Bit O' Blarney: Irish-themed Novels for St. Patrick's Day

The Wild Irish / Robin MaxwellBased on the legendary Irish piratess Grace O’Malley who used to raid English ships, this swashbuckling tale depicts the confrontation of Grace and another 16th century heroine—Queen Elizabeth I. Grace dares to face down the most powerful woman in the world in defense of her oppressed Irish homeland, even risking her life on a voyage up the Thames to face the Queen herself. Beautifully written and historically accurate, The Wild Irish is a great retelling of this legendary heroine. (FIC MAXWELL)

Song of Ireland / Juliene Osborne-McNight
This exciting fantasy-adventure novel about the origins of ancient Ireland traces the story of the Celts of Eire and their interaction with the mythical Danu, or “little people” inhabitants of the forest whose supernatural powers give them control over time and nature. With vivid characters and colorful depictions of the ancient Celtic world, Song of Ireland is an imaginative and romantic rendering of the mystical Emerald Isle and its ancient heritage. (FIC OSBORNE)

Shannon: A Novel / by Frank Delaney

"Find your soul and you'll live". So were the parting words given to young Robert Shannon upon his personal quest to seek out his Irish roots. Previously an American combat veteran of World War I and currently a priest in training, Robert has become disillusioned and disheartened by the comprimising events surrounding his Boston archdiocese. So, in late summer of 1922 in a nation still reeling from political turmoil and civil war, Robert sets foot on the banks of the river bearing his namesake intent upon reconnecting with his heritage. Yet unbeknownst to Robert are external forces which are bent upon keeping him out of the way of his true calling--forever. Delaney's latest novel about his beloved Irish homeland wonderfully weaves together Ireland's turbulent history, its ancient legends and darkest secrets. (FIC DELANEY)

Something Wicked This Way Comes / by Ray Bradbury

Mr. Dark and his Pandemonium Show are a carnival like no other. Rolling into town one full-moon October night, their eerie attractions soon entrance even the cynical and possess a power beyond conception. But a strange fate awaits fairgoers as fulfilled dreams can become nightmares when beauty is fleeting and charm is deceptive. With their town succumbing to Mr. Dark's malevolence, 12-year-old Jim Nightshade and best friend Will are the only ones to foresee a dreadful end for their town and those they love.

Ray Bradbury's imagination knows no bounds. A figurehead of the Science Fiction/Fantasy genre for decades, his works include Farenheit 451, Dandelion Wine, and The Martian Chronicles. This book marks the debut of 'The Illustrated Man', a character whose unusual tattoos come alive. First published in 1962, Something Wicked... was made into a Disney movie starring Jason Robards.

Now Is The Time To Open Your Heart / by Alice Walker

 

Classic-contemporary author Alice Walker, she of The Color Purple fame, details a freethinking couple's vacation to separate locales in this surrealistic novel. Thrice-divorced Kate is a well-accomplished writer living with her current partner, Yolo, a successful painter when the couple decides to take a break from it all and re-evaluate their relationship, each on their own "spiritual" sabbatical. Kate's journey begins and stays rooted in nature first rafting the Colorado River and finally backpacking into Mexico with a group seeking spiritual enlightenment. Accompanied by a shaman spirit guide and complete with some organic hallucinogenic aids, Kate and her diverse companions attempt a mystical brand of spiritual revival. More conventional but no less unpredictable, Yolo escapes to Hawaii seeking peace and quiet after a rigorous period of painting only to discover some re-awakening of his own when he encounters a former lover.

Walker's easy style allows any reader to tap into her characters even during the most "out-there" episodes and the down-to-earth frankness in her delivery will relate well to any reader. Fans of Walker's poetry and non-fiction will recognize her own voice clearly realized in Kate's oft-given reflections on personal, social, political, and relational concerns. This is a great book for anyone seeking a bit of fantasy within realistic fiction and as well as some new vacation ideas. (FIC WALKER)