I had previously read the books about Venice and Vietnam written by McCarthy. I had also read about her remarkable talent. However, those two books didn't quite resonate with me as deeply as I had hoped.

But this particular one did. McCarthy showcases her brilliance in a rather unassuming manner. She is witty and humorous, yet never in a way that feels like she is simply seeking a quick and easy laugh.

Her story is truly extraordinary, and the way she tells it is equally captivating. This is especially impressive when considering the publication date.

I really fell in love with this book, and it has made me eager to seek out more of her non-fiction works. I'm excited to explore the other stories and perspectives that she has to offer.

I have a feeling that each of her books will have its own unique charm and provide valuable insights. I can't wait to discover what else McCarthy has in store for her readers.

Intellectual and somewhat pretentious, this work is lyrically written.

It repeatedly sent me scurrying to my dictionary, and I felt ashamed of how few of the Latin and Shakespeare references I could truly absorb.

Many pages left me with the distinct impression that I had unfortunately dozed off on the train while passing through a lush and vibrant landscape.

In the end, I came to sense that this was precisely the purpose of the author.

Perhaps the author intended to create a text that would both challenge and engage the reader, leading them on a journey through a rich tapestry of language and ideas.

By incorporating such esoteric references, the author forces the reader to expand their knowledge and stretch their intellectual boundaries.

Even if we don't fully understand every allusion, the experience of grappling with them enriches our reading and broadens our perspective.

So, while this work may initially seem intimidating, it ultimately offers a rewarding and thought-provoking experience.

3.5 stars.

The introduction, in my opinion, was the most powerful aspect of the book. McCarthy had a unique way of ending almost every chapter or essay by closely examining what she had just written. This added a layer of depth and self-reflection that I truly appreciated. It made me engage with her thoughts on a deeper level and consider my own beliefs and experiences.

However, not every chapter managed to hold my attention throughout. There were a few that felt a bit拖沓 or less relevant to my personal interests. But overall, I still think this book is worth a read for all cradle Catholics. It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can enhance one's understanding of the Catholic faith and its impact on our lives.

Whether you are a devout Catholic looking to deepen your spiritual journey or simply someone interested in learning more about the Catholic Church, this book has something to offer. It may not be a perfect read, but it is definitely one that will make you think and perhaps even challenge some of your preconceived notions.

I have a deep love for biography. It is truly fascinating, especially when an author manages to get inside the mind of a person from long ago.

When they bravely reveal unbelievably embarrassing things about themselves, it gives us a more intimate and human look at the subject.

Moreover, when I am exposed to new worlds or history through a biography, it broadens my perspective and enriches my knowledge.

This particular book is a great one for all those reasons. It offers a unique insight into the life and thoughts of the person being profiled, and takes the reader on a journey through their experiences.

Whether it's learning about their achievements, their failures, or their personal struggles, a good biography can be both entertaining and educational.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in history, or who simply enjoys reading about the lives of others.

I had anticipated delving into a detailed account of what it was truly like to grow up Catholic in the earlier eras of America. However, this turned out to be just a minor aspect of the book.

Mary McCarthy's childhood was, in certain respects, arduous. Nevertheless, her memoir did not captivate me as much as I had anticipated, given the other reviews I had read. Perhaps my lack of interest stemmed from the fact that I had never heard of her prior to this and had no personal connection or investment in her as an individual.

One aspect that I did appreciate were the interchapters. In these, she provided commentary on what she had written in the memoir. She would muse about how her memory might have failed her or that she had to tweak the truth slightly to make the narrative more engaging. I'm glad she took this approach because, truth be told, the memoir itself wasn't overly exciting to begin with.

Overall, while the book had its moments, it didn't quite live up to my initial expectations.

A 4.65. McCarthy is an amazing writer who tells an amazing story. His ability to immerse the reader in different times and places is truly terrific. When reading his works, one can vividly imagine being in the specific era and location that he描绘s. It's as if the words on the page come alive and transport the reader into a whole new world. McCarthy's writing is so detailed and descriptive that it allows the reader to experience every aspect of the story, from the sights and sounds to the emotions and thoughts of the characters. Whether it's a historical period or a fictional setting, McCarthy has the talent to make it feel real and engaging. His stories have the power to captivate the reader's attention from beginning to end and leave a lasting impression.

If you were raised Catholic, you will recognize parts of your childhood.

There were the solemn masses on Sundays, with the beautiful music and the smell of incense filling the church. The priest's voice echoing through the nave as he delivered the sermon.

There were also the religious education classes, where you learned about the teachings of the Church, the lives of the saints, and the importance of faith.

You might remember the excitement of receiving your first communion, dressed in your finest clothes, and the anticipation of that moment when you would receive the body and blood of Christ.

And then there were the family traditions, like saying the rosary together at night or attending special feasts and celebrations.

All of these experiences, big and small, shaped your childhood and left a lasting impression on you. They are a part of who you are and will always be remembered.

Her recollections of being orphaned at the tender age of 6 and enduring beatings from her uncle for the slightest of infractions are truly disturbing.

She vividly and accurately describes the trauma she endured during her time in Catholic school indoctrination, a trauma that I, too, unfortunately suffered.

However, what she fails to realize is just how well-to-do her family was. She casually speaks of governesses, nursemaids, cooks, gardeners, chauffeurs, maids, touring cars, and mansion-like houses as if these are the norm for everyone.

It gives the impression that she is completely out of touch with the reality of the average person's life or perhaps even snobbish.

Her privileged upbringing seems to have clouded her perception and made it difficult for her to understand the experiences and hardships of those less fortunate.

This lack of awareness ultimately detracts from the overall impact of her story and makes it hard for the reader to fully empathize with her.

Very dramatic! Some reviewers have suggested that this statement is not very accurate. It seems that there is a certain degree of controversy surrounding this matter. Maybe the situation is more complex than what meets the eye. We need to take a closer look and analyze the details to truly understand the essence of the issue. There could be various factors at play that have led to this difference in opinion among the reviewers. It is important to consider all perspectives and not simply rely on one-sided suggestions. By doing so, we can gain a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the situation.

I LOVED The Group, but I did not at all love this story of the author’s childhood.

The most interesting aspect of her life story was that her parents passed away during the 1918 flu pandemic.

Previously, before the COVID-19 crisis, this would have been just a dry historic fact. However, now it has become frighteningly relatable.

Catholicism doesn't hold much interest for me. But to be honest, I was hoping that this book would manage to make it a little more engaging.

Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.

The writing in the book is smooth and clear, which is a positive point. Nevertheless, it is a very slow read despite being relatively short.

Perhaps it's because the subject matter didn't grip me as much as I had hoped.

Overall, while the author's writing skills are evident, this particular story of her childhood failed to capture my attention and keep me hooked from start to finish.

It is truly a tragic and disturbing philosophy that one would rather deposit children in a Catholic household where they are severely abused and neglected than allow the Protestants to have them. This was the mindset of Mary McCarthy's grandparents after her parents passed away, one day apart, during the 1918 influenza pandemic. Fortunately, at the age of eleven, Mary was sent to live with her Protestant grandparents in Seattle. Although they may not have been overly warm and loving, they were kind and generous and never resorted to abuse.

A childhood filled with such turmoil and upheaval would be enough to cause anyone to lose their faith, and Mary did so at a relatively young age. She never managed to regain it. In her writing, she expresses her thoughts:

"I do not mind if I lose my soul for all eternity. If the kind of God exists Who would damn me for not working out a deal with Him, then that is unfortunate. I should not care to spend eternity in the company of such a person."

Her words resonate deeply with me, as I too share similar sentiments. The experiences of her childhood clearly had a profound impact on her beliefs and outlook on life.

Her writing remains as excellent as ever, yet there is a certain dullness to it.

I chose to pick up this book because the other works I had read by her had piqued my curiosity and made me eager to know more about her.

After reading this, I do indeed have a better understanding of her background and character. However, when it comes to autobiographical works, this one isn't really all that captivating.

The last chapter, which is about her grandmother, is a beautiful homage. It shows a different side of her and adds a touch of warmth and tenderness to the otherwise somewhat lackluster narrative.

Overall, while the book has its moments, it fails to truly engage the reader from start to finish. It could have been more exciting and dynamic, perhaps with more vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes.

Nevertheless, her writing skills are still evident, and there are parts of the book that are值得 reading.

It just doesn't quite live up to the expectations set by her previous works or by the genre of autobiography in general.

Maybe with her next book, she will be able to recapture the magic and excitement that made her other works so enjoyable.