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A review by literaryelephant
The Butchers' Blessing by Ruth Gilligan
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A compelling exploration of the role of folklore in Ireland and the increasing friction modernity brings against old traditions. This is such a nuanced look at some of the ways beliefs can function for individuals and greater communities, grounded in Irish political turbulence and the 90's outbreak of BSE (mad cow disease). I found some of the perspectives here a bit more engaging than others, but was drawn in by the connections between characters and thematic richness.
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Cancer, Death, Homophobia, Infidelity, Sexism, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Alcoholism