dps musings

The Secret Scripture, author Sebastain Barry.

A gripping read, that twists and turns as Roseanne’s life unfolds in the year of 1957! Roseanne writes the story of her life past in a journal as she reaches her 100^th birthday, in a mental hospital where she has been for many a year. Her character speaks to you, asking not to be judged. The other side of the story of told by Dr Grene, Senior Psychiatrist, in his Commonplace Book. The sincerity of both characters is evident as Grene pours over doing the right thing to amend past wrongs, whilst Roseanne is pained to remember her past with accuracy so she may pass her story on. 

The author Sebastian Barry, writes with clarity and precision, about a woman who at the mercy of others, finally gets her freedom. The plot is good and there are some unsuspecting moments. The threads are there throughout, for example Roseanne treasures a copy of Religio Medici, by Thomas Browne, a ‘spiritual testament’ containing knowledge and truths quite unheard of in this time and probably frowned upon by the church, in this era. It could also be an indication of Roseanne’s character, not always conforming to what was expected of her. The reference to Dr Grene’s Common Place Book is also defined as a book of knowledge / findings / discoveries. Roseanne’s journal is a kind of Common Place book too. This is a story about the unspoken word, the ability to judge others before all the facts are laid bare, and often our innate way of wanting to put things right before we die. 

 Although a fictional story, references to the mistreatment of others in the name of religion, family ties or for someone’s own good, is part of our history, I am afraid.  References such as The Nazareth’s Children’s Home, The Poor Sisters of Nazareth leads to some sad stories.   Winner of the Costa Book of the Year 2008 and shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize!! Have you read this novel yet?  

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