Hagstone, Sinéad Gleeson: exciting new fiction but did I love it?

Hagstone is writer and artist Sinéad Gleeson's debut novel.
For an alternative perspective to mine watch
‪@EricKarlAnderson‬ • Hagstone by Sinéad Gle...
or ‪@BobTheBookerer‬ • Weekly Reading Wrap-Up...

[@josmith5992]

I must admit when I heard Eric’s review there was something that made me think it wasn’t for me. Appreciate the way you highlighted what you enjoyed Ros and then made a good case for why it didn’t quite work. Thanks for the review!

[@scallydandlingaboutthebook2711]

I usually find Eric's taste similar to mine but I think there was a personal reason why it particularly chimed with him.

[@lindaleehall]

So glad I saw this review. I also expected the mysterious island sound to be much more important. I thought it was going to be the voice of the ancient spirit of the island and result in some special enlightenment for Nell. So I was also disappointed that it seemed unimportant in the end. I wanted more exploration of the women’s community. I did enjoy the book, but expected to have it take my breath away, and it didn’t.

[@scallydandlingaboutthebook2711]

It's reassuring to hear that from you Linda. Yes exactly, I wanted the sound to be more significant. And I would have loved more on the community. It could have been amazing and was just good.

[@CharlieBrookReads]

Maybe her next one will be more successful for you. Did sound promising. Great review as always Ros. 😊

[@scallydandlingaboutthebook2711]

I hope so. Her writing is good. I think it was the plotting that was a bit off.

[@mmoggridge0]

I am reading it , and was waning slightly so listened to you review and agree entirely- I will finish it - a great review - I also want to read her essays

[@scallydandlingaboutthebook2711]

I'm glad if it was helpful Marianne. Yes waning is a good word for how I felt. From amazing down to good enough.

[@DebMcDonald]

This sounds great even with your insightful criticism. It’s worth a read for me.

[@scallydandlingaboutthebook2711]

I know you like a touch of the supernatural Deb. It is worth a go.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

I have audiobook on my TBR.

[@scallydandlingaboutthebook2711]

That should be interesting.

[@SharonKnights-zu4tm]

I’ve just finished this and I had a similar reaction. Beautiful writing about setting, main character, the life of an artist, isolated communities. But the ending didn’t work for me and I wanted more about the sound and the communities and less about the actor.

[@scallydandlingaboutthebook2711]

I was avoiding spoilers but yes the ending was disappointing. And I wish she hadn't introduced the actor at all. It weakened the focus didn't it? So promising though.

[@awebofstories]

I had never heard of this book, but I really appreciate your thoughts on it. I think what didn't work for you probably wouldn't work for me either.

[@scallydandlingaboutthebook2711]

Has your library delivered James yet?

[@awebofstories]

@@scallydandlingaboutthebook2711 I actually ended up buying a copy, which is good because the hold list is still incredibly long.

[@ameliareads589]

I tried reading Constellations by this author, but I couldn't really get into it. Maybe it was because it was not quite what I expected, maybe it was the writing style or a mix of both. The layout of the story/her reflections seems a bit arbitrary to me.

[@scallydandlingaboutthebook2711]

That's interesting to hear. Essay collections can be like that I think. I usually prefer a memoir.