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Ireland cover art

Ireland

By: Frank Delaney
Narrated by: Frank Delaney
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Summary

One evening in 1951, an itinerant storyteller arrives unannounced and mysterious at a house in the Irish countryside. By the November fireside he begins to tell the story of this extraordinary land. One of his listeners, a nine-year-old boy, grows so entranced by the storytelling that, when the old man leaves, he devotes his life to finding him again. It is a search that uncovers both passions and mysteries, in his own life as well as the old man's, and their solving becomes the thrilling climax to this tale. But the life of this boy is more than just his story: it is also the telling of a people, the narrative of a nation, the history of Ireland in all its drama, intrigue and heroism.

Ireland travels through the centuries by way of story after story, from the savage grip of the Ice Age to the green and troubled land of tourist brochures and news headlines. Along the way, we meet foolish kings and innocent monks, god-heroes and great works of art, shrewd Norman raiders and envoys from Rome, leaders, poets, and lovers. Each illuminates the magic of Ireland, the power of England, and the eternal connection to the land.
©2004 Frank Delaney (P)2004 Time Warner AudioBooks
Genre Fiction Historical Fiction
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Critic reviews

"If you're a lover of Irish myths and history, there are rich pickings here." ( Guardian)
"The writing is smooth, seductive, and intentionally didactic in its combination of history, myth, and blarney." ( Sunday Telegraph)

What listeners say about Ireland

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Profile Image for Ms Gaye Donaldson

Absolutely loved this

This is a beautiful unfolding story within a story. Sublime and satisfying in every respect

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Profile Image for Paul KENYON

Irish things you didn't know you didn't know

History of Ireland beautifully delivered by a true seanchaí. I even liked the ambiguous disclaimer.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Profile Image for J
  • J
  • 20-02-15

Lends itself very well to an oral rendition

It was better than expected, as I've recently listened to some books that didn't work well in the audio version, for example, Life of Pi, which I found too rambling to follow.

This story is about a storyteller and is beautifully told and narrated by the author. Contrary to the
impression the book cover gives, it's a simple and very human tale that gently guides you through thousands of years of Irish history.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for George

Enjoyable Story

I was not certain about this book but within a few minutes of switching on became drawn in and found it hard to switch off.

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4 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for P. Ceanadach

Wonderful story, beautifully told.

I was rivetted from the first line, Frank Delaney is a natural storyteller and I would highly recommend this audio book. Beautifully read, beautifully told.

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Profile Image for Chris Casey

Delightful!

Delayed has written a wonderful story within a story... within a story. Great characters, wit and authentic voice of Ireland.

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Profile Image for Sapna Malik

Not the whole book!!

I listened to this rather than reading it after seeing reviews that said it was meant to be heard and not read. My husband read it. He mentioned a few things (eg St Patrick driving out the snakes) which i didn’t remember so I opened the book as I listened and its all missing from the audiobook! Very disappointing. Mr Delaney does an excellent narration - I just wish it was the whole book without parts edited out! Now will have to re read the book.

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