"Pearl" was not a happy book, it is full of struggles...modern day struggles of religon, beliefs, politics, sacrifice, martyrdom, and family bonds, particularly mother-daughter relationships...but I loved the 3rd person omniscent narative. I feel like the narrator was part of the story, perhaps the voice of god, or someone once involved in the story but had passed like Maria's father, Pearl's father, devorah, or the boy who pearl's death will "witness". For me personally, the story highlighted my own struggles with being a mother and acceptance of my own mother. I can relate to wanting "the best" for your child, but your idea of what's best might not actually be what is best for your child. And when you are the child in question, feeling like your parent does try not understand you...This books helps me to realize it is helpful to take a step back and accept your family members for who they are. And...I am once again embarrassed of my lack of awareness of the political unrest in Ireland during my own lifetime.I loved this book, it was a more difficult read but extremely worth the time. ( )

ridiculous, self-indulgent, full of platitudes ( )

I found it to be a boring story about two unsympathetic, selfish brats of characters who thought they were noble people. The third character, the only one I cared about, was woefully underwritten. The narration was smug. There were a couple of vignettes about Pearl and her childhood (her neighbors, her friend Luisa) that were exceptionally well written and frankly, might have been more interesting than the main plot. Really, I have no interest in the poor little rich girl angles, thanks. ( )

I really enjoyed this book. It was certainly a breath of fresh air. I also wanted to note that this is my 100th book I've read in 2006 and my 100th review I've written. Pearl is about a girl who decides to chain herself to the US Embassay in Ireland. When her mother and her mother's longtime friend Joseph find out, they immmediately head to Ireland. The story is told from an anonymous narrator, which makes the story very fresh. I really enjoyed the parts of this book that featured Pearl and Maria. The character of Joseph really wasn't my favorite. This wasn't the BEST book of the year, but it ranked up there as being very good! ( )