Ireland

By: Frank Delaney

Narrated by: Frank Delaney

Length: 19 hrs and 29 mins

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)

Outstanding! Tells an incredible story.

I loved the way the author wove incredible stories of Irish history while celebrating what it means to be Irish.

Magnificent

Loved it and the author's narration. I have listened to it three times...so far.

The Irish Bible

This book must be whatcthe Irish consider to be their Bible. Beautiful stories woven around Irish history

An engaging vehicle for Irish History & more

Beautifully written - it strings together lots of Irish Myths/Stories in a very different way. I did not guess one of the best parts until it was actually told. Frank Delaney narrates his own work and he has a voice you could listen to all day and all night. There is surely a itinerant storyteller in his heritage somewhere. You won't be sorry you read/listened. (I have to say, though I did it in audio, I was amazed to see how many pages it was, I would never have guessed.) Anyone interested in Irish history, both recent and ancient, will be enthralled.

Absolutely Wonderful

My wife suggested I read this book before our trip to Ireland next month. This was a wonderful introduction into the history of Ireland as well as the importance of history and storytelling. Listening to the narrator enhanced the experience far better than actually reading the story. While the book does slow down a bit in the middle, the ending brings a stellar conclusion weaving the many disparate elements to a satisfying finale. Books like this make me keep reading!

Ireland feels like home

Frank Delaney’s story and his narration of it made me feel so proud to have Irish blood. I’ve been to this great country and met its wonderful people and they are what he says they are. Now I want to go back accompanied by these great stories.

One of the Most Awesome Books...

... I have ever heard or read. Poignant, illuminating, searching, revealing and powerful. If you have any Irish blood in you at all you need to read or listen to "Ireland." The fact that it is narrated by the author makes it even more moving. I finished listening to it inspired in more ways than you can possibly imagine. I can honestly say i have not enjoyed a book this much since I read "Undaunted Courage" by Stephen Ambrose in 2004. A simply marvelous book that is tough to put down. I bought the paperback after finishing the audiobook. As a writer (of epic fantasy) myself, the chapter on storytelling resonated deeply with me, and I had to have it to read and refer to as my writing career develops.

Great historical fiction

I certainly enjoyed the story and how it weaved Irish history and tales into a separate and compelling story. A great narrative delivered in old country brogue

Truly loved this story

I like that it went full circle. Nice surprise. I loved hearing the Irish accent which to me, added to the story telling. I liked the short stories inside the big one because it gave me a place to stop when I finished walking my dog or got to and from work. It got me interested in the little stories enough that some I googled to see if I could “add” information for myself. I will definitely get another book from him, either hardcover or digital.

What a Tale!

Frank Delany somehow imparts some of the history of Ireland in a storytelling manner that quickly enthralls and captivates. He even throws in a twist or two as the tale unfolds. The ending is satisfying as a bonus and so well-narrated!