Ireland

In the winter of 1951, a storyteller, the last practitioner of an honored, centuries-old tradition, arrives at the home of nine-year-old Ronan O'Mara in the Irish countryside. For three wonderful evenings, the old gentleman enthralls his assembled local audience with narratives of foolish kings, fabled saints, and Ireland's enduring accomplishments before moving on. But these nights change young Ronan forever, setting him on a years-long pursuit of the elusive, itinerant storyteller and the glorious tales that are no less than the saga of his tenacious and extraordinary isle. The Washington Post - Bill Sheehan

The stories of Irish history are familiar but still stirring, and Delaney brings a fresh perspective and a depth of understanding to the telling. His detailed grasp of Irish history lends weight and authority to this long, discursive tale. At the same time, his familiarity with every aspect -- social, cultural and economic -- of Irish society, his empathetic rendering of a varied cast of real and imagined characters, and his ability to convey the intricate beauty of the Irish countryside enrich the narrative at every turn. Mostly, though, the novel draws its power from Delaney's conviction that stories matter, giving shape and meaning to our otherwise fractured personal -- and national -- histories. The troubled history of Ireland makes a particularly memorable story. Delaney tells it very well indeed.More Reviews and RecommendationsBiography

Though Ireland is his first novel published in the United States, Frank Delaney's brilliant career in broadcasting has earned him fame across the United Kingdom, and several of his nonfiction books have been U.K. bestsellers.More About the AuthorCustomer ReviewsReader Rating: Ratings: 36Reviews: 22See All ReviewsThis was awesomeby Anonymous

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November 06, 2009: As a person raised in an Irish family of storytellers, I found this book to be wonderfully crafted. I loved settling down with the storyteller as he crafted his yarns, the storyline was intriguing and it held up well. Recommend without reservation.Definitely a re-readby Anonymous

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June 29, 2009: The book speaks of a "leprechaun" travelling throughout Ireland enthralling those gathered around him with stories of their ancestors. (I hope that I share some of the ancestors he speaks of in this book!) When he didn't have the complete facts, he "embellished". Everyone was thoroughly entertained & encouraged about their life as Irishmen. In reading this book, I received a great history lesson while being entertained @ the same time. Great idea! This book is much more readable and engrossing than his latest & I recommend it above all of his other tales.If more people wrote in this style, I like to think that more people would read; I know I would spend even more time engrossed in more books.