When All is Said Book Review
By Aisling Finn, Founder & Lead Curator
When All is Said by Anne Griffin: A Review of Five Toasts and a Lifetime of Memories
Our book club is growing every single day, and we are loving this safe space to share our thoughts on the books that move us. This month’s pick was When All is Said by Irish bestselling author Anne Griffin. We must admit, it was the ultimate short and sweet page-turner that left us completely moved.
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Five Toasts, One Extraordinary Life
The novel tells the tale of 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. As Maurice sits at the bar of the hotel he owns, he reflects on his life through five distinct toasts to the people who made his journey meaningful. Anne Griffin pulls at the heartstrings as Maurice remembers, regrets, and relives the most monumental parts of his 84 years.
A Window into Old Ireland
Griffin brings traditional Irish values to the forefront. By offering a deeper look into the lives of men in old Irish society—how they struggled to express feelings to those they loved—the book acts as a poignant emotional rollercoaster. We see Maurice as a man who found it hard to show he cared in an "emotionally responsible" way, yet through his honest thoughts, his shoes are incredibly easy to step into.
The core of the story is Maurice's relationship with his late wife, Sadie. Her passing two years prior is what has prompted him to this night at the bar. Their bond captures the true meaning of love without the "cringe" moments, showing how loss can shape a person's entire remaining existence.
"It really had us reminiscing on what we would do when all is said and done. Many of our members found a replica of Maurice in their own lives." — The Book Resort Team
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The Book Resort Team x