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This is a beautiful, albeit difficult, memoir to read. It primarily focuses on Gabriel's childhood and young adulthood, with important life experiences in his adulthood sprinkled throughout.
I knew there was a difference between an autobiography and a memoir. But this link puts it succinctly, "A memoir is a nonfiction narrative in which the author shares their memories from a specific time period or reflects upon a string of themed occurrences throughout their life. An autobiography is a factual and historical account of one’s entire life from beginning to end." The more you know, LINK.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Gabriel's writing is so poetic, lyrical, and beautiful. This is a very personal, real, and raw memoir - he spills all of his secrets, and it appears to have been cathartic for him. He has a gift for writing and should write more books, seriously.
There are very few mentions of famous people or name-dropping, so if you are looking for that, this is not the book for you. Additionally, there are many triggers, so please be aware.
Narration: 5.0 stars
The narration was done by Gabriel, and it was perfection. He read the truly horrific parts with raw emotion and sincerity.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main character is Gabriel.
The secondary characters are Gabriel's friends and family in Ireland, England, and the U.S.
There are many Catholic priests and nuns, as they were at the heart of the Irish community at the time Gabriel was growing up. Also, some Hollywood hangers-on once Gabriel became a "name".
The character development was incredible for Gabriel, specifically. The secondary and tertiary characters don't really change or grow much.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
I was shocked at the ubiquity of alcoholism and depression in Ireland. It seems that the local pub is the heart and soul of the community, like the parish church.
Entertaining/Educational: 5.0 stars
The abuse by Catholic clergy was horrifying. It included emotional, sexual, and physical abuse, which created shame and humiliation for Gabriel and all of the other boys involved.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect - loved the black and white picture.
Book title: 5.0 stars
On point.
Highly recommend
California Bookshelf borrow: audiobook
Walking with Ghosts by Gabriel Byrne
6 hours, 57 minutes
Recorded Books, Inc.
Release date: 1/12/2021
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Death, grief, death of parent, medical content, medical trauma, mental illness, sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, child-adult relationships, alcoholism, sexual content, cursing, drug use.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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