Ireland: A Novel

"Ireland" is a collection of short stories loosely tied together within a longer narrative involving a boy named Ronan. Ronan's story begins in 1951 in Ireland where we met "the last storyteller". We follow Ronan's growing up from age 9 through his early 20's, and his quest to find the storyteller. Throughout Ronan's story, you also encounter various stories from Ireland's history dating back before recorded history up to the Easter Rising of 1914.

The struggle I had with the book was the missing suspense of the written word versus a live storyteller. There were a few interesting sections where the storyteller writes about the tricks of the trade in telling a story (e.g., dramatic pauses, descriptions of characters, etc.), and I think many of the short stories of Ireland's history would have come across more magical if they were told rather than read.

I found Ronan's story somewhat interesting, but also frustrating at times as he attempts to track down the whereabouts of "the storyteller". Eventually we learn the true identity of "the storyteller", which makes for a tidy conclusion to Ronan's story. I did learn several things about Ireland, and I'm sure it would be neat for readers from Ireland and/or those familiar with many of the places mentioned in the book.

I enjoyed th novel because I was travelling to Ireland. The author sometimes talked too much and it was sometimes difficult to determine which character was the central one at the beginning of some chapters.

Excellent read. Discloses research details in storyteller form by staging the story that follows a gifted storyteller traveling from village to village teaching and entertaining the local residents and their families about their national heritage and folklore of Ireland.

This is a fun and entertaining novel that depicts Ireland from about 1860 through the Irish revolution in 1916-1923. There are three narrators, which requires a little more effort from the reader to figure out who is talking. Frank Delaney is Irish and always delivers an exciting and interesting story.

This is an engaging book from the actual histories and the Irish tale-telling sides.
If you haven't been to Ireland this would make you wish to go, and would give you some insight into what you might want to investigate while there.
I felt close to the ancient histories and involved with the people in the book, and felt it brought the country and the people to life for me.

I was bowled over by this book. Its brilliant construction gives the non-Irish reader the ultimate entertaining, engrossing, and moving way to begin learning the great myths, folktales and history of this singular, enigmatic land and her people.

Having visited Ireland and toured its beauty and read its history, this novel was a pure delight to me as I traveled Irish roads once again. From history to poetry to an engaging narrative story line throughout, the author brings the reader into the remarkable world of Irish life from prehistory to the 20th century. Highly recommended for history lovers, admirers of Ireland, and those who appreciate a tale well-told.

The structure and plot of this book revolves around a traveling storyteller who enchants everyone he meets - particularly a young boy - with his tales of the origins of Ireland. I found the storyteller a wonderful device and I craved hearing his next story as much as the characters populating this tale. A wonderful book. Highly recommeneded.

I checked out this audio book from the Library to listen to on my way too and from work. I found it hard to get out of my car. The author did a wonderful job telling the stories, history, and folklore of Ireland. He also did a wonderful job brining it to life in his vocally acting out the book. I ended up buying the audio book. It is one I look forward to listening to again soon. Buy this book or the CD. You will not be disappointed.

I love reading Frank Delaney work. Listening to it is heaven. This was the first of his that I read, then listened to. I cannot say enough about both--what I will say though is his voice is so full of color it's like watching the book come to life and surround me. Thank You Frank Delaney!

Read this before and after a trip to Ireland, and enjoyed it both times. It's an easy introduction to the history and myths of Ireland. And a great family drama too. One or two of the myths and situations are somewhat contrived, but that's a very minor criticism of an otherwise excellent read.

Frank Delaney has used a unique way to present the history of Ireland. Part history, part myth, and prt imagination, the storyteller takes us thru the beautiful and heartbreaking story of the Irish people.

Very interesting and keeps you wanting more. We listened to this audio book on a long road trip and it made the trip seem much shorter than it was. Great stories if Ireland. Bought "Tipperary" audiobook also! Can't wait for our next road trip!!

Frank Delaney never disappoints. This one started off a little slow but soon has you hooked, just like Ireland or the Last Storyteller (his books) does. You get a real sense of time and place and the history of Ireland with all of his wonderful books.

Anyone who loves historical fiction will be entranced by Frank
Delaney's Ireland: A Novel. I am so glad I took the time to read it. Delaney's descriptions of his characters and their experiences were rich and wonderfully written. His story holds the reader's attention and enlightens each one with a glimpse into what it is like to be an immigrant from another land.

Another really good book from Frank Delaney altho his Ireland: A Novel is my favorite. Tipperary is written in a unique style, to me anyway: there is a narrator & commentator(s). Some said they found this confusing because of the frequent change in who is speaking but, in the hard cover there is a break in the text with 2 loops of a Celtic knot so even just looking at the page it is obvious something happens. After a few words it is easily realized. The only time I found this at all confusing was towards the end when another voice was added & for a few sentences one time I didn't realize whose it was but soon I did so there was no problem. I assume the paperback copies also have some break in the text. It took me a little while to get used to the flow of each person speaking but once I did I didn't mind it at all.

Another criticism was that he was a "name dropper". Well, this is a novel about a specific time in Irish history so of course some important figures of the time would be mentioned. I found it amusing how the narrator stumbled upon & became involved with these folks.

I highly recommend this book but suggest Ireland: A Novel be read 1st.

Frank Rutherfurd is another really good writer but read the reviews carefully. It looks like there are 4 books about Ireland but there are really only 2. 2 are the same book published with a different title. If you love or at least are interested in Irish history & good stories, these 2 authors are a great place to start!! I have another Frank Delaney book on the way!!

This book was recommended by my tour guide in Ireland. Frank Delaney superbly presented the history of Ireland in such a way that I--raised on stories of my Scottish heritage--could love and understand. I greatly enjoyed this book, and plan to read more of the books listed as recommendations.

I enjoyed the way the author wove a beautiful (fictional) history of Ireland through the story of the main characters and Ronan's search for the Storyteller. Beautiful imagery of Ireland evokes a strong desire to visit this magical emerald isle. Wonderful stories, simply for the sake of wonderful storytelling. A delight. Kudos to Mr. Delaney.

Great combination of fiction, history and folklore. Excellent read. Chose this book because I am planning a trip to Ireland in a couple of months. Was an excellent choice because it gave me some great historical background on some of the places I plan to see, especially Newgrange.

Wonderful read into the history, traditions, and lore of the Irish people. Frank Delaney masterfully uses storytelling to give the reader a feel for Irish mythology as well as insight into their literary, societal and political traditions. How a people could have endured centuries of invasions, occupation, and outright genocide and maintained their identity is quite amazing.

This book gives a great historical perspective on how the history of Ireland was passed down through the ages. The story line is creative and compelling. Even though a person anticipates what will happen the book is al well written that it holds your interest until the end. It even appeals to someone who generally prefers the more traditional history book.

Unfortunately for me, I did not know of this novel until we returned from Ireland. However, having been to Ireland and then reading it was absolutely GREAT. The way it is written, you can read a chapter and set it aside and then go back 2 weeks later and read the next chapter. Each chapter is a story of Ireland in and of itself. Part way through the book Delancy reveals hints that there is a story within the stor(ies) and it is just super! A good and knowledgeable novelist!