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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

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Breath-taking book

I started listening to this book (I'm reviewing all three parts here) as preparation for a trip to Ireland this summer. I love antiquity and history, so I thought this would set the mood for my trip. In fact, it was indispensable. Many of the places described in the stories told here were already on my itinerary, and the Irishness of the text as well as of the audio couldn't have complemented my travels better. I plan to listen to the whole book again, soon.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant narration

The book's plot structure of Ronan's search for the storyteller is a convenient container for the true gems of this novel - wonderful, colorful stories covering the breadth of Irish history, from the making of the 5000 year old tomb at New Grange, the legend and fact of St. Patrick, Strongbow and the invasion of the Anglo-Normans, Daniel O'Connell and the repeal of the penal laws, to the 20th century troubles. In every breath of this novel, the Irish gift of gab is celebrated. I must say that this is most captivating audiobook I've heard to date.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding!

Grab a cuppa and sit by the fireside. A story by a storyteller about a story about a storyteller about a story about a storyteller.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Totally enjoyable!

What made the experience of listening to Ireland the most enjoyable?

While on long trip, held our interest for the whole 20 hours!!! Excellent ❤️

What was one of the most memorable moments of Ireland?

Enjoyed all of the stories of Ireland and of the characters.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Suspense, heartwarming, can’t stop listening:

This is a most wonderful heartwarming, sad and beautiful tail encompassing and interweaving the history of Ireland and the myths around the memories of the history of Ireland. With magical ease, following the life of one boy into adulthood, Frank Delaney captured my heart, and set a blaze a wonderment of the breathtakingly beautiful and magical country of Ireland. The writing is a 5+ star masterpiece. I can’t wait to start the story again, listening with even closer attention and more heightened senses.…

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

What a wonderful story!

I can't believe anyone could give this book less than 5 stars. It does start slowly, so maybe if you don't give it a chance, you would rate it less. This is the story of a traveling storyteller and you actually feel like you are in the livingrooms of Ireland with his audience. The narrator (the author) effortlessly takes you into each story and then back to present day ( 1950's Ireland). This is one of my favorite books! Enjoy!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

I adore this story

I think the author reading this story just adds so much extra magic to a beloved tale.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Captivating!

I rarely give a 5 star rating to any book, but once in a while I find one!
Ireland is most definitely a 5 star audiobook. This was my first Frank Delaney novel (I hesitate to call it a novel since this is so much Irish history), but it will not be the last. Amazing writing and amazing narration, this one was like finding a little chunk of gold.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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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