I Am of Irelaunde : A Novel of Patrick and Osian

Rating:
Summary: A Little History Mixed With A Lot Of Irish Folk Tales
Review: I AM OF IRELAUNDE is a story about Patrick and Osian and to a lesser extent Osian's father Finn Mac Cool and the Fenian warriors of Ireland who flourished around two centuries before Patrick Christianized Ireland. It is a novel which mixes a few historical facts with Irish folk tales and Celtic myths. The author is a good writer who is primarily a folklorist.

Rating:
Summary: Enchanting! I couldn't put it down...
Review: If you are at all interested the history of Ireland or the life of Saint Patrick, you will love this book! The author takes the few facts that are actually known about St. Patrick and the Irish legend Finn Mac Cool and from them weaves a lyrical, engaging story. The characters of Patrick and Osian are completely believable and the stories they tell are inspiring and meaningful. The book revisits all the old Irish mythology (like the story of Dhiarmaid & Grainne) and makes it very human and believable. It then adds the struggle of St. Patrick to understand the natives of Ireland and teach them about his God. The stories tie together perfectly, and the book resonates with meaning. I had tears in my eyes at the end of this novel. It's an incredible read.

Rating:
Summary: Mystical, Magical...Except for St. Patrick
Review: Kudos to Ms. Osborne-McKnight on her first novel! In I AM OF IRELAUNDE,the author's love of Ireland and its history shines through her words, evoking a place and time as only a good storyteller could. Osian, son of Fionn Mac Cumhail, leaps from the pages, a Fenian warrior charged with a mission regarding Padraig. Wonderful, magical fantasy. However, as a reader, I had a problem with the character of Padraig/St. Patrick: I didn't like him, and felt that I should. In fact, I believe the novel would have been better served if it told Fionn Mac Cumhail and Osian's story, leaving out the more contemporary story of St. Patrick. Also, although the author thankfully included a glossary with Irish definitions and pronunciations, I still found my reading pace slowed whenever I had to consult the glossary yet again. The editing suffered a bit as well, though through none of the fault of the author. This reader hopes Ms. Osborne-McKnight will continue to spin tales of Tir Nan Og, the Sidhe, and all things Druid. Her gift of storytelling and love of Ireland bode well for Ms. Osborne-McKnight's future as an author. Bail O Dhia ar an obair.