The Secret Scripture

By: Sebastian Barry

Narrated by: Wanda McCaddon

Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Roseanne McNulty, once one of the most beautiful and beguiling girls in County Sligo, Ireland, is now an elderly patient at Roscommon Regional Mental Hospital. As her 100th year draws near, she decides to record the events of her life, hiding the manuscript beneath the floorboards.

Meanwhile, the hospital is preparing to close and is evaluating its patients to determine whether they can return to society. Dr. Grene, Roseanne's caretaker, takes a special interest in her case. In his research, he discovers a document written by a local priest that tells a very different story of Roseanne's life than what she recalls. As doctor and patient attempt to understand each other, they begin to uncover long-buried secrets about themselves. Set against an Ireland besieged by conflict, The Secret Scripture is an epic story of love, betrayal, and unavoidable tragedy.

©2008 Sebastian Barry (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Above all it is the surpassing quality of Mr. Barry's language that gives it its power....It is like a song, with all the pulse of the Irish language, a song sung liltingly and plaintively from the top of Ben Bulben into the airy night." ( New York Times)

Enjoyed listening

I found the staggering lilt of this story lent well to aiding the reader/listener in feeling the madness that crept in a bit at a time.. All people have their breaking point. In the end I saw the fortitude the main character had and better understood what her mind had to do for the sake of survival.

great story terrible Narrator

The narration was truly awful, if the story revolves around Irish characters, the narrator should be Irish or at the very least capable of a passable Irish accent.
The wandering of accents from Irish to west country English and even a smattering of Yorkshire was truly annoying and detracted from the story.

The story itself was dark and saddening but expertly written.

A delightful surprise.

This story follows the recollections of two lives that intersect. An elderly resident of an asylum and her psychiatrist as she tries to truly recollect her tragic life and as he strives to evaluate her mental state for possible release and also to make sense of his own life. There is a wonderful rendering of Ireland at the the turn of the century, during their civil war and to a lessr extent both works wars. It is beautifully written, poetic and deep celebrating the often unnoticed nuances of life.

Wow

One of the most profound novels about life in all its misery and joy. Must read!

Terrific book

I thought this was a wonderful book. It was the perfect combination for me - literary fiction - beautifully written - and beautifully narrated. A very special read.

Puzzled

I'm just not sure why I should like this book or not like it. The narration is terrific though. More than anything parts of it are not believable and the Irish history was a bit long in the tooth at times.

The narration made the story come alive!

What did you love best about The Secret Scripture?

The narrator. I loved listening to the story because the narrator spoke with an Irish accent. Also, I thought the writing was really lovely, almost poetic.

What other book might you compare The Secret Scripture to and why?

I like novels that blend a secret/story from the past with the present day. I have read Kate Morton's books and enjoyed them all.

Have you listened to any of Wanda McCaddon’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, I have. As Donada Peters, she narrated Wuthering Heights. She was phenomenal. I laughed out loud ( in a good way) at her interpretations of some of the characters.

Who was the most memorable character of The Secret Scripture and why?

The main character, Roseanne McNulty, was the most memorable for me because she was strong and because she lived in a time and place where this would not have been encouraged.

Any additional comments?

The Catholic priest in this story was quite a negative character, and his influence over his parishioners was huge. The things done then in the name of God or the Church are hard to imagine today.

wonderful

One of the books I have ever come across. Gripping and heartbreaking. Love the twist at the end.

Irish tragedy

What a complex story! I enjoyed this book although it is slower paced. It is beautifully written with poetic descriptions. It is carefully woven from past to present unfolding a tragic story of a young Irish girl told by herself. Also the musing of a doctor of psychology whom the main character is a patient. These two voices combine to unfold a shocking tale! I would recommend this to anyone interested in Irish history, psychology, tragedy, and well written fiction. It is a tale I won't soon forget! It has given me much to think about. I may use this for my next book club pick.

I loved this story. So heart wrenching and the courage and strength of this lady. I truly don't think many women could endure

this women endured and mistreatment she received her entire life.t



All so excepting and purservering. Most would have lost their minds totally and grieved themselves to death! I can't say enough about this book. Highly recommend!!!!