Ireland

By: Frank Delaney

Narrated by: Frank Delaney

Length: 19 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

One evening in 1951, an itinerant storyteller arrives unannounced at a house in the Irish countryside. In exchange for a bed and a warm meal, he invites his hosts and their neighbors to join him by the wintry fireside and begins to tell formative stories of Ireland's history. Ronan, a nine-year-old boy, grows so entranced by the storytelling that, when the old man leaves abruptly under mysterious circumstances, the boy devotes himself to finding him again.

Ronan's search for the Storyteller becomes both a journey of self-discovery, long unspoken family secrets, and an immersion into the sometimes conflicting histories of his native land.

A sweeping novel of huge ambition, Ireland is the beautifully told story of a remarkable nation. It rings with the truth of a writer passionate about his country and in full command of his craft.

©2005 Frank Delaney (P)2005 HarperAudio

Critic reviews

"A sprawling, riveting read....Rich and satisfying." (Publishers Weekly)

Excellent

Such rich and complex while exquisitely simple dimensions in this story book about stories. I am deeply appreciative.

Irish people

A great narrative of Irish history very interesting and an easy listen and the countryside explored through stories

A Fascinating Read - Fiction combined with History

This was a great read - although it probably helps to have interest in Irish culture and heritage. The stories interwoven with the main story are fascinating, colorful, and exemplify a true lost art of the past, that of the oral telling of history. The main story line of the fascinated boy, and on what becomes his life-long quest to find the mysterious story-teller, integrate all the other stories seamlessly and make you appreciated this book as a book of short stories within a long story.

Excellent

I usually avoid historical fiction, but this book was done very well.

Perfect!

History with FEELING! What a refreshing listen/read this book is. I loved the narration, the stories of Irish legend, myth and history; and the parallel family story. I listened into the wee hours of the morning. I was sad when the book ended. I am sure I will listen to this book again. Now I want to go to Ireland!

Cozy Read

Just like the description, you can cozy up by the fire and listen to this book. Or, if trying to wind down for bed...the narrator is very soothing.

The story was okay. I didn't really conceptualize that it is a story within a story. I just saw Irish story teller, so I assumed it was just about Irish folklore.

It had A Princess Bride feel, in the sense that you start with a grandfather telling a story to his grandson. That was a little nostalgic for me too. In this book, I like how much the story teller has an impact on the boy.

Enjoyed seeing Ireland through the writer's eyes.

I found it slow going in the beginning and had to put it aside for awhile. Then I began anew and found myself immersed and wanted more. Great narrator who took me to my family's homeland where I could see hear and feel as if I were there as he told his stories. I would recommend it to anyone who would enjoy the history and tales of this beloved country. I wish it didn't have to end. We need more stories like this.

Irish History As Told By a Storyteller

This is a wonderful compilation of Irish stories, including ancient myths and legends, stories of gallantry during struggles with English domination, and most recent encounters in Northern Ireland. Before listening to this book, I had only a meager understanding of Irish history, but after finishing the book I have a much better appreciation of the rich history of Ireland. The stories are compelling in their own right, but are made more so by being woven into a larger story about the storyteller.

Ireland

A wonderful story, well written and narrated. One of my all time favorites. A must read for all who love Ireland.

Never connected like this before

The reader has a mastery of Irish accents and a pacing that is pleasant to the ear. The writer is an excellent character and story developer. Each character was truly human, and very Irish. Everything in this story was already so fun to listen to as you went along, but the true beauty comes in the end. All loose ends are tied up and all aspects are connected in a breathtaking moment of storytelling. I cried coming to its conclusion as I felt the reality of Ireland’s history and how far we have had to come. I mourned and rejoiced over all that had to happen for us to be here. So proud.