In the winter of 1951, a storyteller, the last practitioner of an honored, centuries-old tradition, arrives at the home of nine-year-old Ronan O’Mara in the Irish countryside. For three wonderful evenings, the old gentleman enthralls his assembled local audience with narratives of foolish kings, fabled saints, and Ireland’s enduring accomplishments before moving on. But these nights change young … young Ronan forever, setting him on a years-long pursuit of the elusive, itinerant storyteller and the glorious tales that are no less than the saga of his tenacious and extraordinary isle.
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This is one of my favorite books of all time. I also listened to it on audio and actually prefer it. It’s read by the author and it was meant to be read outloud. Wonderful story!
At about half way through this book I started to quit reading it. I finally got to the point were we found out who the story teller really was, but it took entirely too long to get there.
Beautiful book by a natural storyteller — this is a wonderful way to learn the history of Ireland and her people, wrapped up in traditional folk tales and legends. I also bought the audiobook with the author narrating… Wonderful!
I was completely immersed in this story from the first page to the last. Did not want it to end.
Great story about story-telling.
One of the most delightful books I have had the joy to read lately. The epic stories and amazingly descriptive and moving language of the “story teller”, one of the last members of the travelling bards of Ireland, are both informative, moving and witty. You will enjoy the portrayal of historic figures as they come to life in these touching and …
Who knew of the ancient profession of traveling storyteller? So rich in lore and story for anyone who enjoys Irish heritage.
Great novel
Good story about the history of Ireland
Great tale of a irish story teller.
From beginning to end, the stories in the stories and the stories it evoked in me…all for the better, and all wonderful.