Customer Reviews

Irish Tales and Sagas

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I've been frustrated for a while in trying to find a book recounting Irish tales that lives up to the weird magic of its source material. Here it is at last. The book effortlessly captures the deep Christianity and deeper magic of the best Irish stories. And the language is perfect--it's hard to believe this book is less than ten years old. It might be pushing a thousand. And yet it's as readable as a bedtime story. If you liked the Tain, you'll like this. If you liked Froud's Fairies, you'll like this. If--like me--you liked both, you'll be in heaven.

Ulick O'Connor does a great job in retelling some of the ancient Irish myths and tales, among them, Cuchulain and the Hero's of the Red Branch, The Fate of the Children of Lir, Deirdre and the Son's of Usna, St Patrick, The Druid and his Soul, Ossian's Return From Tir na n-og and The Countess Cathleen O'Shea. Be aware though this isn't a Lady Gregory like retelling, this book is geared for children but because O'Connor doesn't condescend to them like many storytellers do this book can be appreciated by adults too. The moral of each story is as plainly presented as the prose is reserved. In a lesser talents hands these qualities might be regarded as a shortcoming, O'Connor however, pulls it off.

Add in beautifully evocative art by Pauline Bewick and you have a beautiful little book (96 pages). My only complaints are, the book is too short and the artwork seems to be not for sale. I was so impressed by Bewick's art I looked her up and while she has many beautiful things for sale I do not see any from the book! No, Bull, no, Cuchulain against the sea, too bad as these would make beautiful prints! Regardless of all that, this is a beautifully done childrens book, it's successful on every level.