The Green Road

by Anne Enright
The Green Road cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Literary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 625
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9780099539797
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2016-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

The Green Road by Anne Enright is a poignant exploration of family dynamics and the enduring bonds that connect us. Shortlisted for the 2015 Costa Novel Award and longlisted for the 2015 Man Booker Prize, this novel delves into the lives of the Madigan family as they return to their mother's home on the west coast of Ireland. The story unfolds with a mix of humor and heartache, revealing the intricate relationships and unresolved tensions among the siblings. As they confront their mother's decision to sell the family home, they are forced to reckon with their past and the choices that have shaped their lives. The novel is celebrated for its rich character development and lyrical prose, offering a profound meditation on the nature of family and the roads that lead us home.

Reviews
Savidge Reads · Savidge Reads · 2016-03-20
excellent 4.50

The reviewer finds this novel excellent and more engaging than Enright's earlier works, praising its emotional depth and compelling narrative.

Savidge Reads finds The Green Road to be an excellent novel that holds their interest more than Enright's previous books. They appreciate the emotional depth and the compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged. The reviewer also notes that while it may not be a Booker winner, it is a standout work in Enright's oeuvre. The novel's exploration of family dynamics and emotional complexity is highlighted as particularly noteworthy.

Quick quotes

    I don't think it is a Booker Winner, but I do think it is an excellent novel.

    Held my interest much more than her earlier books.

    Anne Enright have that sharp skill on the relations of family.

The New York Times · 2015-05-12
masterful 4.25

This book is seen as a masterful exploration of family dynamics, with a particular focus on the emotional journeys of the Madigan children.

The reviewer from The New York Times praises The Green Road for its masterful portrayal of family dynamics and the emotional journeys of the Madigan children. They highlight the novel's ability to capture the complexities of family relationships and the emotional depth of each character's experiences. The reviewer also notes the skillful narration that spans different sections of the family's life, making it a profound and satisfying read.

Quick quotes

    The Green Road, which charts the journeys of the Madigan children into the 'wide world'.

    A profoundly satisfying one.

    Enright has written yet another wise and sophisticated novel.

The Guardian · 2015-05-03
exquisite 4.00

This book is praised as an exquisite collage of Irish lives, showcasing Enright's evolution from whimsical to profound storytelling.

The reviewer highlights how The Green Road stands out as a deeply moving and intricately woven narrative. They appreciate Enright's ability to capture the essence of Irish family dynamics with a blend of humor and pathos. The novel is seen as a significant step up from her earlier works, demonstrating her growth as a writer. The reviewer also notes the emotional depth and the skillful portrayal of family relationships, which make the book a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    An exquisite collage of Irish lives.

    Anne Enright's first novels were whimsical, mannered, driven by plot devices that ...

    The novel is seen as a significant step up from her earlier works.

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