Motherland: Writings By Irish American Women About Mothers And Daughters [Paperback]

Caledonia Kearns (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2000

The writings in this collection, fiction and nonfiction, are written from the perspectives of Irish American mothers and daughters. From Angela's Ashes to Riverdance, Irish literature and art are capturing the American imagination as never before. Ireland's literary legacy has taken root in American soil, and this dazzling anthology captures the spirit of this Celtic renaissance.

Motherland presents a poignant collection of Irish American women's writings about the mother-daughter bond in all its variety: sometimes a source of strength and solace, sometimes of sorrow and resentment, but always and everywhere central to the author's identity.

Acclaimed anthologist Caledonia Kearns has collected more than twenty pieces of fiction and nonfiction to create a rich tapestry of emotion, humor, and truth, featuring the work of contemporary writers, such as Anna Quindlen, Mary Gordon, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Mary Cantwell, Martha Manning, Rosemary Mahoney, Susan Minot, and Maureen Howard, along with voices from past eras like Margaret Sanger, Mother Jones, and M.F.K. Fisher.

This book speaks directly to the hearts of every mother and daughter. Irish or not, readers will find treasures to cherish, wisdom to live by, and words that sing with the spirit of the Celtic soul. It's a wonderful gift for St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day, or any occasion when eloquence is the order of the day.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Kearns (Cabbage and Bones) has done an exemplary job of assembling this anthology of writings by a wide variety of Irish-American women. Although many of the selections are memoirs and essays concerning motherhood, some fiction is also included, such as the sample from nearly forgotten novelist Ellin Mackay Berlin (Lace Curtain). Of particular interest are selections from the autobiographies of two important Irish-American labor activists: Helen Gurley Glynn (1890-1964) delivers a stirring tribute to her mother, an immigrant whose political activism made her a role model for her daughter; Mother Jones (1830-1930) recalls how she began agitating for the rights of strikers after the deaths of her husband and four children from yellow fever. There is a touching piece by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, who recalls her childhood attempts to wish away her mother's serious illness. Mary Cantwell describes the painful birth of her baby. Other contributors in this thoughtful collection include Mary Gordon, Anna Quindlen and birth-control pioneer Margaret Sanger. Agent, Victoria Sanders. Author tour.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Kearns, who previously edited an anthology of Irish American women's fiction (Cabbage and Bones, LJ 10/15/97), has collected 24 fiction and nonfiction pieces "to expose what motherhood can be and how daughters experience their mothers." The majority of the selections are reminiscences about mothers, some filled with praise and nostalgia, others with sorrow and anger. The most entertaining ones?Jean Kerr's satiricial essay about her returning adult children and Martha Manning's piece about her daughter's goldfish?focus on being a parent. Some selections lack clarity and effectiveness because they have been taken out of context from novels. Although they are all written by Irish American women, there is often no mention whatsoever of Irish ways or the Irish American experience. This uneven collection contains few outstanding pieces and is appropriate only for larger libraries with a demand for Irish-related materials.?Ilse Heidmann, San Marcos, TX
Copyright 1999 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: 272 pages
• Publisher: Harper Perennial (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688175864
• ISBN-13: 978-0688175863
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #243,188 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Motherland, September 7, 2000

By 

Veronica (Our sparkling Universe) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Motherland: Writings By Irish American Women About Mothers And Daughters (Paperback)

Neither I nor my mother are of Irish descent, but I found I could relate to a bit of every story in this precious book. It touched my heart and brought back forgotten memories, both tender and bittersweet. I sat in my chair for a long time after I read it, reflecting on the emotions it had stirred, and am sure it will affect many readers that way.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent collection of short stories about Irish women, May 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Motherland: Writings By Irish American Women About Mothers And Daughters (Hardcover)

A must read for all Irish women. Especially endearing was the story called "Trinity" written by Kerry Herlihy. A moving book.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a brilliant collection, March 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Motherland: Writings By Irish American Women About Mothers And Daughters (Hardcover)

Caledonia Kearns follows up her ground-breaking anthology of Irish American women writers,CABBAGE AND BONES, with another wonderful volume. I laughed aloud at Jean Kerr and Martha Manning and cried at more than one other,incuding Kearns' own essay. A great gift for any time,but especially for Mother's Day.