Helpful Score: 8
My favorite read of this past year. Rich in history with colorful, vivid detailing. Could absolutely not put this one down. Can't wait to read something else by this author.
Helpful Score: 6
What a beautiful novel!! It is not an easy read and it took time for me to get into the feel of the story, but it was certainly well worth the effort. This novel weaves together the story of a naïve boy growing into manhood and the heritage of Ireland as told by a charismatic professional storyteller. It is an unusual romance/love story as well as a story of maturing and growing into ones place and purpose in the world. This book is worth reading more than once.
Helpful Score: 5
I've never read a better book than this one. I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down. The author knows Ireland, he knows history, and he is an amazing writer who can describe his setting, write interesting characters, and spin an incredible yarn or two. I recommend this to everyone I know who can read.
Helpful Score: 3
I listened to the CD--it was long! This was one of my favorite books in the past year! A nice mix of history, storytelling and a boy's relationship with a storyteller.
Helpful Score: 2
Although I read the entire book, I was sorely disappointed about it. It was extremely predictable and boring in some places. I really enjoyed the storyline between Ronan's family, specifically with Kate and Alison in the first half of the novel, however I grew quickly bored with Ronan's journeys during the second half of the book. I had expected this novel to have an historical fiction style and although its setup was unique to an extent, it didn't have enough panache to really make it a worthwhile epic. I enjoyed half of the Irish tales and legends in this book, while I could have gone without the rest. Best of luck to the next reader!
