Customer Reviews

I Am of Irelaunde: A Novel of Patrick and Osian

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(4)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Magonus Succatus Patricius was a well-born Roman citizen, a baptized Christian, and a celibate priest of the Roman Church. Because he is sincere in his commitment to Christ, he has reluctantly resigned himself to return to the land of his former captivity. He could not deny the incessant demand of the messenger of Christ to return to Eire. But he was determined not to like it. Among other symbols of this reluctant duty is his refusal to acknowledge his Hibernian name, Padraig (Patrick).

One of the themes in Osborne-Knight's complex tapestry is the slow realization by the protagonist that he is indeed "of Irelunde". Osian, poet-son of the great Finian leader Fionn Mac Cumhail, is sent by God to tell the ancient stories of Eire, and so aide in the transition from Succatus to Padraig. Osian is the representative of ancient Eire. The Eire which is passing away, to make room for the "One who comes", the Lord Christ. The book concludes with a spirited conversation between the dying Osian, and Patrick. "I will tell them that I have been with Magonus Succatus Patricius, druid of the White Christ". "Nay, tell them not that". "Then where shall I tell them I have been?" Tell them that you have been with...Padraig!".

Osborne-Knight paints an Ireland that has been waiting for generations for the arrival of the "Three-in-One". Patrick is sent to deliver the message of the "light at the center of all", not because he is courageous, strong, educated, or charming. He is none of these as he tells the Victorianus. The messenger angel then assures Padraig that his courage and skill is not the issue. God's strength, God's wisdom, and Christ's utter attractiveness is determinative. In this sense, the story is quite theocentric. This is emphasized further by the narration of Padraig's triumph at Tara, the great hall of the high king of Eire. In circumstance of mortal danger, Padraig prays for Christ to shield him and his brother Christians. In response, he is given the great Hymn still known as "St. Patrick's Breastplate". Singing this powerful poem, Padraig and the brothers are preserved and given a great victory where it was least looked for. The scene brought wonder to my heart, especially since our church has recently learned the modern version of the hymn.

I read this book as a committed Christian, an adherent of the reformed faith. I am somewhat skeptical of the implied universality of the Christian message. However, I am not SURE that such a message is actually there. I give the story 5 stars for the depth (both of character and of plot) and for the ripping good tale that it is.

If you are at all interested the history of Ireland or the life of Saint Patrick, you will love this book! The author takes the few facts that are actually known about St. Patrick and the Irish legend Finn Mac Cool and from them weaves a lyrical, engaging story. The characters of Patrick and Osian are completely believable and the stories they tell are inspiring and meaningful. The book revisits all the old Irish mythology (like the story of Dhiarmaid & Grainne) and makes it very human and believable. It then adds the struggle of St. Patrick to understand the natives of Ireland and teach them about his God. The stories tie together perfectly, and the book resonates with meaning. I had tears in my eyes at the end of this novel. It's an incredible read.

Reading this book is time well spent. Osborne-Knight's Patrick is a conflicted soul searching to rise and become the man he desired to be. Her Osian comes to Patrick not knowing the purpose of his visit, but perceptive of Patrick's need of his wisdom. Patrick is reserved, angry and unsure of his own talents, yet compelled to fulfill his destiny. Osian is a warm-hearted, warrior of Ireland's past dedicated to teaching an unwilling pupil how to become the man that he was destined to be. Despite their many differences, these two characters bring one another to an understanding about themselves and their place in Ireland. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book, I must confess that Osian's storytelling, compelled me to read this book in one day. I found myself to be like the Brothers at the monastery, hanging on the words of Osian, never ready for them to end.

In the interests of full disclosure, I should say that I am a friend of the author, Juilene Osborne-McKnight. As a writer myself, I'm also green with envy at her achievement. She has woven the very human story of a saint, Patrick, into the ancient myths of Ireland. And vice versa. Osian tells these magical legends to Patrick not just for their own sake: they serve a crucial function. Stories, in this book's world, have life-changing power. What I love about this book is the way it conveys a sense of a person's individual destiny, of the meaning behind even the most apparently incongruous events in Patrick's life. But this is all done with a light touch, through the power of story combined with a strong vein of humor: Patrick, a wonderful, irascible character, does not go willingly towards his life's purpose. In this he's thoroughly human and he tells his own story in a unique, even curmudgeonly voice. In this book Patrick and the ancient legends of Ireland are brought together--and brought to life. It's a wonderful read.

Kudos to Ms. Osborne-McKnight on her first novel! In I AM OF IRELAUNDE,the author's love of Ireland and its history shines through her words, evoking a place and time as only a good storyteller could. Osian, son of Fionn Mac Cumhail, leaps from the pages, a Fenian warrior charged with a mission regarding Padraig. Wonderful, magical fantasy. However, as a reader, I had a problem with the character of Padraig/St. Patrick: I didn't like him, and felt that I should. In fact, I believe the novel would have been better served if it told Fionn Mac Cumhail and Osian's story, leaving out the more contemporary story of St. Patrick. Also, although the author thankfully included a glossary with Irish definitions and pronunciations, I still found my reading pace slowed whenever I had to consult the glossary yet again. The editing suffered a bit as well, though through none of the fault of the author. This reader hopes Ms. Osborne-McKnight will continue to spin tales of Tir Nan Og, the Sidhe, and all things Druid. Her gift of storytelling and love of Ireland bode well for Ms. Osborne-McKnight's future as an author. Bail O Dhia ar an obair.

I AM OF IRELAUNDE is a story about Patrick and Osian and to a lesser extent Osian's father Finn Mac Cool and the Fenian warriors of Ireland who flourished around two centuries before Patrick Christianized Ireland. It is a novel which mixes a few historical facts with Irish folk tales and Celtic myths. The author is a good writer who is primarily a folklorist.

I was so happy with this book..
It was well written with joy, happiness, drama, and critical eyes. It looked to Patrick not as a saint but as a human with flaws. But did not demonize him, instead it made him human, he cares but is flawed. Comparisions between Patrick and the Fenians (particularly Fionn) and between Christ and the Fenians were wonderful way to bring him to life. It also provided through the stories of Osian a glance back at the old realities and how they continue to color the nature of Ireland and its peoples

As a descendent of Niall of the Nine Hostages, Irish folklore has always fascinated me, but it has always been somewhat arcane. This tale unlocks some of the mysteries and makes the legends of both Patrick and Osian very readable. The characters in the story are very real and believeable. The retelling of the adventures of Finn Mac Cool are enchanting, exciting tales. The author has skillfully woven the stories of St. Patrick with the legends of Osian and Finn. Patrick is portrayed as a human being, full of faults, and concupiscence. Despite periodic self loathing and inability to forgive himself, he remains convicted of God's love for him and his ultimate redemption. We poor humans, even in the 21st century are able to identify with him. I pray that someday I will meet both Patrick and Osian in heaven or Tir Nan Og, the Land of the Ever Young.

This is a novel of Ireland and two of its greatest legends. Patrick, the man who became a Saint, and Osian, poet and warrior.. Osian is called from the past by magic by the former slave turned Monk who brings Christianity to Ireland. Osian, who hates is fellowman now is to fulfill his destiny. But before he can do that, he must learn confront his own demons and open his heart. An historical combined with a bit of fantasy to form the stuff of legends. Well researched and well written, I Am of Irelaunde offers insights into the men who, because of their very existence, laid the foundations of Ireland what it is today. Congratulations, Juliene Osborne-McKnight for an insightful read.

This book is series of ancient myths,wrapped in modern legend, and tied with a green silk yarn. It is a story where magic and reality blend to engulf the reader, so that sorting the history from the myth becomes unimportant. This is not just a book for those interested in Ireland. It is a book for anyone who has ever said "Please, tell me a story."