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Shannon: A Novel of Ireland Audiobook
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(3.06) - 558 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
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.
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"This is a beautifully written story of a shell shocked American priest travelling through post WWI Ireland to trace his family roots and also as an exercise to help him recover. Much of the book is essentially a travelogue, describing the places and the people he meets along the way. The real story begins to unfold about halfway through, when we learn of the danger that follows Robert. I enjoyed the book very much and liked the characterizations and the story, even though the ending felt a bit forced."
— Ann (4 out of 5 stars)
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“A rousing tale of forbidden love, civil war, horrible death, and other things Irish…A fine adventure in storytelling…[and] a well-crafted, satisfying work of historical fiction, as are all of Delaney’s novels; respectful of the facts while not cowed by them, and full of life.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“A tale of personal healing and spiritual redemption against the Irish Civil war…Delaney takes great pains to evoke not only the physical but spiritual beauty of the land and people along the River Shannon. He provides incredibly researched details about not only the geological nature of a river winding its way to the sea but the mystical effect this simple body of water has had on its residents for millennia [and] provides timely insights about the raw, damaged output of war and the far-reaching impact it can have…This book is almost impossible to put down and provides a very satisfying, and maybe even surprising, conclusion to all the different storylines.”
— Midwest Irish Focus -
“Thoughtful, spiritual though not overbearing, and rounded out with a nice vein of intrigue.”
— Publishers Weekly
Shannon Listener Reviews
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" I have read several of Delaney's books and this is the best so far. The search for ancestral and personal roots, and the healing that came from that, made for a compelling story. Plus the hero's journey along the Shannon brought back fond memories of a vacation in southwestern Ireland. Highly recommended. "
— Karen, 2/18/2014 -
" Enjoyed book. Shows us what PTSD looks like and how people during WWI dealth with it. Very interesting "
— Emily, 2/8/2014 -
" I listened to this on a CD and it was brilliant. The story is a mysterious tale of what happened to an Irish American priest after his return from WWI, with the evidence of shell shock. I highly recommend listening to the story. The author reads the story and he is a delight. "
— Terye, 2/4/2014 -
" Frank Delaney is a great story teller. This novel is about an American priest who suffers from shell-shock after serving as a chaplin in France during WWI. To help Father Robert Shannon recover from the atrocities of war, he travels to Ireland in search of his roots along the river Shannon. "
— Suzie, 1/26/2014 -
" Another great book by Frank! Great plot, flows smoothly and incorporates much of Irish lore. "
— John, 1/16/2014 -
" Wonderfully engaging book where a saga unfolds is simply marvelous! Great characters and wonderful tales! "
— JoAnn, 1/13/2014 -
" All of Patrick Delaney's books are wonderful, and this is no exception. He can take you to the setting as few others can. I enjoy the characters in his books and his way of weaving stories. I would rate this a 10 out of 10 "
— Cindy, 1/10/2014 -
" All Ireland-Obsessives, read this! It doesn't get more satisfying than this. "
— Angela, 1/3/2014 -
" OK, my absolute favorite of Delaney's so far!!! This one hit on all levels; characters, storyline, charm, history ... such a good good book! Now I can't wait to go to Ireland, altho' I know we won't be traveling in the areas this book covers .. but it's definately given me the bug!! "
— Kathy, 12/31/2013 -
" This was a pleasant story: a man takes a journey through Ireland looking for ancestors, ends up finding himself and home "
— Erin, 12/21/2013 -
" One of my favorite Delaney books. As always, he provides a good descriptive background of the Ireland countryside. He also weaves a good story in this one. "
— Bonnie, 11/26/2013 -
" I love Frank Delaney's books. My favorite is "Ireland". He's a great storyteller and this book, although it pales next to Ireland, was a good read. "
— Kate, 10/27/2013 -
" It's a more complex novel, quite enjoyable. "
— Pleasantree, 10/13/2013 -
" An imaginative and inviting story. It's nice for a change to read a story that ends well. Read the "official" review, trust it, and if it appeals to you, you won't be disappointed. "
— Tim, 9/6/2013 -
" I liked this one a little strange but a decent story, captured scenery just amazing. I want to go there even worse now! "
— Leah, 7/3/2013 -
" Set in 1922 Ireland, giving good picture of Ireland at this time, but I didn't love the story. "
— Frances, 8/21/2012 -
" It started a little slow for me, but I liked it very much. "
— Beverly, 8/16/2012 -
" Another Frank Delaney book filled with intrigue and suspense. I loved this one also. Again, I listened to it on tape which is better because you have the accents of the people. "
— Debra, 6/19/2012 -
" I'm listening to this audio book. Not as good as author's other 2 books, Ireland and Tipperary. "
— Sara, 6/15/2012 -
" Slow moving, but builds interest by the second half. Lots of Irish trivia. "
— Bret, 12/11/2011 -
" Was traveling in Ireland in region and loved learning about the area - added to the travel experience. "
— Janet, 8/28/2011 -
" Some might find the pace of the first half of this book slow, but I thought it was really lovely. The last half of the book is fast paced and very hard to put down. Really well written - a beautiful story of the journey a shell-shocked young priest takes to his homeland for healing. "
— Kelly, 4/4/2011 -
" I read it to the end because I liked a few of the characters. "
— Sheila, 4/3/2011 -
" Gave this book the old 75 page try but couldn't get into it. "
— Laura, 3/26/2011 -
" This is a thriller that starts out quietly that is set in Ireland the 1920's and focuses on an American priest who is recovering from "shell shock" suffered in the trenches in France during WWI. Delaney is a great storyteller. "
— Charlotte, 3/24/2011 -
" something to listen to. was okay. interesting details of Ireland. "
— Summers, 3/5/2011 -
" Delaney knows how to build an intriguing tale -- even if he at times depends too much on coincidence. "
— William, 1/30/2011 -
" Frank Delaney is a great story teller. This novel is about an American priest who suffers from shell-shock after serving as a chaplin in France during WWI. To help Father Robert Shannon recover from the atrocities of war, he travels to Ireland in search of his roots along the river Shannon. "
— Suzie, 1/12/2011 -
" I enjoy listening to Frank Delaney's beautiful Irish accent since he narrates his own audiobooks. "
— Susan, 1/3/2011 -
" Was traveling in Ireland in region and loved learning about the area - added to the travel experience. "
— Janet, 11/6/2010 -
" Wow, what a great book by Delaney! Loved the characters, the story, the suspense, the beauty of Ireland and the people, and the ending. All around a great read and highly recommend this one! "
— korey, 9/22/2010 -
" OK, my absolute favorite of Delaney's so far!!! This one hit on all levels; characters, storyline, charm, history ... such a good good book! Now I can't wait to go to Ireland, altho' I know we won't be traveling in the areas this book covers .. but it's definately given me the bug!! "
— Kathy, 8/31/2010 -
" This was a pleasant story: a man takes a journey through Ireland looking for ancestors, ends up finding himself and home "
— Erin, 8/18/2010 -
" Slow moving, but builds interest by the second half. Lots of Irish trivia. "
— Bret, 7/24/2010
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.