Shannon: A Novel of Ireland

(Paperback)

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Description

In the summer of 1922, Robert Shannon, a Marine chaplain and a young American hero of the Great War, lands in Ireland. He still suffers from shell shock, and his mentor hopes that a journey Robert had always wanted to make-to find his family roots along the banks of the River Shannon-will restore his equilibrium and his vocation. But there is more to the story- On his return from the war, Robert had witnessed startling corruption in the Archdiocese of Boston. He has been sent to Ireland to secure his silence-permanently. As Robert faces the dangers of a strife-torn Ireland roiling in civil war, the nation's myths and people, its beliefs and traditions, unfurl healingly before him. And the River Shannon gives comfort to the young man who is inspired by the words of hismentor- "Find your soul and you'll live."

Reviews

A rousing tale of forbidden love, civil war, horrible death and other things Irish. A fine adventure in storytelling[and] a well-crafted, satisfying work of historical fiction, as are all of Delaneys novels; respectful of the facts while not cowed by them, and full of life. Kirkus Reviews

A tale of personal healing and spiritual redemption against the Irish Civil warDelaney takes great pains to evoke not only the physical but spiritual beauty of the land and people along the River Shannon. He provides incredibly researched details about not only the geological nature of a river winding its way to the sea but the mystical effect this simple body of water has had on its residents for millennia [and] provides timely insights about the raw, damaged output of war and the far-reaching impact it can haveThis book is almost impossible to put down and provides a very satisfying, and maybe even surprising, conclusion to all the different storylines.Midwest Irish Focus

Thoughtful, spiritual though not overbearing, and rounded out with a nice vein of intrigue. Publishers Weekly


Delaney makes his lovely, battered country a character of its own.USA Today

A gripping story . . . As with Charles Fraziers Cold Mountain and a couple of other recent works, [Shannon] is the story of an odyssey. . . . Delaney again shows himself to be a master user of the language, a master at historical fiction and a master storyteller in the Irish tradition.Winston-Salem Journal

An engaging read . . . filled with eccentric characters, treachery, and ultimately, redemption.The Star-Ledger

Delaney, a native of Ireland . . . knows the territory. Ireland is a living place and its people compelling.Rocky Mountain News

Author Bio

Frank Delaneyis the author of theNew York Timesbestselling novelIreland, as well asThe Last Storyteller, The Matchmaker of Kenmare, Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show, Tipperary, Shannon,andSimple Courage- A True Story of Peril on the Sea.A former judge for the Man Booker Prize, Delaney enjoyed a prominent career in BBC broadcasting before becoming a full-time writer. Delaney died in 2017.