The Unfortunate Fursey--and a little Moynihan Bros.

First off, I did finish the Moynihan Bros and found it very scholastic. Letters between brothers discussing their views and books they have read. It was somewhat interesting hearing about the outbreak of war and how it affected the family. Not much more to say.

Now to a truly delightful book. The Unfortunate Fursey: The story of an unfortunate monk who is accosted by demons while living in the Clonmacnoise monastery in north central Ireland. To rid the site of all demons the monks believe that getting rid of Fursey they will get rid of the demons. With that, Fursey is in for the ride of his life;figuratively and literally-more on that later. This is a very humorous story that is very easy to read. Fursey is forced, by the monks to marry a "witch"--how do we know she is a witch?--She weighs more than a duck?-No this isn't Monty Python. Since she floated, she was not a witch, but the Abbot and other monk force Fursey to marry the old hag. They believe this will keep her from casting spells. Well, things happen and before you know it Fursey is flying on a broomstick and is casting spells. Oh and he falls in love.

A great book and well worth the read. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to what I believe is a sequel.

Sarsfield and the Jacobites- I know it's not the Moynihan Bros.!

I have always made a commitment to myself that I would read one book a month. I started in January with a book on George Washington-His Excellency, and have been sort of into American History ever since. I read "1776" and Christmas in Washington (secret meetings between Churchill and Roosevelt). Both are excellent books and I highly recommend both. But, I have failed in my quest to read Irish books. That is until I picked up "Sarsfield and The Jacobites" by Kevin Haddick-Flynn.

Overall a very nice read. I had a little difficult time with it, because to me it was a bit too academic. Lots of names and titles and dates, that had me re-read several sections. But, I will admit that I am glad I worked through it. It gave me a good understanding of the battles and struggles in 17th century Ireland, when the battle for the throne took on deadly results. The Williamite War (1688-1691) was a time I knew nothing about. I learned, however, that the people and soldiers that fought for Ireland, would do whatever they could to keep their land in the hands of the Irish.

Patrick Sarsfield was one of those great soldiers.

Memoir-John McGahern

A very nice story that really was a page turner. This story is mainly about a boy and his mother who he adores and treasures his time that he spends with her. Similar to "Walking the Line" by Kevin Brophy. His main connection is to his mother, especially since his father, at times, is away at the barracks. Although he doesn't see his father often, he admires his father and what his father stands for. That is until he sees the true character of his father. He is caught up in a house of women and feels more comfortable there than with his father. His father is very strict and very stern with the children and with his wife. John's recollection is based upon his own memory and through the letters between mother and father. His mother is a school teacher who is often going away to deal with her breast cancer. She is strong and solid for her family and relinquishes the decision making to the head of the household. But I gather her technique of giving in, was such that her ideas became his ideas and moved forward. John's greatest memories are of his conversations and walks with is mother. Like any good Irish mother she wishes her son to grow and be a priest. Almost half way through the book a very poignant conversation takes place between John and his mother.."If God takes me early would you still go on to be a priest and say Mass for me?"-John(Sean)-"What do you mean?"- Mother-"We are in God's hands. We have no choice if He calls us." John-"People do not until they are old." At this point John realizes that he and his mother will not always be together. He realizes what she is telling him, but at the same time tries to convince her that she will live with him near the church and he will say many masses for her. To me this epitomizes his love and affection for her. There are passages about Heaven and Purgatory, but he soon realizes that his hell is here on earth with his father who was very abusive. In my opinion he was probably Bi-Polar before there was Bi-Polar disorder. One day charming and the next minute beating the hell out of his children, so much so they couldn't leave this house. If they did, they everyone would then know what was truly going on. Still, even with the beatings, they would not shame their father or their name. This monstrous behavior affected so many lives in this family, and probably still does to this day.

Mr. McGahern's writing style is very fluent and easy to read. His description are vivid and to the point. It was easy for me to imagine the surroundings he described and the people who have come into his life. Besides his mother I believe his strength and courage came from his large family of brothers and sisters. Like all good families, they stood by each other and grew strong together when times were hard.

This memoir, is one of the best I have read. If you like Frank McCourt, Kevin Brophy and in some respects, Roddy Doyle, you'll find this book to your liking. In fact I may have to start John's--"The Barracks" which I hear is very good.

Up next The Moynihan Brothers-in Peace and War 1909-1918

A Little History

Who am I? Why did I start this? What does the title mean? Who will this benefit? Just some of the questions you may be asking. First the basics. A few years back while on my first, and so far only, trip to Ireland, I was in Clifden with my wife when I picked up James Joyce by Edna O'Brien. As I was holed up in my bed and breakfast, wide awake at 3:00 am due to time change, I started reading Edna's book. A few days later while in Galway, I was visiting Anne Omaille at her store on High Street http://www.omaille.com/. For some reason, I told her about the book I purchased in Clifden and she immediately told me I had to go next door and pick up "Nora" by Brenda Maddox. Because of their connection to the "Quiet Man"-(my favorite movie) she also told me about the ultimate guide to the movie. Well, because of that advice, my quick trip to Kenny's Bookshop and Art Gallery has turned into a new hobby that will continue on for a long time.
http://www.kennys.ie/
As the title of the blog suggests, I am not someone who buries their head into books for hours upon hours. I also mean no disrespect to those who do. I just have never been an avid reader, at least by my standards. But when I got back from Ireland, I called Kennys inquiring about the Quiet Man book. During my conversation, I learned of the great Book Parcel service available at Kennys. Let me explain. About every six months, I receive a package from Kennys containing anywhere from 5-7 books with various titles and subjects. Who knows what will be in there. I leave it up to the great staff at Kennys to decide for me. If there is something I don't like I can send it back, no questions asked. Well, 5 years later, I have read over 30+ books from Ireland, and 10 more from local bookstores here in Omaha.

Why this blog? Well, I am selfish. I want to be able to have a record what I have read and what I liked and didn't like about a certain book. As I get older, my memory may fade and many stories may start to blend together. I will keep a running record of what I am currently reading and add notes about past books as I go forward. I am not the literary type. I am not a book worm. In fact during high school and college, I was forcing myself to get through any reading assignments. My notes and comments may not make sense except to me. The reviews or notes may ramble on, so be prepared. Who knows I may be the only one every on this site. So that this is what this all about. Enjoy! I hope you find my reviews enlightening and helpful.