Review of Journey to the Gorta

[AntonelaMaria]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Journey to the Gorta" by Ryan McCullough.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Journey to the Gorta by Ryan McCullough is a time-travel novel. In this book, we follow our main protagonist, Ryan, as he travels from the year 2021 to 1845. As the book takes place in Ireland, one can imagine what awaited him was much worse than the pandemic. Forced to find his way back, he overcomes many obstacles and encounters some amazing people. How will he find his way back and fix his time machine in a world without technology? Will his actions change the future?

While this is a book about not-so-fun times in our history, the author uses entertaining tools to influence some escapist twists on it. Imagine having the option of time travel. I suppose how each of us would react is entirely subjective. For me, it was fun to read about it and experience it in that way. There were some moments in the book when the author lost my attention, and I found the side plot of him making a sewing machine a little tedious. Then there is the obvious suspension of disbelief for the sake of the plotline that a reader needs to have in these types of stories.

My favorite part of this book is the meaning behind this story and what led the author to write this book. It is a heartbreakingly beautiful declaration of love and loss. After a difficult loss, having an option that allows you to go back in time, escape reality, and relive some new alternative realities is quite appealing. More often than not, we read for escapism. I think authors write for the same reason. I loved going on this journey with Ryan. While he encountered unimaginable hardships people endured in the past, there is also a silver lining. The human spirit is a beautiful thing, and it shines on these pages.

I noticed only a couple of minor errors, and I think this book was well edited. Except for some of my subjective dislikes, I don't find anything bad to say about this book. That is why I can't rate it with anything less than a perfect four out of four stars. It wouldn't be objective and fair to this work.

The obvious recommendation groups are fans of the sci-fi and historical genres, especially those who enjoy reading about time travel. Readers who like to read books about one character's perception of the world, adventures, and perseverance are also welcome to pick this book up. Furthermore, readers interested in Irish history should check this book out. If you are not in any of the previous groups, I still recommend you read this one. Sometimes it's good to step out of your comfort zone.

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Journey to the Gorta
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[Aisha Yakub]

I think the concept of time travel is quite exciting. This should be fun to read. Great review.

[Sammy Kamau 2]

I hate time travel stories but your review makes the story appealing

[Itz Savaga]

Time travel novels are always a fun. It's always fun to travel into the future. Good review.

[Mmaduabuchi Eze]

The concept of time travel recorded in this book is amazing. Also, I am interested in reading the Irish history covered in this piece.