Finn Mac Cool [Paperback]

Morgan Llywelyn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 16, 1995

This novelization of the life of Finn Mac Cool, the legendary hero of 3rd century Ireland, describes how even in his lifetime he became the subject of myth, supposedly born of a deer and blessed with extraordinary strength and wisdom after eating of the Salmon of Knowledge.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Too many characters with too many names (most given in Gaelic, in their Anglicized form and with descriptive adjectives) involved in too many actions subvert Llywelyn's retelling of an important Irish legend. Finn MacCool is a warrior/poet, a leader of the Fianna , the first Irish army, in third-century Ireland. Separated from his parents after a battle with their ancient enemies, the clan of Morna, Finn is brought up in primitive circumstances. After learning of his heritage, he determines to become the strongest man in Ireland so that he will never have to run away from anything again. His early allegiance to Cormac MacAirt, the high king, alters with the ascension of MacAirt's son, Cairbre, who favors Finn's old enemies, the clan of Morna. In middle age, Finn recruits the legendary Diarmait, who--aided by Finn's son, Oisin--reestablishes their hold on the country. A romantic triangle ensues, involving Finn, Diarmait and Grania, daughter of Cormac MacAirt. This is a morality play of the highest order, with trust and sincerity winning out over more basic instincts. Llywelyn, whose The Lion of Ireland was said to be a favorite of Ronald Reagan, has produced a plodding narrative that does not rise above its mythic/historical details. $100,000 ad/promo; author tour.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

YA-Third-century, legendary Irish warrior/poet Finn Mac Cool is re-created in this romantic and historical adventure. As a young warrior, he determines to become the strongest military leader in the country and trains his band of men to serve the High King, Cormac Mac Airt, in the first Irish army, the Fianna. Physical prowess, political skill, and personal charisma become issues of the young man's personal growth and parallel the development of an army, the consolidation of political power, and the protection from foreign attack. Llywelyn weaves the mythical and mystical side of Irish tradition into Finn's personality: his loves and liasons, his friendships, and his death. Irish wolfhounds, red deer, and boar hunts are here in happy abundance. Bards and storytellers have embellished the tale of Finn into myth, but Llywelyn breathes life into the legend. Her rich prose, many characters, and some unpronounceable Gaelic names may challenge all but strong readers, but YAs who have enjoyed the historical fiction of Rosemary Sutcliff (who also wrote about Finn) and of Lloyd Alexander, as well as anyone who has delighted in the Arthurian legends, will be glad to discover this novel.
Betta Hedlund, Mary Riley Styles Public Library, Falls Church, VA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 447 pages
• Publisher: Mandarin (January 16, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0749317450
• ISBN-13: 978-0749317454
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,128,971 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An enthralling read, November 29, 2000

By 

Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Finn Mac Cool (Mass Market Paperback)

Finn Mac Cool is a young officer in the Fianna, the army nominally under the control of the High King of Eire. Finn is a great warrior, a teller of magical tales, and a man of vision. Rising to head the Fianna, and as such second in power only to the High King, he reshapes it in his own image, into an object of honor. But there is no "happily ever after" for Finn Mac Cool. Growing older, he finds that his body can no longer keep up the pace that it did, he begins to find it difficult to tell which of his own tales are true and false, and other people begin to reshape his world to his detriment. What should he do, and how should he do it?

I actually finished this book days ago, but have had to take the time to sort out my feelings about it. Ms. Llywelyn has written a powerful story. She has taken the old Irish legends of Finn Mac Cool, and retold them in the form of historical fiction. Finn is presented as a larger-than-life man, one whose peculiar talents can make him and can also unmake him.

This book is an enthralling read. It contains stories of action, and stories about life. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great character, June 1, 2000

By 

BC "aceaceaceace" (NYC, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Finn Mac Cool (Mass Market Paperback)

What a terrific Irish folk hero ! I loved this book, and the character Finn Mac Cool so much that I begged my wife to let me name one of my sons Finn. (No Luck) I would say that he rates as the next best Irish hero after Brian Boru. And Morgan Llywelyn does an amazing job of bringing him to life. Her research is obviously superior, as she sprinkles factual data in with a wonderful tale. She obviously has the Irish gift of storytelling herself. I would definitely agree with the reviewer who suggested buying ALL of her books - I did practically the same thing myself. If not, at least buy this one.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best of Llywelyn, March 23, 2000

By 

Kris Navid (Houston) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Finn Mac Cool (Mass Market Paperback)

I have now read at least 10 Llywelyn books. Although this was about 4th in my reading order, I consider it the best of all. Llywelyn blends the best of historical fiction with fantasy and myth, and it makes for a superior read. I got tears in my eyes at the end. Her characters have depth and I have learned so much about Irish history. I can't wait for another book!