The Secret Scripture

This beautiful little novel, so perfectly narrated by Wanda McCaddon, was a welcomed change from the ordinary. While the story of Roseanne McNulty’s life is unarguably tragic, much of her commentary contains hilarious quotes and observations that often had me breaking out in unexpected laughter.

It was difficult at times to accept how fatalistic the main character was, and how little she fought for herself throughout her life. Then again, I think that was the intent from the start; to study a life lived only within the lines others drew.

I’m removing one star for how far-fetched the storyline was, but I do so half-heartedly. The bottom line is that this story, and Roseanne’s voice (via Wanda McCaddon) has stayed with me, even as I move through other stories. It’s a rare book that does that; and when you find one, it deserves respect.

For those that can struggle with accents, be advised this narrator has a thick Irish brogue. Be sure to listen to the sample first, to make sure it works for you.

Starting quietly and slowly, the story becomes mesmerizing as an exploration of two lives. The narrator masterfully conveys the voices of male and female, English and Irish characters.

This was beautifully written. Narrator was excellent. The story compellingly poignant. It left me wanting to read more by this author.

I got completely wrapped up in this cleverly plotted and moving novel. Barry is a superb writer. The language, pace, and intimacy of his writing is very satisfying. He draws out the emotional depths of the two main characters with great intelligence and compassion. And the reader is marvelous, beautifully switching the voices and and accents of the characters so you feel you are standing next to them.

While this story is placed in a time of great turmoil among nations and within communities, this is a very small story of its time - almost the opposite of an epic during epic times. Ireland between the two World Wars had its own Civil War, agonizingly dealing with changes on the political scene, yet this story shows how the people were still dealing with the ancient morals and superstitions that had guided them for centuries. Perhaps because of the sociopolitial uncertainties, clinging to the familiar may have felt like the only safety afforded small vulnerable villages. Roseanne is one such vulnerable person, spending the vast majority of her adult life institutionalized in an asylum, the reason for which has been lost to time and missing records. As she writes her own memoirs for whomever may find them in the future, we see the tragic events that have lead her to where she is, helpless in the face of religious and legal forces wielded by a zealous priest and unsympathetic family. Parallel to her diary, we learn of a record written by that same priest telling her story, but with many differences. Who is right? Are either of them right?

This poignant story explores choices made, their motivations and interpretations, the reliability of memory and ultimately the relevance of memory once fate has taken a hand. The narrative focuses mainly on two characters: Roseanne and Dr. Grene, her psychiatrist who is trying to discover why she has been incarcerated for over 60 years. We meet through her writings and his research the supporting characters who have impacted her life since childhood, but Roseanne is the heart of her own story. 4 stars instead of 5 because I wished to understand some of these supporting characters better.

I think I might have had a harder time getting swept into this story without the beautiful reading by Wanda McCaddon. Her voice becomes Roseanne's, especially at age 100, and she also gives us a moving portrayal of Dr. Grene, trying to do the right thing after failing to see the humanity of this ancient lady entrusted to his care for so many years.

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.

A book meant to be listened to. The beautiful flow of story and language was enchanting. This is one of a handful of books that touched my heart.

Wonderfully crafted historical fiction. The dialogue is spot on and the inner dialogue is awesome ??? a little like watching a champion gymnast execute near impossible acrobatics effortlessly. I kept hitting the re-wind button thinking ???wait! Do that again!???

My thoughts on this one are mixed. I might have rated it higher, but the unrealistic conclusion--a bit of a deus ex machina--lowered my opinion. Barry creates a fascinating character (or should I say victim?) in Roseanne, a 100-year old woman who has spent most of her life in an asylum that is about to close. The story is told from two points of view: Roseanne's, mostly in the form of pages she has written and concealed; and Dr. Grene, who is in charge of assessing Roseanne for either release or transfer to another institution. The cruelty and prejudice of mid-20th century rural Ireland permeates the novel, and at times, the suffering of Roseanne is almost too harsh to believe. I was left to wonder whether and how one person (Mrs. McNulty, Roseanne's one-time mother-in-law) could have had such moral power over an entire town. Perhaps Barry was trying a little too hard to write a hand-wringingly tragic Irish novel, so it seems he decided to leave his readers with an impossibly happily ever after ending.

Three words to sum up The Secret Scripture? Well, endearing, shocking, graceful.

I sincerely loved dear old Roseanne.

I had not listened to Wanda McCaddon's performances prior to this, but I won't hesitate to purchase any audiobook narrated by her. She is a fantastic narrator, switching up dialogues seamlessly, speaking at a steady pace, pauses and inflections were perfect. A true delight to listen to Ms McCaddon perform The Secret Garden.

Roseanne was the most memorable character, although it was easy enough to develop a fondness for (almost) all of the characters. To find out why, well, you'll need to listen!

This is a true keeper. So glad I purchased The Secret Scripture.