Ireland

A Novel

De: Frank Delaney

Narrado por: Frank Delaney

From a land famous for storytelling comes an epic novel of Ireland that captures the intimate, passionate texture of the Irish spirit.

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.

Wonderful!

A tale of history nestled inside a family narrative. This tale tells the story of Ireland from its earliest days in prehistory to the struggle to become a nation in its own right once again. The love for country woven through each word is perhaps why, despite generations abroad, those of Irish descent are proud of their heritage.

bring back the story teller

excellent combination of plots and history. I loved the story teller's style of telling a story, made history come alive

Enchanting

I can’t recall ever having enjoyed an audiobook as much as this.
Frank Delaney’s writing and narration were first-rate, and the stories and storytelling were outstanding. I enjoyed every minute.

Cheaper than a plane ticket!

This book is ideal in combination with other resources, like the internet or even a simple Irish history book. I found myself repeatedly inspired to find the google maps and the websites that documented the places that Delaney reveals through story. As a history teacher, I often use story as the gateway to a historical event or time, and I was gratified that Delaney did this for me.

He uses landmarks, both historical and geographical, to help us understand Ireland better. Then, he interweaves the stories of the past with an ongoing story of a single boy and his family. Very effective! "Trinity" is great for rousing politics, "Angela's Ashes" for the personal drama, but I like "Ireland" for the bigger picture.

Itinerant Storytellers

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

I love stories and I love the art of telling stories. This book was a series of wonderful stories told by a story master. It also talked about the art of storytelling.

What other book might you compare Ireland to and why?

This wasn't what I expected. It wasn't really about Ireland - it was about a boy and his heritage and the art of storytelling. I thought I would be comparing it to several other books I have read - but it was like none of them. Ex. How Green was my Valley, How the Irish saved the World. It was more like a text on storytelling - by a storyteller. Stories are the best way to learn anything - so it was good.

Have you listened to any of Frank Delaney’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Frank Delaney is also the author. He seems to read most of his own books. I will read more he has written - so I will hear more of him in the future.

If you could take any character from Ireland out to dinner, who would it be and why?

My great great grandmother - who came from Ireland after the potato famines. I would like to hear her story and her view of Ireland and hear the truth about the reasons they left and what they faced when they were there.

Any additional comments?

Good book - Loved the stories. I wonder how many of them were true. I loved his storytelling advice - very good. I love telling stories; I have learned from Frank Delaney and I will put it to good use.