(audio book read by the author- he's terrific too)
In this coming of age, historical novel set in 1930s Ireland, Narrator Ben MacCarthy, now an elderly man, tells the story of Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show, and how it impacted his life and that of his father Harry, and mother, Louise. When the traveling show came into town, his family's life in the rural farmlands of Ireland were forever changed.
When Ben was just 18, his father took him to see a performance of the "traveling show" when it arrived in their town. When his father, Harry sees Venetia perform (she's an actress and ventriloquist), Harry becomes mesmerized by Venetia, and sends his son Ben home without out him.
When Harry does not comes home, Ben's mother demands that he go and find his father and bring him home. When he finally does find the mysterious Venetia and his father, Ben too begins to fall under her spell.
Part history, part mystery, plenty of political intrigue, myth and legend and some twists and turns as well, Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show
has something for every reader to enjoy. It is not always an easy story to follow, as there is a lot going, but it is a story that holds your interest. Early on I was trying to figure out where this story was going, and who Ben was telling this story to, but in the end my question was answered.
has something for every reader to enjoy. It is not always an easy story to follow, as there is a lot going, but it is a story that holds your interest. Early on I was trying to figure out where this story was going, and who Ben was telling this story to, but in the end my question was answered.
Frank Delaney is a first time author for me; he did a wonderful job entertaining me with this story. Audio book fans, this one is RECOMMENDED.
4/5 stars (Library Book)
I enjoyed this too and thought Frank Delaney was a fantastic reader!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear this is a good one! I just won it and am looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteI bet this was fun on audio, with the accents! And Blarney. :-D
ReplyDeleteI really, really enjoyed this book. what a fun ride!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great and I want to listen to it on audio for sure!
ReplyDeleteI am an audio book fan so I will defiantly have to buy this one or put it on my ipod. Great review.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds fun and looks fun too. It sounds like the audio version is the way to go.
ReplyDeletethis sounds like a good read, I love your new header btw
ReplyDeleteI know I have read a couple of reviews of this book recently and everyone seems to have enjoyed it. Must be a good one for me too then.
ReplyDeleteI loved his first book, Ireland, and think that this one sounds great as well. Delaney has a great way of blending some of the myths of Ireland into his writing, and I think it makes the stories he tells all the more rich. Great review! I am glad you liked the book and will be looking for it! I also love the new look around here. Very classy!
ReplyDeleteI loved this book, too. I didn't listen to it, but I'm thinking that the author and his Irish accent made it a wonderful experience.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound like there is a lot going on in this book, but not so much as to be confusing.
ReplyDeleteAfter seeing him speak at the Empire State Book Festival, I became very intrigued to read it. I still haven't but his rigorous standards for research still impress me. I'm glad to see you liked it!
ReplyDeleteDiane, your review is wonderful and I can tell that you really enjoyed this one. I hope to listen to an audio book soon!
ReplyDeleteSince I am completely hooked on audiobooks I am going to have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I was gone so long you changed your blog layout...I LOVE it!!
I read this book in print and loved it! I actually met the author at an event a few weeks ago and after talking to him, I can see how is audiobooks would be great to listen to!
ReplyDeleteLove the seashells and new design, btw!
what an endorsement! I have the print edition sitting in my TBR stack; I've gotten very behind, but hope to read it in July :(
ReplyDeleteThe audio edition sounds fantastic (maybe I should see if our library has that!)