The Gathering by Anne Enright
Published on February 5, 2026
ENGLISH BOOKSHOP
Amsterdam
Bookclub Review
The Gathering by Anne Enright was widely seen by the group as a classic Irish novel, with a strong sense of place and atmosphere. Enright’s writing, particularly in the opening chapters, was praised for being captivating, lyrical, and beautifully poetic. However, as the discussion developed, several members felt that while the writing itself was powerful, the story may have been more effective in a shorter form. There was a general sense that the novel could have worked especially well as a short story.