Girovagando tra gli scaffali della biblioteca a volte si possono scoprire dei libri dimenticati.È il caso di questo libro che giaceva un po’ abbandonato, con la copertina un po' rotta e che da un po’ di tempo mi faceva l’occhiolino (la bibliotecaria mi ha detto che non veniva preso in prestito da un bel po’ di tempo).Grazie a questo libro ho scoperto un autore (per me semi-sconosciuto) e un romanzo bellissimo.Esso narra la storia di Robert Shannon, che, dopo essere rimasto orfano di entrambi i genitori, è costretto a trasferirsi dalla natìa Dublino alla Scozia, nel piccolo paese di Levenford, presso la casa dei nonni materni .Nel paese è deriso per il suo nome, per gli abiti che indossa, per la sua religione cattolica. In famiglia viene messo in disparte dalla maggior parte dei parenti: il nonno, che si occupa solo del denaro fino all’ultimo centesimo, la nonna, sottomessa che si fa in quattro per far quadrare il bilancio familiare con i pochi soldi che gli da' il marito; gli “zii” Murdock e Kate, che pensano solo a loro stessi; la bisnonna (madre del nonno), donna rigida e irremovibile nel voler far “convertire” Robert alla religione protestante; e infine il bisnonno (padre della nonna), Alexander Grow, personaggio con un cuore d’oro, un uomo senza un soldo, con mille difetti, dalla dubbia moralità, ma l’unico che riesce a dare affetto e conforto a Robert.Tra gli insegnamenti del bisnonno, le escursioni nella natura con il suo migliore amico, i primi amori, fatti tragici, avventure e disavventure, insicurezze e lotte interiori, seguiamo la crescita del piccolo Robert, dall’infanzia all’età adulta.Libro molto scorrevole, ben scritto, stile di scrittura incantevole, dialoghi bellissimi, profondità delle descrizioni psicologiche, personaggi ben delineati (soprattutto il bisnonno e il protagonista), humor tipicamente inglese, vicenda coinvolgente, commoventi le ultime pagine.Insomma un romanzo e un autore che non dovrebbe mancare nelle librerie dei lettori. Da leggere sicuramente.Volevo essere come Giulio Cesare e Napoleone.Ma non ero che me stesso.
This is my second A J Cronin and it didn't disappoint. This is just the kind of story I like, true characterization (warts and all), a plot packed with everyday drama, tragedy mixed with triumph at the very last gasp, a novel some might call melodramatic and soap-opera-ish but whatever, it's a great read and I dare you to not get choked up at least twice.A young orphan boy is sent to live with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and great-grandparents in Scotland, where the head of the house, his pecuniary grandfather, rules the roost with austere frugality. Even with Shannon's bent for biology and his good chances of winning a scholarship, his studious passions meet a brick wall when he becomes of "wage age". His one reprieve in life is his un-sunderable friendship with Gavin as they adventure together on school breaks in the fields and glens, hiking, fishing and collecting birds eggs and specimens.Then tragedy. And more tragedy. And more tragedy.*sigh*Some interesting characters here, including a red nosed eccentric grandfather with an eye for the ladies and a taste for strong drink, a retired barrel monkey with double pneumonia. A kindly school teacher with a scarred lip and ideas of socialism, a bowlegged suitor, and a young lady with a voice of angels.Recommended for those who enjoyed "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn", Francis Brett Young's "The Young Physician", or Howard Spring's "My Son, My Son"CONTENT:Clean with minimal to no profanity
What do You think about The Green Years (1949)?
http://youtu.be/wbzT8JuevaAJessica Tandy in here. Fab! A one-liner review somewhere on the net, forget where, states 'The conflict between Catholics & Presbyterians in Ireland', Nope, that is not what this is about at all. It is a semi-autobiographical account of the coming of age a budding young scientist who happened upon a microscope in a swap for a golden plover egg. Did I mention Grandpa? Well he is great-grandpa and he is wonderful. 5* Hatters Castle5* The Citadel4* The Green YearsThe above three novels are so different in texture: Hatter's Castle is dark and gothic; The Citadel about the plight of The Pit Valleys of South Wales, and the working conditions thereinThe Green Years is an uplifting tale where the disadvantaged can realise dreams through hard work and sacrifice.There is a religious theme running through but nothing heavy, and medicine of course: A J Cronin had a few capital letters after his name. Ready for them?...MB, ChB, MD, DPH, MRCP
—Bettie☯
This author is a gem who receives little attention nowadays. The Green Years was recommended by a co-worker. Originally published in the 1930s, it is a charming story of a young boy growing up with his grandparents in Scotland before WWI. AJ Cronin has a real literary talent, making the reader feel as though the trials and tribulations of Robert Shannon, the main character, are the reader's own. The only disappointment was the end - which to me, seemed a little anti-climatic, although I can't put my finger on why.
—Catherine
Just this year I "discovered" A. J. Cronin and have read 4 of his books. THE GREEN YEARS is obviously the autobiographical account of Cronin's coming of age in Scotland in the early 20th Century. The supurb, honest characterization of his various family members coupled with Cronin's eye for detail, skill in plot construction, and depth of focus make this an excellent read. This book, like his others I have read, looks squarely at life and death, at joy and anguish. It is both humorous and serious as it follows a young orphan from his entrance into a new extended family through his eighteenth year. If I had not already read the second half of his life in ADVENTURES IN TWO WORLDS, I would begin it immediately. I can say with assurrance that I would be in for a treat. Since I am a reader who enjoys learning new words, likes figurative language and description, loves strong characterization, and prefers the single point of view, this book is perfect for my taste.
—Marilyn
