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Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show: A Novel of Ireland Audiobook
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(3.04) - 392 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
“She sprang from the womb and waved to the crowd. Then smiled and took a bow.” And so we first meet Venetia Kelly, the beguiling actress at the center of this new, spellbinding, and epic novel by Frank Delaney, the bestselling author of Ireland and Shannon. January 1932: While Ireland roils in the run-up to the most important national election in the Republic’s short history, Ben MacCarthy and his father watch a vagabond variety revue making a stop in the Irish countryside. After a two-hour kaleidoscope of low comedy, Shakespearean recitations, juggling, tumbling, and other entertainments, Ben’s father, mesmerized by Venetia Kelly, the troupe’s magnetic headliner, makes a fateful decision: to abandon his family and set off on the road with Miss Kelly and her caravan. Ben’s mother, shattered by the desertion, exhorts, “Find him and bring him back,” thereby sending the boy on a Homeric voyage into manhood, a quest that traverses the churning currents of Ireland’s fractious society and splinters the MacCarthy family. Interweaving historical figures including W. B. Yeats, and a host of unforgettable creations—“King” Kelly, Venetia’s violent, Mephistophelean grandfather; Sarah Kelly, Venetia’s mysterious, amoral mother; and even a truth-telling ventriloquist’s dummy named Blarney—Frank Delaney unfurls a splendid narrative that spans half the world and a tumultuous, eventful decade. Teeming with intrigue, pathos, and humor, Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show explores two of Ireland’s great national passions: theater and politics. Writing with his signature mastery and lyrical prose, Frank Delaney once again delivers an unforgettable story as big and boisterous as the people and events it chronicles.
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"This is so creative and eloquent. It's particularly good for Americans with an interest in Ireland, as so many things are carefully explained (historical figures and events, pronunciation of certain words, etc.). You learn as you're being entertained! The characters are vivid and compelling as well."
— Angela (4 out of 5 stars)
Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show Listener Reviews
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" It was interesting.It got better toward the end.Nothing compares to "Ireland;A Novel" "
— Erin, 2/10/2014 -
" Not my favorite of his books, but I still liked it very much. "
— Tricia, 2/8/2014 -
" one of the rare books that I had to walk away from. The style of writing was very difficult to access. I was disappointed because I've loved Frank Delaney in interviews- maybe I'll try the audiobook- it may work better if read to me... "
— Kate, 1/17/2014 -
" What a sad -- haunting -- beautiful story. "
— Kristine, 1/11/2014 -
" Good book, but some flaws in the moral fiber of the story, disappointing ending. Good writing. "
— Yvonne, 1/7/2014 -
" One of the only books I've ever read that makes me grin like an idiot when I see it on the shelf at the library. Love, love, love this book. "
— Bethany, 1/5/2014 -
" I can honestly say that this is one of the great books I will read this year, and certainly may favorite of Frank Delaney's books. Highly recommended not only as a historical novel, but as a book about growing up. "
— Martin, 12/11/2013 -
" Frank Delaney has a wonderful ability to capture time and place. This book is fun, imaginative and gives the feel of Ireland in the early 20th century. Very Good but not as great as his book Ireland. "
— Sherilyn, 11/28/2013 -
" Yes, sadly, I abandoned this book. It just felt like there was no plot line 100 pages in, like it was just mildly interesting antidotes. I wanted to like it and finish, but I just didn't care. I feel bad. "
— Jessica, 6/10/2013 -
" Listening to the audiobook was like having a favorite uncle tell a story. Frank Delaney is a natural story teller and a wonderful narrator. "
— Ticklish, 11/11/2012 -
" A great read. Irish storytelling at its best. Delaney has a fine, and completely accessible prose style. "
— Ken, 9/13/2012 -
" Frank Delaney is quite the storyteller! I had a hard time getting interested in the novel, but I am glad I stuck with it. I learned a lot about Irish history and about halfway through found myself hooked by the plot as well. "
— Sue, 8/24/2012 -
" A little slow at first, but Delaney is a wonderful writer and craftsman. The book's a novel, but I found myself time and again having to remind myself that it was fiction. The characters and plot were just so well done. "
— Rozanne, 6/27/2012 -
" A wonderful story told in a creative way regarding the Irish and love lost. "
— Mark, 2/6/2012 -
" A little slow starting, the tale, once it unravels is mesmerizing. "
— Patty, 12/3/2011 -
" This was a fun read! I won this book thru this site and received it w/in 3 days . It has it all: mystery, romance, history, folklore and great charactor development. I highly recommend to all. I will be checking out more from this author! "
— Mary, 9/29/2011 -
" One of the only books I've ever read that makes me grin like an idiot when I see it on the shelf at the library. Love, love, love this book. "
— Bethany, 4/27/2011 -
" Just get on with the story i screamed throughout the reading. Def had potential but never rose to it. "
— Psirene, 3/21/2011 -
" Enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next one. "
— Mary, 3/19/2011 -
" A good story but a long winded telling. Could have been 50 pages shorter & I would have given it another star. Also annoyed with the ambiguity of the ending, dead? Alive? V's character isn't fleshed out enough to understand it. "
— Lauren, 11/15/2010 -
" As I was reading this book, I kept on getting the feeling that it was going to get much more exciting, and it never quite did. Maybe I just wasn't into the author's style. "
— Hilary, 11/3/2010 -
" A wonderful story told in a creative way regarding the Irish and love lost. "
— Mark, 10/5/2010 -
" one of the rare books that I had to walk away from. The style of writing was very difficult to access. I was disappointed because I've loved Frank Delaney in interviews- maybe I'll try the audiobook- it may work better if read to me... "
— Kate, 9/17/2010 -
" I finished the book. I found it somewhat interesting historically, but the story only kept me moderately captivated. I am taking the other book I have of his back to the library. I'm don't even want to start it. "
— Barbara, 9/13/2010 -
" I loved, LOVED this one!! The story was so good; funny, sad, informative with great characters. I couldn't put it down .. you gotta read this one! "
— Kathy, 8/31/2010
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.