Who Would Like This Book:
Emma Donoghue’s 'Haven' blends survival drama with thought-provoking meditations on faith, human nature, and the challenges of living according to absolute beliefs. The prose is vivid - you'll practically feel the Atlantic winds and the rocky solitude of Skellig Michael with every page. Fans of history, literary fiction, and books like 'Robinson Crusoe' or 'Heart of Darkness' will find plenty to chew on. It’s ideal for anyone who loves character-driven stories, philosophical undertones, or is intrigued by questions of power, devotion, and obedience.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you get impatient with slow pacing, extended inner monologues, or repetitive depictions of hardship, you may struggle with this one. Some found the exploration of religious dogma intense, and didn’t love how much space the harsh, ritualistic aspects of faith occupy in the story. Readers seeking fast action, or a lighter, less heavy read might find 'Haven' too bleak or meditative. And if you’re hoping for an even-handed portrayal of faith, you might find Artt’s unyielding perspective frustrating or alienating.
About:
This novel by Emma Donoghue follows the journey of three monks who settle on Skellig Michael, with the landscape itself becoming a powerful character in the story. The plot revolves around the monks' struggles with faith, reason, obedience, and survival under the strict leadership of Prior Artt. Donoghue's writing style is described as engaging, detailed, and emotional, drawing readers into the characters' lives and the harsh realities of their isolated existence.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for Haven include themes of religious fanaticism, psychological abuse, and survival in extreme conditions, which could be distressing to some readers.
From The Publisher:
In this beautiful story of adventure and survival from the New York Times bestselling author of Room, three men vow to leave the world behind them as they set out in a small boat for an island their leader has seen in a dream, with only faith to guide them. In seventh-century Ireland, a scholar and priest called Artt has a dream telling him to leave the sinful world behind. Taking two monks-young Trian and old Cormac-he rows down the river Shannon in search of an isolated spot on which to found a monastery. Drifting out into the Atlantic, the three men find an impossibly steep, bare island inhabited by tens of thousands of birds, and claim it for God. In such a place, what will survival mean?
Ratings (5)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (1) | |
It Was OK (2) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (15):
Read It (6) | |
Want To Read (8) | |
Not Interested (1) |
1 comment(s)
Why is Emma Donoghue so good at everything she writes? She's like a chameleon and King Midas in one, you never know what she's going to write but it's going to be gold.
What can you read after
Haven?
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