Customer Reviews

Let Me Die in Ireland, the True Story of Patrick

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The basis for this book is the few pages (a short life story and two letters) written by Patrick himself. This then is embellished into a fictional account, using contemporary sources for the details. It reads somewhat like a Paul Coelho fable, was pleasant enough, and is clearly written as a Christian teaching story (with digs at Roman Catholicism in the afterword) by someone with some insight into the early Christian world. Sadly it didn't give me what I was looking for ... setting the story of Croagh Patrick in context. The mountain, including the story of ridding the country of serpents by the 40 days and nights on the top of it, doesn't get a mention. I do believe a real part of Patrick's life was a mission to counter pagan ways, and believe he would have 'baptised' this mountain already sacred to the god Lughna, making it Christian ... also that he would have followed Biblical examples. Millions of others believe something similar. From the way this book sells itself, one expects the full true story ... it isn't that. Don't expect anything complete or authoritative. It is a pleasant but partial fable.

There is a lot in this book that I never knew about St. Patrick. Here in America the person is never considered, mostly just the country of Ireland around St. Patrick's Day. It was an easy read, which I finished in just a few days. It definately helped strengthen my realationship with God to see one person's conviction so strong.

We do have Patrick's autobiography, and little else. This book adds to this some commentary and extra which show a particular point of view. It is an interesting point of view but not entirely doucmented.

I found this book a very easy read. The points which can be atributed to Patrick are well intergrated into an historical novel. I would recomend this little book to be read with "Tristan a celtic monk." The similarities are uncanny when it comes to historical facts.
With regards to the opening pages of the account of Patrick's meeting with the first Irish chieftain I thought it lacked some story telling flair. I do not agree with the Britain story of Patrick and its worth noting the Celtic church was an autonominus church with loyalties to their called leaders and not to some wider see.
I wonder if the author got confused with what was the doctored historical account as presented by The Church of Rome. To balance this statement I have to say there is very little information on the life of Patrick and the author of this book has done a superb job. There is some more recent evidence that Patricks base and community was by the shore of Strangford lough not far from Downpatrick where traditions say the Saint is buried. Armagh Is called into question simply by the doctored account of history by Rome but, not ruled out. I would look out for newer archaeological revealations whilst taking this little book as a good report given the available evidence. I intend to set this little book as a part of the New Celtic Church degree curiculum. I was greatly touched by some of its content and would recomend it as a must read historical novel on Patrick.

This book brushes away the cobwebs of myths and legends that surround this man of God. Patrick was an ordinary man used in extraordinary ways by an amazing God.

There were miracles in Patrick's life, and he records them for us, but one of them was not chasing all the snakes out of Ireland.

Patrick was a man with a supernatural love of the Irish people. A love that stemmed out of His love for Jesus.

Bercot does a very good job of blending the facts of Patrick's life into a wonderful narrative. This is another page turner by Bercot.

Bercot did his homework on this one, spending some time in Ireland, travelling around the different places Patrick had been. It shows in the book. He describes the weather very well! Dark, rainy and windy (all year round pretty much)!

If you don't know anything about Patrick, just want to brush up on what you know, just want to hear the story again or simply like a good read then this book is well worth the investment.

One of my all-time favorite books! Carefully researched, skillfully written, this is a biography that reads like a novel. Contrary to popular misconception, Patrick was neither Irish, nor Catholic--yet he did more to shape the face of Ireland and even the entire continent of Europe than any extra-biblical saint! See how surrendering his life to God and persisting in prayer against all odds yielded powerful, nation-changing results. It'll bolster your faith and inspire readers to see what God might be calling them to accomplish through Him! Great end notes and appendixes. Outline of Irish history in the back is very revealing. For you sanctified Celtic souls out there, this is a must read!

This entertaining simple read is just that. For those who know the true and accurate writings and history of Patrick, Ireland and the Church, this will be found to be accurate as far as its background, setting and history.

It is written in a story format that is readable both for young and old. Where history and facts leaves gapes Bercot fills in the gapes with possible scenarios. He of course uses Preachers license but for those who know all the facts this is noticeable but understandable.

Those looking for a deep historic factual thesis will be disappointed in this book but those desiring a light enjoyable introduction to Patrick's life will find this to be perfect. Also for those who know Patrick's life and just desire an enjoyable light night time read this again is ideal.

A sixteen year old boy - Patric - from a prosperous family belonging to the autonomous Celtic church is taken captive, along with some of his family's servants. Patric is portrayed as whiny and snobbish, which provides more depth and drama as he learns to survive in a strange, savage land where he is kept as a slave. The only thing that turned me off was the way people spoke in modern English. Bercot didn't need to make them use "thees" and "thous" - but he fubbed up in using "Don't kid yourself". Through the help of an elderly slave, Cedd, who is also a British captive, Patric finds faith, and purpose, and meaning in life. After God has decided his time of trial in Ireland is over, He helps Patric escape. This suspensful journey is the a real heart-throbber. Then comes the tear-jerker, as Patric, who is now a grown man, is finally reunited with his parents. When it looks as though his life was about normal, Patric has a dream where God tells him to return to Ireland. Oh no! Patric doesn't really want to go back, but knows he must, and faces ridicule and rejection as those around him respond with either condecension, or with jeers. A wise man advises him to wait until the church leaders send him, rather than going on his own, and years pass without them doing more than elevating him to the office of a deacon. Finally, after another church sends a missionary to Ireland, people realize that Patric's bright idea was more than an idea: It was a calling. Journey with Patric as he shares the light of the Gospel with those he has come to love, and receives the answer to his prayer, "Let me die in Ireland."

Despite my opinion that David Bercot is one of the best writers around, interesting and captivating, this book is not. I couldn't get through it, though I eventually will. A good friend did get through it, and he told me that it gets interesting around the last quarter of the book. I'm interested in Patrick, but the story format just isn't captivating. Even my friend, who finished it, said he debated putting it down several times, but he really wanted to get to the end.

The history's accurate, I'm sure, because Bercot's careful to use original sources and interpret them reasonably, but as a story, it's just dull. Again, that's amazing, because Bercot is an gifted and captivating writer. My thought is that he should have approached it as a history rather than writing it as a story, because his history books can't be put down.

I'm only giving it 3 stars, because I know the history can be trusted.

I just grabbed this book for something to read on the bus and didn't have high expectations for it. Although I'm starting to get into the writings of early Christians, I didn't thnk Patrick would be that important. Was I wrong! His story is very interesting, but more important I was extremely inspired by his message and convictions. A couple of examples in particular are how he prayed like "the persistant widow" to get out of Ireland where he was taken to to be sold as a slave, and how when he did escape, God called him back to spread the good news. The seriousness of his commitment inspired me deeply. He did not hesitate to excommunicate anyone who wasn't living according to the Word and he preached that the decision to become a Christian is not something to be taken lightly. "...there is no turning back. It would be far better to never become a Christian than to become one and revert to your former ways." Also, just how he totally devoted himself to Christ, was willing to put up with hardship and make any sacrifice, had utmost integrity and forgave his betrayors. You can sense the struggles reading this book, but he persevered.
The book is a quick read, and while the author admits using artistic license to recreate the dialogue, his main sources of information for the book are Patrick's "Testimony" and his letter of excommunication sent to the British king.
I highly recommend this very inspiring book.