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Ireland: A Novel Audiobook
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(3.00) - 6,726 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
“Dramatic, adventurous, heroic, romantic. . . these historical chronicles, legends, myths, tall tales and fables, featuring warriors, kings, monks, explorers and clever common folk, imaginatively tell the history of Ireland.” — Philadelphia Inquirer
This New York Times bestselling epic is an unforgettable tour de force that marries the intimate, passionate texture of the Irish spirit with a historical scope that is sweeping and resplendent. Storyteller extraordinaire Frank Delaney takes his readers on a journey through the history of Ireland, stopping along the way to evoke the dramatic events and personalities so critical to shaping the Irish experience.
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.
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"An interesting combination of Irish folklore/mythology and a simple narrative about the relationships of 2 generations of 1 family. Chapters alternate between the story about a boy and various people telling Irish legends. Most of the interesting family part is revealed in the last chapters; before that, it's mostly the boy obsessively searching for a wandering Storyteller who came to his house when he was young. The story was OK; just enough to make me curious. I read it for the Irish stories, which fascinate me -- this bumped it up from 3 to 4 stars."
— Laura (4 out of 5 stars)
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“Wonderfully engaging...An intimate epic that is at once a sprawling account of two thousands years of Irish history and a meditation on the enduring importance of stories.”
— Washington Post Book World -
“Gentle, poignant, charming, droll, tragic, triumphant, wise, and unforgettable...Ireland touches the heart and moves the soul.”
— Richmond Times-Dispatch -
“An epic novel of history and storytelling.”
— U.S. News & World Report -
“Delaney gracefully collects essential myths—and invents a few, too—in his heartfelt ode to the oral tradition.”
— Entertainment Weekly -
“A remarkable achievement...A beautiful book.”
— Edward Rutherford, author of The Princes of Ireland -
“Frank Delaney wrote with the ear in mind, and as narrator he uses his gentle, thoughtful voice to full effect. Like his fictional storyteller, he draws listeners in with the two-part goal of telling truths with a good story...Rather than a must-read, this novel is a must-listen.”
— AudioFile
Awards
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Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award
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A New York Times bestseller
Ireland Listener Reviews
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" This is historical fiction with the emphasis on historical. It is basically 15-or-so traditional Irish "tales" based on the true history of Ireland, joined by a fictional glue-story. So if you're interested in learning about the history of Ireland, with lots of interesting little tid-bits sprinkled in, this is the book for you. I started reading the paper copy, and finished the book as a book-on-CD during my loooooooong commute. I preferred the book-on-CD method for this one because during the portions where the storyteller character is telling his stories, you really feel like you're there listening to him. "
— Shannon, 2/19/2014 -
" I loved this book. It was an easy read but was full of vivid stories and the plot that tied the whole book together was great as well. I would definitely recommend this book especially for history lovers and lovers of historical fiction. "
— Emily, 2/17/2014 -
" Well, I didn't like this book at all. I have to admit that towards the end I skipped all the storyteller's stories and only read the frame story... which wasn't all that interesting either. It had a predictable ending, and the head character was dull. Disappointment. "
— Kajsa, 2/16/2014 -
" I really liked this one...a story within a story & history all together. "
— Rachele, 2/14/2014 -
" This is such a beautiful and moving story. I love the history of the storytellers in Ireland and this one is so wonderful. It's a long journet to the end, but the road is so lovely that it passes too quickly. "
— Kelbo, 2/2/2014 -
" Good stories of Irish history. "
— Alan, 1/31/2014 -
" A great book full of Irish folklore and legend, with a lovely story right in with it. It was a bit long, but a surprise toward the end made it all worthwile. "
— Tracey, 1/22/2014 -
" I loved this book. Such a good read. I'm looking forward to reading it again. "
— Beverly, 1/17/2014 -
" A must read... One of my all time favourite novels I love the story and the way history (although bias) is interwoven... Then there's the twist in the tail... Classic! "
— Claire, 1/8/2014 -
" I listened to this book on CD. It was a little slow in parts, but once I got going, I just LOVED IT!!! A must read for anyone who is Irish or loves Irish history. "
— Erin, 12/31/2013 -
" It was a well written book - it did seem a little drawn out at times. I enjoyed finding out irelands history. "
— Kathy, 12/21/2013 -
" Irish history comes alive through Delaney's storytelling using myths and legends. "
— Kaye, 11/12/2013 -
" Enjoyed this book. love reading stories that are long and winding. I feel like I am part of the story. "
— Mona, 10/7/2013 -
" One of my all-time favorites! Great historical and cultural stories of Ireland told amidst a story of a family with many unexpected turns. "
— Brian, 10/2/2013 -
" Stopped reading after about page 50. Writing is just OK and leaning a little too heavily on the Christian influence for my taste. I am used to the excellent storytelling of authors like Maeve Binchy. Interesting topic and premise but just doesn't quite deliver, didn't keep me reading. "
— Angela, 9/28/2013 -
" Decent book, a bit long but a good story... "
— Mary, 8/18/2013 -
" Had a little trouble getting past the folklore to the heart of the story. "
— Shawn, 7/26/2013 -
" fun read about a storyteller and Irish History. I love historical fiction so this one was great. "
— Teresa, 5/9/2013 -
" Completely enthralled with this story. Beautifully written. "
— Lisa, 4/12/2013 -
" I just loved the way that beautiful country was described by the author from the country side to the homes and then the people.... "
— Bob, 12/18/2012 -
" I'm early in the book. But I do love reading about Ireland. I am hoping I am going to like it. It is the history of Ireland as told by a story teller. The beginning is very violent. "
— Cheryll, 3/28/2012 -
" Very ambitious book of Irish myth, history, legend and tale within the context of a ficticious story. I learned so much about Ireland and its people. The action of the story is a little drawn out and I felt it lagged in places. Overall, it was an enjoyable read. "
— Stephani, 12/19/2011 -
" I really enjoyed this, as I enjoy Irish authors, as they generally portray characters I feel I know. This Celt sees a lot of friends, family, and herself in the stories of this absorbing narrative. "
— RJ, 8/5/2011 -
" Spellbinding historical fiction set in Ireland, dealing with roving storytellers and the boy that was obsessed with them. This book invloves lots of great traditional/mythic storytelling about Ireland heroes and roots. It's simply a magical read. "
— Holly, 7/7/2011 -
" The distinct personality of each character telling a story comes through clearly. Especially the cadence. Read the stories aloud, with the accent of the locals from their native county, for a most enjoyable experience. "
— Joe, 5/17/2011 -
" Because I'm of Irish heritage I enjoy the tales of Ireland long ago. It took me awhile to finish because you can put the book down and digest the history and easily pick it up again. "
— Judy, 5/10/2011 -
" Having been to Ireland, I especially love this book. It weaves the lore and history of Ireland into tales told by a traditional Irish storyteller. I think it would interest anyone with a curiosity of Ireland and its history and folklore. "
— Pam, 4/29/2011 -
" A beautiful, thoroughly enjoyable romp through the history of Ireland, from a storyteller's perspective. A truly delightful read - highly recommended to my friends and fellow lovers of historical fiction! "
— Bob, 4/21/2011 -
" actually listening to this one in the car and it is so good I find myself okay with traffic jams- more time to listen. It reminds me so much of the wonderful Michener novels that zeroed in on one place and wove the stories to make it all fascinating. "
— Sandy, 4/20/2011 -
" I loved this way of learning Irish history, and I loved the format too! "
— Lisa, 4/10/2011 -
" Just a wonderful novel about a storyteller in Ireland. Full of history and color. Wonderful characters. I read this some time ago and am now reading all his other novels. Charming! "
— Donna, 3/28/2011
About Frank Delaney
Frank Delaney is the author of the New York Times bestselling novel Ireland, as well as The Matchmaker of Kenmare, Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show, Tipperary, Shannon, and Simple Courage: A True Story of Peril on the Sea. A former judge for the Man Booker Prize, he enjoyed a prominent career in BBC broadcasting before becoming a full-time writer. NPR has called him the “most eloquent man in the world.” Born in Tipperary, Ireland, he now lives in New York City and Connecticut.