Short Story Collections (Single Author), Irish Fiction, Holidays - Fiction
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Overview
Keane's 15 stories are not traditional Christmas tales, rather, they are stories about the lives of ordinary Irish country people during the holiday season. In his focus on the offbeat, the quirky, the out-of-the-ordinary, and the hidden, Keane delivers listeners the real Ireland--the one behind the stereotypes.The author of The Field and The Bodhran Makers now provides a charming collection of 15 stories--rich, colorful tales of Irish holiday traditions and ordinary people. "Country humor, holiday spirit, and insightful characterization are found in abundance."--Publishers Weekly.
Synopsis
Product Description Keane's 15 stories are not traditional Christmas tales, rather, they are stories about the lives of ordinary Irish country people during the holiday season. In his focus on the offbeat, the quirky, the out-of-the-ordinary, and the hidden, Keane delivers listeners the real Ireland--the one behind the stereotypes. From AudioFile These eight stories, read by the author, are sentimental, funny, gentle and full of feeling. The stories are wonderful, literary but accessible. "Spreading Joy and Jam at Christmas" and "Cider" are two of the best stories. Keane's soft voice requires careful attention from American listeners. Soon, however, the listener becomes attuned to the cadence and rhythm of County Kerry and is transported to the Ireland of our imagination and dreams. L.R.S. (c)AudioFile, Portland, MaineEditorials
Publishers Weekly -
Those who believe in the universality of the Irish spirit will be especially touched and delighted by these original, gentle and wry holiday stories. Keane (Durango), a popular Irish playwright and storyteller, is at his best when combining an intriguing conceit with descriptions of the customs and rituals of the Emerald Isle. ``The Scubblething'' tells of a Christmas party that evolves around an annual vitriolic argument between Martin Scubble and his wife, Mary. ``The Miracle of Ballybradawn'' is one of several humorous morality tales about poaching, describing the transformation of a poacher who discovers the sanctuary of the Church while on the lam. ``Groodles'' traces the journey of an old tomcat who ends up taking a fatal dip in the holiday soup. The lesser stories meander a bit, although even in those outings the strength of Keane's regional prose rarely flags. Country humor, holiday spirit and insightful characterization are found in abundance in these 15 stories. 7000 first printing. (Dec.)Book Details
Published
October 15, 1995
Publisher
Rinehart, Roberts Publishers, Inc.
Format
Audiobook
ISBN
9781570980510