40 pages • 1 hour read
The Gathering
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Book Brief
272
Novel • Fiction
Ireland • 2000s
2007
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Veronica Hegarty copes with her brother Liam's death by suicide by delving into their family's complex past, uncovering dark secrets involving their grandmother, Ada, and a man named Nugent. As she seeks understanding, Veronica also grapples with her strained marriage and the complexities of her familial relationships, ultimately striving for healing and resolution. This book depicts the sexual abuse of children, addiction, and death by suicide.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Mysterious
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
27,267 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Anne Enright's The Gathering is lauded for its lyrical prose and deep examination of family dynamics amid trauma. Critics praise its emotional depth and nuanced character portrayals but note its nonlinear narrative can be challenging. Although some found it bleak, many appreciated its raw honesty and poignancy, marking it a powerful literary work.
Who Should Read The Gathering?
Fans of deeply emotional, introspective family sagas like Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections or Pat Conroy's The Prince of Tides will be drawn to Anne Enright's The Gathering. This novel appeals to readers who appreciate complex character studies, rich narrative layers, and explorations of family secrets and personal identity.
27,267 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Liam
Liam
Veronica’s brother, whose struggle with life and eventual death by suicide significantly impact Veronica's journey throughout the story.
Ada
Ada
Veronica’s grandmother, whose past and decisions are explored by Veronica to better understand her family's history and present struggles.
Lambert “Lamb” Nugent
Lambert “Lamb” Nugent
A family friend whose interactions with Veronica and her family play a crucial role in the unfolding of past events.
Veronica’s Mother
Veronica’s Mother
Veronica’s mother, whose large family and emotional distance from her children contribute to Veronica’s inner conflicts and personal growth.
272
Novel • Fiction
Ireland • 2000s
2007
Adult
18+ years
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