I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest, indepedent review.

Sitting at a bar stool in Ireland, 84-year-old Maurice looks back at his life and raises a toast to the five people who meant the most to him.

A lovely Irish tale, following Maurice on one night as he reflects on his life and the people in it. However, although beautifully written, I found the book a bit heavy-going in places and struggled with it at times. I found Maurice went off-subject in his stories, though maybe this is just his character, but it meant I got a little lost in the story and found it jumped around a little too much for my liking.

As I got towards the end of the book, I could see how it was going to end, but I still found the ending beautifully emotional.

I was a bit unsure about this at the start and I'm glad to say that I was wrong. This is a beautifully written book filled with bittersweet memories and Maurice is a character that will stay with me for a long time. I usually don't re read books but this is one I will be going back to again and again. This is the author's debut book and definitely has a talent for writing. I'm already looking forward to the next book, no pressure lol. I would like to thank the publishers and netgalley for letting me have the book to review and the opinions expressed are entirely my views.

This book had been on my ‘ones to watch list’ so I was over joyed when I had the opportunity to review it from the publishers.

Following Maurice, an elderly Irish man who raises a toast to the 5 people that changed his life. This a joyful and yet sorrowful read at the same time.
I felt so much pity for Maurice, he knew the wrongs he had committed in his life time and felt deep regret. That is ultimately what this story is about, regret and grief.
The book missed the mark slightly for me, in that it didn’t impact me as emotionally as I would of wanted but it makes up for that with its intrigue. That is what kept me reading. Although Maurice is not a likeable character, having been selfish and wreckless and ignorant, I still wanted to know his story. I am glad I read it, as it has been on my radar for a while. It was a great look into life, grief and end of life.

When I picked this one up I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was a similar premise to ‘the 5 people you meet in heaven.’

The book follows Maurice an 84 year old man, as he toasts 5 people from his life. He is talking to his son thoughout these 5 smaller stories and I enjoyed this writing style.

You learn about Maurice, from his reflections of his life through the 5 people he has chosen to toast. His life has been an interesting one, I’m not sure entirely if he has been happy though or if he has made the people around him happy.

If like to thank the publisher, Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read this title I exchange for a review.

Thanks to NetGalley and to Sceptre for providing me an ARC copy of this book that I freely chose to review.
This is a beautiful novel. Its structure is simple and so is the plot. Written in the first person, this is the story of a man, Maurice Hannigan, a widower, who has come to a decision about what to do with the rest of his life. Having made that decision, it has come the time to explain why he has decided what he has. The novel is structured around his conversation with his son, Kevin, who lives in the USA and is not there in person; therefore it becomes a monologue, with an intended audience of one. We, the readers, act as his son’s stand-ins. Maurice, as we soon learn, has never been the talking kind, so this is a bit of a departure for him, probably because of the time of his life and because he is not eye-to-eye with the person he is addressing.
Maurice has booked the best room in the hotel and is drinking five toasts to the people who have had the most impact in his life. In the process of talking about them and their influence, we get to hear about his life and what made him who he is. He chooses carefully his drinks, measures his words, and also the mementos he has kept. He drinks ale and also his preferred drink, whisky, and shares photographs, a pipe, a coin, and plenty of memories. He toasts to his brother, who died of TB when he was very young, always protected him and was his role model; to the daughter who never was and has always remained present for him; to his wife’s sister, who spent most of her life in psychiatric hospitals, took to him from the first and played an important role in solving an interesting mystery; to his son, who always had different dreams but tried hard to keep in touch; and to his wife, the one and only, the person he cannot live without.
Through his toasts we learn a lot about Maurice, his world, and the changes in Ireland through the years: when he was young life was harsh for farmers, the owners of the big house could behave as if they owned the people around them, school was hard for those who could not learn at the normal rhythm, and a family feud could last for years. Ireland moves with the times, and we hear about his change of circumstances, but he finds it difficult to let go of his wish for revenge and his resentments, of his low self-confidence because he never did well with books (later on in life he realises he suffers from dyslexia), and especially, of his grief and bereavement. He has suffered many losses through life, and he has many regrets, although he has also done some good things, intentionally or not.
Maurice feels real and very familiar, and I think most readers will be reminded of somebody they know. He is not the most sympathetic character at first sight, although he has gone through a lot, and some of his decisions are harsh and mean-spirited. During the book we get to understand what has made him as he is and it is difficult not to feel touched by his narrative, even if we don’t have much in common with him. There are plenty of family secrets revealed, and he learns to let go of the hatred he held for most of his life. The author writes beautifully, and without using complex language manages to convey true feeling and emotions. She gives her character a recognisable and true voice, dry and sharp, with touches of black humour and always understated, even when talking about those dearest to him. There is a beautiful love story at the heart of this novel, and it is very difficult not to feel moved by it. As for the ending… I won’t discuss it in detail, but I don’t think it will come as a surprise to most readers, although what might be surprising is how we feel about it by then.
Although the author is well-known, this is her first novel, and it is a thing of beauty, poetic and sincere. Here I share some examples of her writing:
It’s an awful thing, to witness your mother cry. You cannot cure nor mend nor stick a plaster on.
Forty-nine years ago, I met Molly, and only for fifteen minutes. But she has lived in this dilapidated heart of mine ever since.
I watched her skin survive the years, softly, folding upon itself. I touched it often, still hopelessly loving every bit of her, every line that claimed her, every new mark that stamped its permanency.
Loneliness, that fecker again, wreaking havoc on us mortals. It’s worse than any disease, gnawing away at our bones as we sleep, plaguing our minds when awake.
These past two years have been rotten. I’ve felt the ache of her going in my very bones. Every morning, every hour of every day I’ve dragged her loss around with me. The worst thing has been the fear that I’ll wake one morning and she’ll be gone from my memory forever, and that, son, that, I just can’t do.
This is a gorgeous book that touches on important subjects and deep feelings without going over the top and being sugary sweet. It is not a page turner plot-wise, and there isn’t much action (other than in some of the memories), so it will not suit readers who are looking for a fast plot. But anybody who loves a character-driven novel, enjoys savouring the quality and poetry of good writing and is looking for new authors will have a field day. I am going to follow Anne Griffin’s career with interest, and I expect to hear great things from her.

Quite simply I loved this book in which you draw up up your stool at the bar beside 84 year old Maurice and listen while he tells us his life story, in his beguiling Irish lilt, over a few drinks. Each drink is dedicated to the important people in his life, and his story telling - via the pen of Anne Griffin - is utterly engaging. His life, from rags to riches, is as entertaining as it is unpredictable. Maybe his ruthless drive to succeed, allied to brutal treatment as a youth, stifled his ability to express love and emotion to his family and friends but it surely never stopped him loving them. By the end I truly shared the pain and regret he so clearly felt and the way he finally expresses it brought tears to my eyes. Unhesitatingly I give this wonderful book 5 stars!

Oh but this book is lovely!

Maurice Hannigan has lived a good life and he raises a toast to five people who tell the story of this life.
A great way to tell a story but also beautifully written and so bittersweet. Beautiful.

I did not expect this book to be so emotional - looking back I'm not sure why but this is a heartfelt, touching book. I was reminded of books like 'The Five People You Meet in Heaven' as Maurice Hannigan, an old man, recounts his life through the people he wishes to hold a toast to, the people he wishes to really recognise, before he dies. He has led a simple life with its own heartaches and complexities which are recalled in a very natural way throughout the book. This is the kind of writing that looks simple but is actually very skillful because the author has been very controlled and known when to hold back and let her narrative speak for itself. It is a real joy to read.

The book is beautifully written - Anne Griffin writes with a beautiful simplicity that just has you lost within it, turning the pages and crying your heart out as some of her words go straight to your heart. I think the section that got me the most was the toast to Tony, but the book overall was just lovely.

I look forward to reading anything by this fresh Irish voice :)

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Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Gosh! I'm so grateful to Netgalley, Hodder and Stoughton and the author, Anne Griffin for the opportunity to preview this fabulous read in exchange for my honest review.

Perhaps it's because this has been a year of loss. Perhaps it's because I'm Irish and have an 85 year old father. Whatever the reason, I adore this book. It's a fabulous reminisce of a life well lived and the memories, regrets and associations linked to that life.

It's just wonderful and I defy you not to cry, laugh, make commitments that you'll do better and hope. What more could you wish from a book?

This is one of the reasons I feel blessed to be part of the Netgalley family, as, I'd likely not have chosen this book were I not a reviewer. Feeling very grateful and thank you again.

I loved this book. I was hooked from the beginning. I could see the hotel in my minds eye and all the characters were distinct and well drawn. It has a real Irish feel to it. Maurice Hannigan is a wonderful character, and each chapter if his life is told with feeling and intimacy.. Truly a great read.

Initially I heard a lot of buzz about this book and so I took a look at the synopsis on Netgalley but I was hesitant, as the thought of an elderly man monologue was a bit dubious to me. However, it works, wonderfully, and I was engrossed by the stories, both of his past loves and losses as well as the present day circumstances happening during his reflection at the bar.
Extending over a lifetime the hardships of working class Ireland and the challenges facing all generations was detailed and personal and honest.
Addictive!

A vivid telling of an extraordinary ordinary man

That title is a jumble, I know but having lived with Maurice Hannigan in my head for the last few days, it seems right somehow.

Beautifully unfurled with all the charm of the Irish vernacular, When All Is Said is a poignantly, clear-eyed (in spite of or maybe because of the drink) look back over someone's life, by that someone.

Five toasts and a plan. Maurice is our host and a very likeable, entertaining one at that. Each raise of his glass brings new revelations, the characters worming their way into your heart as Maurice's beloved stout and whiskies flow into his blood.

You are left with the feeling you have spent a moment with a special person whose life story you are glad you heard. He is so real, I fully expect to bump into people who knew him if I ever visit County Meath.

To Maurice Hannigan - glass of something special

I was surprised at the slow start to this book, but luckily I stuck with it and was transported to a beautifully drawn other world of an Irish farmer looking back over his life and toasting the people who had meant the most to him. It has such charm and is told with such sensitivity that the reader is carried along by its fascinating characters and solid narrative almost unaware of the difference in time and place. I am so pleased I did not give up after the rather uninspiring first chapter as it was a real treat to be absorbed by such a convincing and touching tale.

Every so often a book comes along and grabs you, sucks you in and makes you feel every single emotion. This is a beautifully written, beautifully observed book, The story of Maurice an 84 year old farmer looking back at his life, his loves, and his enemies, as he raises 5 toasts to those who meant the most to him and in that we hear the story of his life. The whole book takes place over one evening in a hotel bar. This made me smile, laugh and the tears ran down my face at the end.
Just beautiful. I’m mourning a man I never met

What a wonderful book!
Sitting at a hotel bar in a small Irish town is 84 year old Maurice Hannigan. Sitting alone he will raise a toast to the five people who have meant the most to him during his life. In a heartbreaking, heartwarming narration you will read the story of his life.
It is a very well written, beautiful story with well drawn characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and will recommend it to everyone who is looking for a Can't Put It Down book.
5 shiny gold stars

Irish farmer Maurice Hannigan, 84 and widowed pulls up a pew at the bar of the local hotel in Co. Meath and there, he raises a toast to five people who have helped shape his life. Through each of these five toasts, we learn of Maurice's life from the 1940's to present day.
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This book is fantastic. I couldn't put it down and read it over 24 hours. It is a breathtaking read of one man's simple yet captivating life, it's heartwarming, funny, poignant, devestatingly sad (lots of tears at one stage!) and it is utterly compelling reading. I loved it and it gets a big fat 5/5 from me. I highly recommend it for your New Year's reading list.

This is a beautifully written book. Very sad at times but not in a depressing way. It is the real story of Maurice Hannigans life from cradle to grave. Most enjoyable

When All Is Said by Anne Griffen is a book which packs an emotional punch.

Over the course of an evening, 84 year old Maurice Hannigan sits in a bar in a local hotel and raises five toasts to five people who were important in his life. Although on his own, he imagines he is telling his son about these five people and through the toasts we learn his life story.

At first I thought it might be a similar concept to Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven but while Albom's main character is surprised by the five people he meets and influenced when he was alive, Maurice knows very well and appreciates the significance of the five people he is raising a toast to. Through his reminiscing we learn about his loves, his regrets, the ghosts of the past, his secrets, his joys and his sorrows.

This book is storytelling at its best. I felt as though I could have been sitting on the bar stool next to Maurice listening to him tell his story. He had a relatively ordinary life perhaps, but Anne Griffen's writing makes it captivating in its telling nonetheless.

I expect that some people will feel a bit conflicted about the ending and of course I'm not going to tell you how it ends. But I would say that I thought the ending was perfect, very poignant yet perfect.

Took me a while to read this book. There is a beauty to the writing, evocative prose that conjures up lifelike characters and takes you under the skin of people you feel you might have known. Although some parts of the book made me laugh, overall I found it moving and somewhat melancholy.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for my honest review.

Often the almost hysterical hype that accompanies a new author just does not deliver, but, at last, in the case of “When All Is Said”, here is a book that lived up to expectations.

This was the self-told story of the long life of 84 year old farmer Maurice Hannigan, Sitting in the bar of his local hotel in a small Irish town, Maurice reminisces by raising a toast to five people who have made him the person he is - his older brother Tony, his lost daughter Molly, his sister-in-law Noreen, his beloved wife Sadie and his only son, Kevin. All but Kevin, now a successful journalist living in America, are dead, leaving taciturn Maurice lonely and sad, his significant wealth gained by hard work and hard-nosed land deals meaning nothing without Sadie his lifetime partner and one true love.

Maurice tells his story as if you are sitting on a bar stool beside him, sharing an Irish stout or whisky, and this storytelling style adds an effective charm to the book. Maurice is tired of life and has put his affairs in order, tying up all loose ends and selling up the family home. Throughout the book you suspect Maurice is planning an end that he wants and because the book is warm and witty and very believable, when the end of the book approached I felt a conflicting mix of wanting it all to be ok and for Maurice to be saved, but also wanting Maurice to achieve his dearest wish because life and experience tell you that things come to and end and his choice is better than the other alternatives.

Books don’t often make me cry but I had a tear in my eye at the end. An accomplished debut and I will look out for more by this author in future.