Shannon

A Novel of Ireland

By: Frank Delaney

Narrated by: Frank Delaney

In the summer of 1922, Robert Shannon, a young American hero of the Great War, lands in Ireland. A Marine chaplain, he was present at the frightful Battle of Belleau Wood, and he still suffers from shell shock. His mentor hopes that a journey Robert had always wanted to make to find his family roots will restore his equilibrium and his vocation. But there is more to the story: On his return from the war, Robert Shannon witnessed startling and lethal corruption in the Archdiocese of Boston. As a consequence, he has also been sent to Ireland to secure his silence permanently.

At dawn one morning, Robert steps ashore from a freighter in the river’s estuary and is thrust headlong into the maelstrom of Irish politics, with the country now roiling from the civil war that followed the 1921 Treaty with Britain. While Robert faces the dangers of a strife-torn nation and is pursued by the venom of true evil, Ireland’s myths and people, its beliefs and traditions, its humor and wit, unfurl healingly before his feet every step of the way. Shannon is a timeless and unforgettable account of salvation, belief, duty, and the healing power of discovering one’s roots.

©2009 Frank Delaney (P)2009 Random House

classic story with history too.

the author is not always the best narrator but in this case it works well. nice read/listen.

Better and better

This is the third Delaney novel I’ve read/listened to and all are wonderful adventures deeply embedded in Irish culture, landscape, history and spirit. Delaney is the perfect narrator and I feel so fortunate to have discovered both Ireland (3 visits in the last 4 years) and this unique storyteller!

Awesome Book

I loved this book! I have been listening to all of Frank Delaney’s books from Ireland and they are so good. I enjoy that the author reads them also because his accent makes it more authentic. Thank you for this awesome book.

Marvelous Tale

This is only the 2nd "5" I've given. Frank Delaney has both of them. Brilliant writer (story teller). Great narrator (story teller).

Wonderful storytelling

This is the third book of Frank Delaney that I’ve listened to. Wonderful storytelling. His voice and the story wraps you up in the imagery of Ireland or of Robert’s visions. Second favorite of the three. Ireland, of course, got me hooked on the author and I’m still hooked. I would love to be in a Pub or a home and listen to the author all night.

A Feast for Soul, Heart -- and Ear

What did you love best about Shannon?

I can't remember when I've enjoyed a book this much. I had read Delaney's "Ireland" on Kindle and much enjoyed that, too. The fact that Delaney himself narrates this book enlivens and enhances it. No fake Irish accent here. Delaney's vocal switches with each character are subtle, never overdone, and suit the style of the book well. The characters are richly drawn, the plot is suspenseful and treats history respectfully, and the descriptions of the land and river are keenly vivid.

What other book might you compare Shannon to and why?

Ireland, also by Delaney. I'm trying to think of books that give The Great War and its effects such depth within a fictional work. How I wish it had been "the war to end all wars" - but Delaney recounts its horrors in a way far more compelling than a straight historical account.

Which character – as performed by Frank Delaney – was your favorite?

Besides Robert? (which is a given), I'd have to say Ellie Kennedy. Her strength, skill, intelligence, initiative, and humor will stay with me. I wish I had a friend like her.

Who was the most memorable character of Shannon and why?

Besides Robert? I'd have to say Vincent Patrick Ryan. Although he's the "villain," Delaney skillfully gives us enough back story that he becomes, if not sympathetic, at least complex. Without him, the story would have been much flatter.

Any additional comments?

I'll be looking for more in the same vein.

Magical

Not magical in a fantasy way, just a wonderful story. Delaney is a terrific story writer and teller. And it’s just so good to hear well-spoken English. We Americans have bastardized the English language both written and spoken and it’s so good to know there are those who keep it more pure and descriptive.

This is a highly, highly recommended book.

Masterpiece

Where does Shannon rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is near the top and the best of Delaney's books. There is a mystery slowly unfolding on many levels and the author brings us along the twisting river of love, danger, history, politics, religion, psychology, war, and murder. From Boston to Limerick

What did you like best about this story?

Frank Delaney and the varied and interesting characters we encounter.

Have you listened to any of Frank Delaney’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

He is at the top of his game! I could listen to him read the phone book!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laughed and Cried a number times

Magical

My great grandfather came from county cork so I guess that's why I love Frank Delany's books narrated in brogue, too. He is a marvelous storyteller. He tells the stories of old Ireland, and they're magical.

A fantastic story! A River Shannon story!

Frank Delaney’s story of Robert Shannon’s journey home to trace his roots, find meaning, and to face head-on the demons that haunt him and the love that never betrays!

Beautifully written! Bravo, Bravo!