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Ireland  By  cover art

Ireland

By: Frank Delaney
Narrated by: Frank Delaney
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Publisher's summary

One evening in 1951, an itinerant storyteller arrives unannounced at a house in the Irish countryside. In exchange for a bed and a warm meal, he invites his hosts and their neighbors to join him by the wintry fireside and begins to tell formative stories of Ireland's history. Ronan, a nine-year-old boy, grows so entranced by the storytelling that, when the old man leaves abruptly under mysterious circumstances, the boy devotes himself to finding him again.

Ronan's search for the Storyteller becomes both a journey of self-discovery, long unspoken family secrets, and an immersion into the sometimes conflicting histories of his native land.

A sweeping novel of huge ambition, Ireland is the beautifully told story of a remarkable nation. It rings with the truth of a writer passionate about his country and in full command of his craft.

©2005 Frank Delaney (P)2005 HarperAudio

Critic reviews

"A sprawling, riveting read....Rich and satisfying." (Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about Ireland

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A smooth shot of heartwarming story

Great tradition of the Irish culture and literature and great plot. A story has just one master, and it's Frank Delaney

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Why we listen!

Just loved this book! It is an excellent example of why I am so fond of audiobooks-the storytelling by a storyteller-it's everything🍀

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Captivating

Wonderful layers of stories. Delaney narrates with such feeling (and a rich brogue) that it seems like he lived through Ireland's history and watched the main character struggle through his life rather than merely writing a novel.

I usually listen while walking or bike riding. I took many detours to avoid postponing the next story or plot turn.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful

A magical combination of history and fantasy.
What a treat. Great narrator

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Absolutely LOVED it!

Fantastic story, story teller and narration! I became absolutely lost in this book! Read it before my trip to Ireland, recalled many of the stories which added to my overall holiday experience! I only wished I'd taken down some brief notes along the way!

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Amazing. Truly special.

This is the first of Frank Delaney's books that I've experienced. it seems like it's over the top, but I have to say this must be his Magnum opus! it's wonderful. and I never felt the time at all in fact I was just sorry it ended.

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Loved the history behind this book

From the beginning I was hooked. Most of us are so removed from the poverty of so many at this time in Ireland. The hope and determination those who choose to make their lives better is humbling.

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Inventive, informative, and totally enjoyable.

Although this is a long book it is well worth the time involved in listening to it. It probably is better experienced as an audio book rather than reading it because the narration is part of the enjoyment. There was rarely a point when I could predict the next turn, even though it covered Irish history in a linear fashion. It is a wonderful book.

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Mythology endures

I have probably read this book four times over the years - first in print and now in Audible. Being a fan of all things Irish, I enjoyed the retelling.of the several myths within the framework of the more modern story. Mr.Delaney was a fine narrator, lending an extra note of authenticity to the story.

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excellent

intriguing plot an excellent stories about Ireland. the accent and the voices of the reader go great with the plot

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