The Lightning Tree

by P.J. Curtis

Now back in print, this unique novel tells the story of one woman's remarkable life, lived out in the harshly beautiful landscape of the Burren. It is a story told by Mariah, a woman healer who lived in harmony not only with the special environment of the Burren but also with the spirits of the past. It is a story of love surprisingly found and tragically lost; of the struggle of an independent woman who was viewed with suspicion, whose healing powers were sought by many yet condemned from the pulpit. ""Irish writer and musicologist Curtis interweaves personal reminiscence, local and national history, and storytelling into a tapestry richly illustrating a life spanning almost a century.""-Library Journal.

Genres: Fiction

275 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2006

Reviews

[Cynthia Neale · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lyrical, poetic journey into the life of a West Clare woman healer from the late nineteenth century into the the twentieth century. The author, as a boy, knew Mariah and sat at her feet listening to her stories. He weaves a story about this woman living in harmony with the rugged beauty of the Burren. Mariah honors the ancestors, the unique natural surroundings of the Burren, and the healing powers through divinity and the earth. This is also reality for the present for eyes and hearts that see and feel. Know that some of Mariah's experiences can be our own! There is a timelessness to this story, although it resonates with the ancient times that for many have gone by the wayside. There is suspicion by the local church over her healing powers and the healing powers of her brother, but Mariah is always true to herself, the land, and her gift. Right away in the first chapter, there is lyrical imagery to draw you in through Mariah's eyes,

"I was up before dawn this morning. I love that time best of all. It's the best time to see what the young day is made of...when all about has been washed and rinsed fresh and clean by the darkness. I sat by my window and watched the moon set over the hill yonder. This morning, as she prepared to disappear from human eyes, she was wrapped in a halo. A double halo, if you please! The colour of apple-skin in September."

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book while on a visit home. It was only when I got back State-side that I realised it was a signed copy. Lovely!
I loved every minute of this book that takes place in my people's land of North-West Clare. The Burren is the most magical place in the world and Curtis' haunting prose captures that perfectly.

[Jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I was reading this book I thought "what a life this woman had." I wondered what it would be like to sit, as the author did, and listen to her stories about her life, her family, her curing and about Ireland in the 18th and 19th century. While there were many hadships there was also love and happiness.

[Jamie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not get into this book. It was so slow. I only made it to page 58 and then stopped reading it. I normally always finish a book, even if it isn't that great but I couldn't even finish this one. I think part of it was that I had 3 other books waiting for me so when I couldn't get into this one I started one of the others and never made it back. I wouldn't recommend this book.

[Mary Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would give this book 1 and 1/2 stars if such rating was possible. The story is poetic but unfortunately, the writing is not. It is sad, because the story and underlying voice of Mariah have potential, but the elementary approach (think USA Today) doesn't deliver.

[Deedee Mcintyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite a few editorial mistakes, this was a wonderful book. It was a old woman sharing the stories of her life. The voice of the book was perfect, I could hear the pauses of someone thinking and re-experiencing moments long gone as she related them to a listener. Incredibly moving!