
An Innocent in Ireland
Curious Rambles and Singular Encounters
David Mcfadden(Author)
McClelland & Stewart Inc. (Publisher)
Published on 6. May 1995
Book
Paperback/Softback
320 pages
978-0-7710-5527-0 (ISBN)
Description
When writer David McFadden sets out on a tour of Ireland, he is determined to so do in a relatively innocent state. Using as a guide only In Search of Ireland, a 1930 title by travel writer H. V. Morton, he plans to follow the same route, to try to determine how things have changed and how they have remained the same.
This he proceeds to do - at least at first. But soon he is wandering more and more erratically around the country, poking into any corner and musing over any sight that takes his fancy - from a cozy guest house in Kilcullen to the legendary Hill of Tara, from the south-coast pub run by twin sisters to the windswept reaches of the Ballaghbeama Gap. And increasingly he is drawn to the prehistoric monuments of ancient Ireland. As he goes, he records his very personal impressions in a clear-eyed and wryly humorous way.
Wisely, McFadden also lets the many characters he meets speak for themselves; he loves a good chat and he gives ample space to the various loquacious barmen, shopkeepers, hoteliers, and passersby along the way. And of all the eccentric and appealing characters that he encounters, one of the most intriguing is his travelling companion, the mysterious Spanish chambermaid and poet Lourdes Brasil.
Amusing, quirky, compassionate but unsentimental, An Innocent in Ireland is a treat for any armchair traveller.
This he proceeds to do - at least at first. But soon he is wandering more and more erratically around the country, poking into any corner and musing over any sight that takes his fancy - from a cozy guest house in Kilcullen to the legendary Hill of Tara, from the south-coast pub run by twin sisters to the windswept reaches of the Ballaghbeama Gap. And increasingly he is drawn to the prehistoric monuments of ancient Ireland. As he goes, he records his very personal impressions in a clear-eyed and wryly humorous way.
Wisely, McFadden also lets the many characters he meets speak for themselves; he loves a good chat and he gives ample space to the various loquacious barmen, shopkeepers, hoteliers, and passersby along the way. And of all the eccentric and appealing characters that he encounters, one of the most intriguing is his travelling companion, the mysterious Spanish chambermaid and poet Lourdes Brasil.
Amusing, quirky, compassionate but unsentimental, An Innocent in Ireland is a treat for any armchair traveller.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Toronto
Canada
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 213 mm
Width: 145 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight
458 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7710-5527-0 (9780771055270)
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E-Book
12/2016
McClelland & Stewart
€18.49
Available for download
Person
David W. McFadden has published over twenty books of poetry and prose, including Gypsy Guitar, nominated for a Governor General’s Award in 1987 and The Art of Darkness, nominated for a Governor General’s Award in 1984. He lives in Toronto.