Carolan's Farewell

by Charles Foran

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0006392490
• ISBN13: 9780006392491
• Release Date: August 2006
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.8" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Puts me in the mood for a tune

Any fan of Irish music knows that Turlough O'Carolan, the last of the great bards of Ireland, wandered the countryside, blind, in the company of a servant who led him from great house to great house, where he composed tunes for his patrons. But Charles Foran gives the tale a personal touch in Carolan's Farewell, a fictional account based on some facts of Carolan's life, that focuses on the friendship that developed between Carolan (here called Terence) and his dutiful friend and guide, Owen Connor. The story is set in 1737, during Carolan's final days. His health is failing, particularly after completing a difficult pilgrimmage and following a lifetime of rich foods and richer drinks. Before long, you'll know more about the bard's growing gastro-intestinal problems than you might have wanted. The narrative sets the stage for a turbulent time in Ireland's history, and readers will learn a great deal about the issues and opinions of the time. But more importantly, it makes a flesh-and-blood figure of a legendary character. Carolan's Farewell is warm and deeply human, witty, dramatic and emotionally draining, a celebration of a life and an exploration of its mysteries. You can't know Carolan in a conventional sense, but this book allows you to know Carolan as he might have been, through actions and -- more importantly -- dialogue that flows like a harper's fingers over his strings. by Tom Knapp, Rambles.(net) editor

Trot along with this lively duo!

This book was a delightful surprise! At times heartbreaking, at times laugh out loud funny, it portrays the solid friendship of Terence and Owen. The banter between the two is especially priceless! I was quite happy to clop along side them on their journey!