanne's and the doctor's. Painful to read often, but ultimately inspiring.

 
  "Secret Scripture"by Dana B. (see profile) 05/25/11

The writing style is beautiful, if a little hard to get used to at the beginning of the book. You will want to read to the end to unravel the mystery of the main character's life. What an interesting character... (read more)

 
  "The Secret Scripture"by Dawn S. (see profile) 08/25/10

This book is a wonderful marriage between a wonderful story and the beautiful language of lyrical prose. Don't put it down if you don't get into it right away. It gets addictive toward the middle.

 
  "The Secret Scripture"by Diana G. (see profile) 08/24/10

I am a very fast reader, and this book is so beautifully written that not only did I HAVE to read it slowly, I literally HAD to read sentences four and five times because they were so beautiful, even poetic.... (read more)

 
  "A beautiful book. But sad. So sad."by Theadora K. (see profile) 05/19/10

Worth a read for sure. The writing is lovely. The story, however, is difficult. Extremely sad, but I suppose so were the times in which the story takes place.

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