A literary work of art.

Wow. I’ve never heard anything like it. A stream of consciousness that tells a heart-breaking account of a young woman’s life. It’s lyrical, poetic and utterly unique.
Listeners may take a while to get used to the style but DO stick with it, it’s worth the initial effort to listen to the words tumble and roll around, sometimes staccato and brittle, at other times gentle and yielding.
This is a work of art - the words are the inks that splatter and splash the story-soaked pictures into your mind where you will return again and again to marvel at their brilliance.

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Extraordinary reading - not for the faint-hearted

Where does A Girl Is a Half-Formed Thing rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In terms of the reading, this is one of the best I've heard.

Would you be willing to try another book from Eimear McBride? Why or why not?

On the basis of the excellence of the reading, I'd try another. However, the content of this one requires a strong stomach and some persistence. This is not light-weight material.

What does Eimear McBride bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

An amazingly fluent and rhythmic reading that gains momentum and emotion as it nears the end.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It should be listened to in one reading, but it is a grim story which is horrifying as much as it is beautiful and moving.

Any additional comments?

I didn't think I would like this, but it is difficult not to acknowledge how difficult this book must have been to write. While I did not like the story, I cannot help but admire the skill with which it is written as well as the way it is delivered in this very unique reading by the author herself.

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4 people found this helpful

Stream of Consciousness

I loved listening to this book. Not always an easy subject but the way it is read by Eimar McBride makes it less aggressive than I think it could be perceived on reading.
It's written like a stream of consciousness which I always struggle to understand or enjoy. I think if I'd read the book I would have given up but Eimar emphasises all the right areas to make it easier to decipher. If it's not something you'd usually listen to or a book you've struggled with, I'd say embrace it and go with the flow of the words, that's the best way to get the most from it and enjoy it. Well worth a listen.

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1 person found this helpful

Poetry......

Have not read another book quite like it. Brilliant! Difficult subject matter, but the biggest challenge comes from the prose itself. The writing style will not suit all, but persevere, it's worth it.

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1 person found this helpful

Excellent.

So touching and sad. A very unique way of writing and was great to be read by the author.

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Ingenious writing- disturbing yet fascinating

Despite it being deeply uncomfortable, I was captivated by this book. Incredible audio performance from the author herself - I recommend the audiobook to fully appreciate the style of this book. Not for the faint of heart, due to its merciless honesty, but do give this a read if you appreciate great writing

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8 people found this helpful

Challenging but beautifully written and narrated

Definitely not a book to listen to if you're feeling low. The story is so sad but the writing is painfully beautiful. It took a little while to get into the style of the narrative but then it just flowed. It is almost like a poem and it was recited rather than narrated, which really brought it to life.
It's a book I'm glad I listened to but now I need to listen to something a bit lighter.

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5 people found this helpful

tantalising

it is one of my favourite books, although the story make me feel sick and way too philosophical. I loved McBride's reading. it sounded better than in my head. I am happy i decided to listen to it.

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1 person found this helpful

Disturbing, compulsive

An amazing performance of a disturbing stream of consciousness tale of one girl's growth in small town Ireland. Horribly real.

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Gibble Gobble Gibble Gobble

This is such a brave brave book. Really it is. But it was hard listening in every way. The author's reading is at once lilting and lyrical, you are there with her, but the narrative boings about all over the place, a stream of consciousness and lost words. You me I they she are jumbled together and I found myself wanting at times to see the text, to know how it looked on the page.

Either way, I thought it good and terrifying and strong. Such a fascinating presentation of a mind's eye. Highly recommended, and tough, though you will likely find yourself dipping in and out, drifting with McBride's beautiful mad voice in your head.

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9 people found this helpful