A Celtic Childhood

by Bill Watkins

Book Overview

A Celtic Childhood vividly portrays Bill Watkins' eccentric Celtic family: his vibrant Irish mam whose "hand is on the tiller" as head of household; his principled but stout-loving Welsh dad; and his... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1886913315
• ISBN13: 9781886913318
• Release Date: October 1999
• Publisher: Ruminator Books
• Length: 322 Pages
• Weight: 1.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

The Anti Angela's Ashes

Given the timing and subject matter of Bill Watkins' "A Celtic Childhood," comparisons to Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes" and "'Tis" are inevitable.While the similarities are evident, Watkins' and McCourt's styles are far from identical.While McCourt's stories are humorous, they focus on the hardships of growing up poor in Ireland, seemingly from the point of view of an adult looking back on the past. Watkins, on the other hand, tells humorous stories that mention the hardships of his youth matter-of-factly, and is able to take on the point of view of the child describing the present.Watkins' vivid imagination and gift for language are quite apparent in this memoir. The fantasies he created for himself as a child (and often acted out) are wonderful, whether he be Biggles the World War I aviator or the leader of a pack of American gangsters.What stands out for me in this book is the relationship Watkins, as an only child, had with his parents (and other adult relatives). His mother is a woman of great creativity and salty language, while his father is a bit of a tosspot and ne'er-do-well who loves his son and imparts great knowledge of things scientific, philospohical and historical.Watkins has the eye of the keen observer, always alert, missing nothing, and the ability to describe what he has observed with very creative uses of language.I recommend this book strongly to fans of humor, memoir, and all things Irish. Watkins reportedly plans a trilogy, of which this is the first volume. (The second will allegedly be called "Scotland is Not for the Squeamish.") I can't wait to read it!

Enthralling!

I was given a loan of this book while I was working my way through Frank McCourt's 'Angela's Ashes', which I found quite dour, on the other hand I found this book to be one of the most entertaining books I have read in many years, I virtually read the whole book in one sitting. As a Scotsman living in Dublin, there is a strong resonance of Celtic familiarity which made the book very endearing to me. Bill Watkins gift of the gab, sharp wit and his ability to make the reader feel that they are right along with him during his story telling makes for a grand rip-roaring adventure. An essential book for the new Millenium!

A Celtic childhood

Bill puts a smile on your face every time you meet him. A Celtic childhood is an example of his exceptional wit and charisma ! Its a joy to have this book being Irish, I'm from Co. Limerick - what a great christmas present for the folks back home. Keep um coming Bill !

"A rollercoaster rites of passage extravaganza! "

Bill Watkins' work is as thoroughly absorbing as it is entertaining. A laugh out loud journey from the beginnings of childhood to adolescence with a style of writing that leaps from the page grabbing your attention and tickling the funny bone! The use of language, embellished with song and poetry lends itself well to bringing the many characters to life. A worthy addition to the Christmas reading list.

Finally a happy Irish memoir. Tis tisn't.

Writer Watkins autobiography is a lyrical and humorous collection of true growing up stories told in the best tradition.Wheras the English hoard words like misers the author spends them like a sailor.Watkins brings an intelligence and culture to Celtic life that is sorely lacking in other recent Irish literature.