IRELAND

When a storyteller comes to visit young Ronan’s house, he becomes fascinated with the wanderer’s art. His mother is less fascinated, throwing the man out and spawning a search for the man and Ronan’s lifelong fascination with storytelling and Irish history. The stories form the backbone of the novel as Ronan traces the man’s tales and tries a few of his own. Frank Delaney wrote with the ear in mind, and as narrator he uses his gentle, thoughtful voice to full effect. Like his fictional storyteller, he draws listeners in with the two-part goal of telling truths with a good story and keeping listeners driven to know what happens next. Rather than a must-read, this novel is a must-listen. J.A.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]