Getting ready to do some "Irish" reading.
Painting of "Snakes and the Saint", acrylic on canvas, 2018 by Denise Spicer.
Let
Me Die In Ireland
David
W Bercot
A fictionalized story of the life of Patrick which
discusses his early life as son of wealthy Roman British citizens, his capture,
and life of slavery in Ireland. When
Patrick finally returns home to his family he realizes God is calling him to go
back to Ireland to spread the Gospel.
The author follows Patrick through his lengthy preparations in his
native land and then on to his long ministry in Ireland
St Patrick’s Gargoyle
Katherine
Kurtz 2001
From
the very first paragraph the author pulls us into a fascinating tale. Set in Dublin Ireland, we follow Paddy, a
gargoyle/avenging archangel and his new friend and helper, the human Francis
Templeton. In his 80’s, Francis, a
Knight of Malta, drives a vintage rolls Royce and navigates around the snowy
December streets as he assists Paddy and the other gargoyles to rebind a demon
in an ancient underground vault. The book
includes wonderful descriptions of Dublin at Christmas time and of pre-season
church services in St. Patrick’s Cathedral complete with a session in the Bell
Tower as the bell ringers practice. Some
charming, wry humor, a cute little kitty, and some Protestant/Catholic
theological quibbling. Recommended for
Armchair Travelers and those who love Christmastime settings.
An
Irish Christmas
John
B Keane
This
1999 book contains 17 stories set in an Irish country village. (probably mid-
20th-century). All are set at
or around Christmastime but don’t really have a very strong feel of the
season. With only mildly interesting
characters (Canon Coodle, the priest, Mrs. Hanlon, his housekeeper, Matt
Coumer, the doctor, Sam Toper, a drunk, Mental Nossery, a poet and his wife the
barmaid, Blossom O’Moone) the author gives us some disjointed,
disorganized, “slice of life” stories
featuring mostly a bunch of people drinking.
A few mildly amusing scenes including the final story “A Christmas
Surprise”.
Corned beef, cabbage and a mystery novel.
And now for dessert!
A Catered St Patrick’s Day
Isis Crawford
This 2012 caper follows the Simmons sisters, Bernie and Libby and their dad, Sean, as they investigate a bizarre murder. Much detested swindler Mike Sweeney has been drowned in a keg of green beer. Lots of suspects give the sleuths plenty to investigate in this somewhat contrived plot. Includes 3 recipes.
