Ireland : A Novel - Hardcover

Delaney, Frank

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0316725978 ISBN 13: 9780316725972

Publisher: Time Warner Books Uk, 2004

Synopsis

One evening in 1951, an itinerant storyteller arrives unannounced and mysterious at a house in the Irish countryside. By the November fireside he begins to tell the story of this extraordinary land. One of his listeners, a nine-year-old boy, grows so entranced by the storytelling that, when the old man leaves, he devotes his life to finding him again. It is a search that uncovers both passions and mysteries, in his own life as well as the old man's, and their solving become the thrilling climax to this tale. But the life of this boy is more than just his story: it is also the telling of a people, the narrative of a nation, the history of Ireland in all its drama, intrigue and heroism. 'Ireland' travels through the centuries by way of story after story, from the savage grip of the Ice Age to the green and troubled land of tourist brochures and news headlines. Along the way, we meet foolish kings and innocent monks, god-heroes and great works of art, shrewd Norman raiders and envoys from Rome, leaders, poets and lovers. Each illuminates the magic of Ireland, the power of England and the eternal connection to the land.

About this title

About the Author:

A BBC presenter for over 5 years, Delaney is considered 'one of the best loved broadcasters in Britain' (Times). Born in Ireland but now New York-based, he wrote James Joyce's Odyssey, a Top 5 non-fiction bestseller in Britain, as were The Celts & Betjeman Country

From AudioFile:

When a storyteller comes to visit young Ronan's house, he becomes fascinated with the wanderer's art. His mother is less fascinated, throwing the man out and spawning a search for the man and Ronan's lifelong fascination with storytelling and Irish history. The stories form the backbone of the novel as Ronan traces the man's tales and tries a few of his own. 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 and keeping listeners driven to know what happens next. Rather than a must-read, this novel is a must-listen. J.A.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

About this edition

• Publisher: Time Warner Books Uk
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0316725978
• ISBN 13: 9780316725972
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 480