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Summary: Irish Wit and Charm at it's Best!
Review: Bill Watkin's book is a charismatic blend of personal history, Celtic spirituality, and humor. While it resonates with the almost mythical beauty (and hardships) of growing up in post-war Ireland, it avoids the mistake of becoming maudlin. Watkin's coming-of-age tales are lessons for us all in the "joy of life." It's use of Galic history provides a strong base for a brilliant book. What a good read!
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Summary: Celtic lore
Review: Bill Watkins book is a breath of fresh air with a unique style of prose, seldom, if at all, found these days. Poetic, humorous and delightfully witty, the oral tradition of Watkins Celtic roots opens a door to a rich heritage that even a non Celt can appreciate. All ages will love this many-layered tale of wild adventure, mothers especially.
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Summary: A "couldn't put it down" Book!
Review: Bill Watkins' humorous and fascinating memories of his childhood in Ireland and England make this one of those books that you just can't seem to stop reading. I kept telling myself, "Just ONE more chapter, then I'll put it down and go to sleep." Even the hard times are told with wit and good humor and with a real love for the people, surroundings, and music that influenced him so much. Am looking forward eagerly to the next one!
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Summary: A Celtic Childhod
Review: Drop dead funny, but also bittersweet. I loved this book and recommended it to all my friends
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Summary: The Anti Angela's Ashes
Review: Given the timing and subject matter of Bill Watkins' "A Celtic Childhood," comparisons to Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes" and "'Tis" are inevitable.While the similarities are evident, Watkins' and McCourt's styles are far from identical.While McCourt's stories are humorous, they focus on the hardships of growing up poor in Ireland, seemingly from the point of view of an adult looking back on the past. Watkins, on the other hand, tells humorous stories that mention the hardships of his youth matter-of-factly, and is able to take on the point of view of the child describing the present. Watkins' vivid imagination and gift for language are quite apparent in this memoir. The fantasies he created for himself as a child (and often acted out) are wonderful, whether he be Biggles the World War I aviator or the leader of a pack of American gangsters. What stands out for me in this book is the relationship Watkins, as an only child, had with his parents (and other adult relatives). His mother is a woman of great creativity and salty language, while his father is a bit of a tosspot and ne'er-do-well who loves his son and imparts great knowledge of things scientific, philospohical and historical. Watkins has the eye of the keen observer, always alert, missing nothing, and the ability to describe what he has observed with very creative uses of language. I recommend this book strongly to fans of humor, memoir, and all things Irish. Watkins reportedly plans a trilogy, of which this is the first volume. (The second will allegedly be called "Scotland is Not for the Squeamish.") I can't wait to read it!
Rating:
Summary: The Anti Angela's Ashes
Review: Given the timing and subject matter of Bill Watkins' "A Celtic Childhood," comparisons to Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes" and "'Tis" are inevitable.While the similarities are evident, Watkins' and McCourt's styles are far from identical. While McCourt's stories are humorous, they focus on the hardships of growing up poor in Ireland, seemingly from the point of view of an adult looking back on the past. Watkins, on the other hand, tells humorous stories that mention the hardships of his youth matter-of-factly, and is able to take on the point of view of the child describing the present. Watkins' vivid imagination and gift for language are quite apparent in this memoir. The fantasies he created for himself as a child (and often acted out) are wonderful, whether he be Biggles the World War I aviator or the leader of a pack of American gangsters. What stands out for me in this book is the relationship Watkins, as an only child, had with his parents (and other adult relatives). His mother is a woman of great creativity and salty language, while his father is a bit of a tosspot and ne'er-do-well who loves his son and imparts great knowledge of things scientific, philospohical and historical. Watkins has the eye of the keen observer, always alert, missing nothing, and the ability to describe what he has observed with very creative uses of language. I recommend this book strongly to fans of humor, memoir, and all things Irish. Watkins reportedly plans a trilogy, of which this is the first volume. (The second will allegedly be called "Scotland is Not for the Squeamish.") I can't wait to read it!
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Summary: Delightfully powerful, poignant, and witty
Review: I was caught up in this first book by Bill immediately because of his warmth, humor, and the amazing way that his unsurpassed storytelling skills vividly draw you into the events of his childhood as though you were right there. A Celtic Childhood reveals the humor and heart and goodnatured view on life that Bill exudes today, in spite of any troubles and hard times. His perspective on life is very refreshing, and not at all bogged down by any self-pity or guilt as others have unfortunately exhibited in memoirs. It's very difficult to put this book down. There are adventures around every corner which all turn out inevitably funny no matter how disastrous. These are told at an exciting and rapid pace similar to a child's energy and intake of experience. In particular, I love the language and the rhythm -- the ways that Bill questions in his early years the meanings behind common phrases, sayings, and words. His view of the adult lives around him are hysterical and apt! His inclusion of a glossary and tune lyrics, as well as injection of many insights and facts of Celtic history, lore, and culture all serve to make this memoir an incredibly rich and vital read, that will leave an indelible imprint upon the heart and mind of all who read it. Rarely have I read a book with such heart, and phenomenal wit and way with words. Bill's a grand storyteller, and a wonderful, generous and multi-talented human being. Looking very forward to reading "Scotland is Not for the Squeamish", and the 3rd book in this trilogy when it comes out next year!
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Summary: Enthralling!
Review: I was given a loan of this book while I was working my way through Frank McCourt's 'Angela's Ashes', which I found quite dour, on the other hand I found this book to be one of the most entertaining books I have read in many years, I virtually read the whole book in one sitting. As a Scotsman living in Dublin, there is a strong resonance of Celtic familiarity which made the book very endearing to me. Bill Watkins gift of the gab, sharp wit and his ability to make the reader feel that they are right along with him during his story telling makes for a grand rip-roaring adventure. An essential book for the new Millenium!
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Summary: Adventure, humour, sadness... Life
Review: Reading Bill's work has given me a new outlook on my own Celtic heritage, and I'm finally 'hearing' the songs and stories my grandparents couldn't share with me. In 'A Celtic Childhood', Bill proves himself a true Bard in the modern world, serving his own happiness, tears, songs, stories & wit with the world. And we come back begging for seconds... And thirds.
Rating:
Summary: Adventure, humour, sadness... Life
Review: Reading Bill's work has given me a new outlook on my own Celtic heritage, and I'm finally 'hearing' the songs and stories my grandparents couldn't share with me. In 'A Celtic Childhood', Bill proves himself a true Bard in the modern world, serving his own happiness, tears, songs, stories & wit with the world. And we come back begging for seconds... And thirds.
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