The Gathering by Anne Enright (book review) 

Interesting thoughts! Form me, the overarching theme of 'The Gathering' is an exploration of motherhood, something you didn't mention, and that is possibly why Enright begins with the scene where Veronica is telling her mother that Liam is dead. Maybe that is also why 'nothing happens' - it is the bringing up of children that is happening throughout all the four generations here.

I feel you on reading soap bottles 😭😂 such a waste of hot shower water. But I love your openness to all books…something I should channel :) Even when you’re “tearing apart” a book, you manage to make it sound so insightful and kind. I’m intrigued by this book despite myself after hearing you talk about it. You have a talent my friend.

Hi! New to your channel, I found the video because I’ve had to read the book for my undergrad subject on Irish literature. I know it may be a weird choice by my professors but as unexpected as it may be I have actually liked the book and found that I could sometimes relate to the main character, even if not all of the time. It’s true that it’s a dense read and maybe not a book you want to carry with you to the beach, but as you said some of the prose was just very very real. I’ll stick around and watch more of your reviews! By the way I love your makeup, suits you well!

I think your approach towards books and reading is beautiful ✨ especially since the anti TBR tag is really all about preconceptions and it is best to navigate life with as few as possibile, but I’ll have you tagged in a better one next time 👁👁 I love when people say their names because I always forget 🥸 no, not always, but OFTEN... however I think you can do whatever you feel more comfortable doing, my full name is Marianna and I HaTE it so I never say that one 🤭 I had never heard about The Gathering but I don’t think it’d be for me from what you said in this review!

The algorithm suggested this old video to me and because I did not like The Gathering either, of course I had to watch it. I have to say, I disliked it for a completely different reason: I was so frustrated with how clichéd and predictable it was that I didn't even notice any other flaws it might have had. 😅 And it's funny: if you had asked me 20 minutes ago whether there are any sex scenes in the book, I would have sworn that there are none. It obviously left no impression whatsoever in me except for the frustration. I always recommend Monsoon Wedding as a movie to watch instead of reading this book. It does more or less the same thing, but with more heart and enthusiasm. Have you watched it?

I'm one of those who lost interest because of the sex scenes (though not the only reason). I already felt a massive disconnect with Veronica, and the sex scenes made it worse. I didn't feel squeamish; I just couldn't care as much as I thought I should 🤣 I think it's totally possible to write an engaging depressed character and this didn't do it. "Family saga" is just a weird description - it doesn't have the scale that makes a saga. 😅 Ok, enough ranting.