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Ramblings in Ireland
This is not a book about rambling in Ireland.
It tells the tale of one particular walking trip and the memories and musings it inspired.
Exploring the West of Ireland is a time for meditation, spiritual reflection and strengthening the bonds of life. More practically the ability to read a map might have proved helpful. The tourist office in Ireland has all their paths clearly marked. You can’t go wrong if you follow that little yellow man. Or can you?
As British ex-patriate Kerry Dwyer leads Bertrand, her trusting French husband, astray once more, they reminisce and reflect upon accents and accidents, family and friends, love and what it means to be alive. Bertrand doesn’t mind getting lost – he loves Kerry all the more for going off the beaten track.
This is a book about ramblings in Ireland. Walk with Kerry and Bertrand and follow where your thoughts lead you.
It tells the tale of one particular walking trip and the memories and musings it inspired.
Exploring the West of Ireland is a time for meditation, spiritual reflection and strengthening the bonds of life. More practically the ability to read a map might have proved helpful. The tourist office in Ireland has all their paths clearly marked. You can’t go wrong if you follow that little yellow man. Or can you?
As British ex-patriate Kerry Dwyer leads Bertrand, her trusting French husband, astray once more, they reminisce and reflect upon accents and accidents, family and friends, love and what it means to be alive. Bertrand doesn’t mind getting lost – he loves Kerry all the more for going off the beaten track.
This is a book about ramblings in Ireland. Walk with Kerry and Bertrand and follow where your thoughts lead you.
- GenresTravelNonfictionIreland
179 pages, ebook
First published August 13, 2012
31 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Dwyer
4 books16 followersKerry Dwyer is a writer and teacher of English as a foreign language. She was born in the north of England and educated in the south. She has lived in various parts of the UK and worked throughout Europe. She now lives with her family in Charente Maritime in the southwest of France.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 30, 2012
I looked forward to reading this book and was pleased to see it involves hiking through nature rather than shopping through cities. I love nature hikes.
The author first tells us how she decided to visit Ireland with her husband. Then as we accompany them on long walks through the countryside, Dywer frequently detours into the past on some related subject, treating us to cultural comparisons and human foibles. These are things we can all relate to, and I found myself wanting to share my experiences with her. Eventually the detour loops us back to the present walk. Usually these detours are easy to follow. A couple times, however, I couldn’t tell if I was with the author in France or in Ireland and needed to backtrack to find my bearings.
Dywer’s tone is folksy humor. Her wit is wonderful. Dialogue is believable and brings out the personality of individuals. I delighted over the closeness of the author and her husband. The tension they share is the kind we find among couples who enjoy a happy partnership through adventures. Only at one point did I sense the author’s pain when she tells of childhood persecution over her accent. Since she doesn’t vary her style in relating it, the pain is subtle, and many readers may not detect it. On the other hand, I laughed out loud where she tells about the call of nature that strikes when one least wants it.
The trails take interesting twists and reveal surprising views. The same is true with the detours. In fact, they add zest to this traveling memoir. I was delighted to learn about a train that stops for hitchhikers and about the great friendliness of the Irish people. I was surprised at the vast number and location of the hiking trails. Such knowledge beckons a lover of walks to visit. How wonderful to learn there is nature instead of merely cities in Ireland and France. That there are national parks and campgrounds. That there are bed and breakfasts. I do get the impression, however, that while the author feels comfortable mentioning plants, she dodges much mention of animals. Where is the wildlife? (I do wonder that she mentions corn and maize as if they are separate plants. Or is European corn really wheat, barley, or oats?)
Energy, humor, and adventures carry us happily from one chapter to the next. We can almost forget the typos, easily overlooked but really too numerous for a published book. Additionally the few flaws with redundancy, grammar, or punctuation call for a minor polish that can shoot this book to the top.
The ending seems abrupt. The author talks about books in the end, giving me the impression she had difficulty finding a way to say goodbye. I think she should have ended on the subject of Ireland and the hike, so she brings us full circle, like a loop in the trail.
This book would go great in a discussion group. We can all share similar experiences and generate so much excitement we’d be in danger of talking simultaneously.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
The author first tells us how she decided to visit Ireland with her husband. Then as we accompany them on long walks through the countryside, Dywer frequently detours into the past on some related subject, treating us to cultural comparisons and human foibles. These are things we can all relate to, and I found myself wanting to share my experiences with her. Eventually the detour loops us back to the present walk. Usually these detours are easy to follow. A couple times, however, I couldn’t tell if I was with the author in France or in Ireland and needed to backtrack to find my bearings.
Dywer’s tone is folksy humor. Her wit is wonderful. Dialogue is believable and brings out the personality of individuals. I delighted over the closeness of the author and her husband. The tension they share is the kind we find among couples who enjoy a happy partnership through adventures. Only at one point did I sense the author’s pain when she tells of childhood persecution over her accent. Since she doesn’t vary her style in relating it, the pain is subtle, and many readers may not detect it. On the other hand, I laughed out loud where she tells about the call of nature that strikes when one least wants it.
The trails take interesting twists and reveal surprising views. The same is true with the detours. In fact, they add zest to this traveling memoir. I was delighted to learn about a train that stops for hitchhikers and about the great friendliness of the Irish people. I was surprised at the vast number and location of the hiking trails. Such knowledge beckons a lover of walks to visit. How wonderful to learn there is nature instead of merely cities in Ireland and France. That there are national parks and campgrounds. That there are bed and breakfasts. I do get the impression, however, that while the author feels comfortable mentioning plants, she dodges much mention of animals. Where is the wildlife? (I do wonder that she mentions corn and maize as if they are separate plants. Or is European corn really wheat, barley, or oats?)
Energy, humor, and adventures carry us happily from one chapter to the next. We can almost forget the typos, easily overlooked but really too numerous for a published book. Additionally the few flaws with redundancy, grammar, or punctuation call for a minor polish that can shoot this book to the top.
The ending seems abrupt. The author talks about books in the end, giving me the impression she had difficulty finding a way to say goodbye. I think she should have ended on the subject of Ireland and the hike, so she brings us full circle, like a loop in the trail.
This book would go great in a discussion group. We can all share similar experiences and generate so much excitement we’d be in danger of talking simultaneously.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
January 9, 2013
I'm going to open my review by quoting Kerry's self-commentary. I couldn't possibly improve on this bit for pinpointing the charm of her travelogue-plus book, which she describes as "a memoir of sorts":
"There is a lovely French expression 'il ne perd pas le nord.' Literally this means 'he doesn't lose the north.' It means someone who knows exactly what they want and where they are going. They are focused on their target and don't lose track of it.
"That doesn't describe me at all."
I laughed out loud, partly because I'm one of those people fixed on the goal. But focus doesn't help one be a more sensitive partner or a more observant traveler, which is often required where cultural differences come into play--she's British, her husband is French, and they're rambling through Ireland. The book is a memoir primarily because it is more than the sum of its walking tours, which sometimes end in disaster. The bittersweet experience of going off track is the point of Kerry's work and also the nature of the experience one has in reading it.
I haven't been to Ireland, so I don't know whether the descriptions are perfectly apt or not. I can say I found them enjoyable to read. It's not fiction, so I don't have to judge the plausibility of theme and characters. However, some themes emerge, as do well-rounded characters, principally the author and her husband, who come to know one another much better for their wander. Dialogue is sometimes over-used, but it helps to establish the reader's bond with the characters.
There are nine chapters with brief titles (such as Underwear and Walkingsticks). These derive, cunningly, from a list she jots down before the trip of "things I didn't want to forget." I found the first couple of chapters a bit slow--airports and bags don't interest me. Chapters I particularly liked were "Walking Boots," which includes a useful bit on the difference between a full English and a full Irish breakfast; "Maps," which delves into the way accents both join and separate people; and "Underwear," which has some truly beautiful nature descriptions. Though the book remains primarily personal and doesn't rise to the level of great literary travel writers or diarists, it's worth reading.
"There is a lovely French expression 'il ne perd pas le nord.' Literally this means 'he doesn't lose the north.' It means someone who knows exactly what they want and where they are going. They are focused on their target and don't lose track of it.
"That doesn't describe me at all."
I laughed out loud, partly because I'm one of those people fixed on the goal. But focus doesn't help one be a more sensitive partner or a more observant traveler, which is often required where cultural differences come into play--she's British, her husband is French, and they're rambling through Ireland. The book is a memoir primarily because it is more than the sum of its walking tours, which sometimes end in disaster. The bittersweet experience of going off track is the point of Kerry's work and also the nature of the experience one has in reading it.
I haven't been to Ireland, so I don't know whether the descriptions are perfectly apt or not. I can say I found them enjoyable to read. It's not fiction, so I don't have to judge the plausibility of theme and characters. However, some themes emerge, as do well-rounded characters, principally the author and her husband, who come to know one another much better for their wander. Dialogue is sometimes over-used, but it helps to establish the reader's bond with the characters.
There are nine chapters with brief titles (such as Underwear and Walkingsticks). These derive, cunningly, from a list she jots down before the trip of "things I didn't want to forget." I found the first couple of chapters a bit slow--airports and bags don't interest me. Chapters I particularly liked were "Walking Boots," which includes a useful bit on the difference between a full English and a full Irish breakfast; "Maps," which delves into the way accents both join and separate people; and "Underwear," which has some truly beautiful nature descriptions. Though the book remains primarily personal and doesn't rise to the level of great literary travel writers or diarists, it's worth reading.
October 23, 2012
It’s fortunate that author Kerry Dwyer and her husband, Bertrand Renaudineau, each have a sense of humor when things go awry, because much goes sideways in this charming tale of a walking vacation in Ireland. Wrong books are ordered. Dwyer’s notorious lack of sense of direction gets them lost. The wrong things are packed and needed things get left behind.
Yet the trip is a success. Dwyer and Renaudineau walk their way through parts of Western Ireland, with only one day of fog. Along the way they meet interesting people and see some beautiful country, which Dwyer describes well.
The Ramblings of the title refer to more than walking. Partnered with descriptions of where they walked and what they saw are discussions of the differences between French, English, and Irish cuisine, English footpath laws, how accents can unite or divide us, the process of getting her first pair of reading glasses, and a myriad of other subjects. I enjoyed the asides, which added to the charm of the book.
The one thing I didn’t care for was that Dwyer occasionally included long sections of verbatim dialog that didn’t seem important. But this is a minor quibble. All in all, Ramblings in Ireland was a delightful read that I would recommend to travelers and non-travelers alike.
Yet the trip is a success. Dwyer and Renaudineau walk their way through parts of Western Ireland, with only one day of fog. Along the way they meet interesting people and see some beautiful country, which Dwyer describes well.
The Ramblings of the title refer to more than walking. Partnered with descriptions of where they walked and what they saw are discussions of the differences between French, English, and Irish cuisine, English footpath laws, how accents can unite or divide us, the process of getting her first pair of reading glasses, and a myriad of other subjects. I enjoyed the asides, which added to the charm of the book.
The one thing I didn’t care for was that Dwyer occasionally included long sections of verbatim dialog that didn’t seem important. But this is a minor quibble. All in all, Ramblings in Ireland was a delightful read that I would recommend to travelers and non-travelers alike.
November 9, 2012
This is a charming, well-written, genre-defying read. At some point the author admits that the title is misleading, giving fair warning to any who might think of reading this in preparation for a ramble in Ireland; this is not the book for you even though Charles de Gaulle is invoked as testifying to the "delicacy" and amiability of the Irish.
There is actually a trip to Ireland, but only because other plans had fallen through. We do not learn much about walking in Southwest Ireland -- the weather was foggy on the very first day and the author frequently lost. We do learn that her husband ("Beber") is unusually good-natured and relishes "full" Irish breakfast with a baguette, and that in maps, scale is everything.
There is an itinerary, but it makes up only part of the story and barely manages to give bones to hold up the narrative. Each chapter provides the author a convenient point of departure to discuss (disputes over) maps, (gossip about) underwear--thong bikinis are recommend as a boost to a couple's sex life, (too much information about) tissues--essential to the author's solution to peeing in the rural country-side. And so forth.
A book on travel, even walking, can often be humorous (e.g., Bryson, A Walk in the Woods), but usually the humor is better conceived or contrived. Extended paragraphs on finding bras for well-endowed women is weak and losing essential items (reading glasses) in a handbag is lame (and panders to male prejudice). This author can do better.
There is actually a trip to Ireland, but only because other plans had fallen through. We do not learn much about walking in Southwest Ireland -- the weather was foggy on the very first day and the author frequently lost. We do learn that her husband ("Beber") is unusually good-natured and relishes "full" Irish breakfast with a baguette, and that in maps, scale is everything.
There is an itinerary, but it makes up only part of the story and barely manages to give bones to hold up the narrative. Each chapter provides the author a convenient point of departure to discuss (disputes over) maps, (gossip about) underwear--thong bikinis are recommend as a boost to a couple's sex life, (too much information about) tissues--essential to the author's solution to peeing in the rural country-side. And so forth.
A book on travel, even walking, can often be humorous (e.g., Bryson, A Walk in the Woods), but usually the humor is better conceived or contrived. Extended paragraphs on finding bras for well-endowed women is weak and losing essential items (reading glasses) in a handbag is lame (and panders to male prejudice). This author can do better.
January 31, 2013
As the title suggests this book is a ramble of sorts but, as the author readily admits, not necessarily as focused on hiking as one might expect. The main timeline is a short holiday in Ireland with her husband with plans to do a number of hikes along the beautiful west coast. But it branches out much further than that into as far flung time periods as her life in France and childhood in England. And, in fact, it tends to be during these tangents that she provides the most interesting cultural and linguistic observations.
Dwyer is a very clear and precise writer that does a very good job of framing a scene for the reader. Her personal musings and self-deprecating humour lend a tone of lighthearted whimsy to the book that make it easy to read. At times, however, she seems to get a little bit bogged down in the mundane details, making it difficult to see the forest for the trees, so to speak. Although admittedly I may not be the ideal audience for an extensive discussion on women's underwear.
As a hiker interested in Ireland I think the book could have benefited from a bit more summarizing of the hikes they undertook and a little less focus on the small details. However, this may be different for a reader simply looking for a light memoir. But overall Ramblings in Ireland is an enjoyable read.
Dwyer is a very clear and precise writer that does a very good job of framing a scene for the reader. Her personal musings and self-deprecating humour lend a tone of lighthearted whimsy to the book that make it easy to read. At times, however, she seems to get a little bit bogged down in the mundane details, making it difficult to see the forest for the trees, so to speak. Although admittedly I may not be the ideal audience for an extensive discussion on women's underwear.
As a hiker interested in Ireland I think the book could have benefited from a bit more summarizing of the hikes they undertook and a little less focus on the small details. However, this may be different for a reader simply looking for a light memoir. But overall Ramblings in Ireland is an enjoyable read.
September 25, 2012
I'll reveal my prejudices up front: Kerry's book touches me, in part, because of my love for Ireland. My favorite parts focus on the area I visited. If you know and love Ireland, or languages, or travel, it will appeal to you as well.
Also, I helped her create the book, so I have a professional (though not financial) interest in the book. But I took on the project because I loved the book; not the other way 'round.
I love stories, story telling, story tellers. I love the Scheherazade story because it is about story itself, about story's ability to capture us.
Kerry tells a good story.
In fact, she tells a good story every time she and her husband take a walk. Each day's walk in the most beautiful landscape on earth, Ireland, is accompanied by reminiscences about her life. Some are touching memories of childhood, many are funny events from just last week, last month, last year. Front and center are her own foibles. Kerry is not above poking fun at herself, if that's what the story is about.
This is a warm and gentle book. It wasn't written to inspire or provoke, but to give you an excuse to drift off into stories of your own.
Also, I helped her create the book, so I have a professional (though not financial) interest in the book. But I took on the project because I loved the book; not the other way 'round.
I love stories, story telling, story tellers. I love the Scheherazade story because it is about story itself, about story's ability to capture us.
Kerry tells a good story.
In fact, she tells a good story every time she and her husband take a walk. Each day's walk in the most beautiful landscape on earth, Ireland, is accompanied by reminiscences about her life. Some are touching memories of childhood, many are funny events from just last week, last month, last year. Front and center are her own foibles. Kerry is not above poking fun at herself, if that's what the story is about.
This is a warm and gentle book. It wasn't written to inspire or provoke, but to give you an excuse to drift off into stories of your own.
December 10, 2012
Ramblings in Ireland: Kerry Dwyer
Vacations are supposed to be fun and not stressful. Holidays at times can be complicated as our author explains from the start when vacation time centers around your work schedule. Teaching at a language-training center in the English department where clients are local businesses with contracts with English speaking countries, working to teach English to adults can be both challenging and rewarding. With schedules that are color-coded the reader and the prospective travelers have to weed through the red, orange and green periods on their work calendars to find out where the vacation days are and just how long a holiday you can take. Green means everyone gets a holiday during that block of days like during the summer. Red periods means that no one gets a vacation and it is their busiest times unless you get some type of proof of an emergency you get no time off. Orange is the biggest problem because it is during these holiday times anyone can ask for days off but someone from your team had to cover for you. The entire explanation is on page 8. Kerry, our author always wanted to go to China and she tells us about the many places she would like to visit, her friends at work and why she decided to take this position. But, back to her trip but not to China instead Egypt. Imagine all the plans made, the tickets bought and you are ready to go and then the unthinkable happens: War in Egypt and the trip is cancelled. By the time the war is over it is too late and she can’t go and feeling unwanted by the Egyptians.
Next she shares information about her daughter Jinx, their family vacations and here is where our journey begins as she and her husband Bertrand are finally going to go away. Bertrand as she states in the introduction is great at reading maps, loves to get lost and enjoys finding out information the old fashioned way from a book. So, the holiday is booked and they are going to Ireland. Packing their bags, walking boots, itinerary, maps, underwear, tissues, walking sticks and boots, which just happen to be the titles of each of the chapters in this book. A book that takes the reader along with the author and her husband to a place that many will never visit but only dream about. From the start you can tell that the author has a great sense of humor, enjoys life and shares her vacation with readers in such a way that you can close your eyes and you too are there.
Beginning their trip with a discussion about which bags to take what to carry and how to speak with different people and understanding that most people are not interested in your life history when they meet you was quite revealing. Planning out their trip and deciding how many bags to take, where they would stay and meeting the people at the first bed and breakfast allows the reader to learn something about the culture, the people and the hospitality afforded to Kerry and her husband. But, the next chapter is really quite humorous as it is titled Walking Boots. Now, what could go wrong when you are wearing the proper boots, the correct footwear and hopefully not get lost in the fog? Well, you get lost in the fog, your feet get wet, you need to get waterproof spray or thicker soled boots and keep your sense of humor. The scenery is vividly described, the rock formations you can see them for yourself as you close your eyes and think about what the author has written on pages 35- 40 and then the comedy over the lengths of their trousers and the ponchos that did not prevent their feet and trousers from getting soaked. Meeting different people along the way, some warning them about where not to go and about the fog, the one thing that bothered the author and this reviewer too is that the travelers in the car did not offer them a lift. Chapter Four deals with their lengthy itinerary and the places they would go to next, the restaurants, the mix-up with the Bed and Breakfasts and the different foods that tried.
In some respects you might say the Ramblings are the author’s recount of her trip but in reality it also refers to the many walking trips they went on. Trying to relate to Bertrand in French and translating what their many hosts were saying might have been frustrating to some but not to Kerry and Bertrand. Imagine being able to converse in different languages and learning about the history of footpaths, the laws to keep them opened and the many different kinds of foods. We even learn and how and why she got her first pair of reading classes.
Marriage takes work and listening to the author and her husband’s conversations, banter, humorous remarks and their kind words for each other you realize that sometimes the mysteries of life and love never go away. This is a travel guide for anyone that has ever wanted to go on a walking trip to prepare you for what lies ahead when you get to your destination.
The research into the areas, the planning to make sure that their destinations were set, the mistakes made along the way is what makes this memoir interesting and different as nothing ever goes as planned as you will find out. The discussion about different kinds of foods, people not wanting to try food they are unfamiliar with and the entire chapter where she discusses the many cuisines really funny and yet so true. The next chapter is titled Maps and my favorite Underwear, which I will enlighten you about but I cannot tell all, follows that one. It will be more fun if you read this book yourself and go along on the walking tours with Kerry. When Bertrand comments on one of her garments it is priceless. Imagine describing a bra as a large bowl and not knowing the difference between the many different types. You have to hear the conversation and listen to the discussion and you will definitely have a good laugh.
Once at a local market she and her friend frequented a local market and then looked at the many different kinds of underwear that the vendors had for sale. Imagine having your Bra Size announced by the vendor in order to make your purchase. How would you feel? I would probably laugh and not care but some people might be embarrassed. I won’t tell you what she was wearing that got Bertrand’s attention but I can tell you this it made them both happy. We learn about Rock Art, stepping-stones, and the discussion about where the bridges are or might be.
Just to add some more humor is their initial discussion about the weight of their luggage and the fear of not finding a toilet and the price of the coffee and the floppy sandwiches.
The last two chapters are titled Tissues and Walking Sticks. Imagine having to go to the bathroom in the middle of the woods on a walking trip. Imagine having biodegradable tissues or leafs to use and you don’t need to know how or where to create a picture in your own mind. But, it gets better when you think about the zip lock bags and the rest that she describes. Telling us how she got her first pair of reading glasses and the quick eye tests she had then we meet a little old man who seems to have the answers to her eye problems. Of course he’s an optician but you need to find out what happens by reading it and why she was uncomfortable. But, if you know anything about medical care and insurance companies you do know that it is going to take more than one doctor to create the prescription and tons of what I call red tape until the glasses are made. Of course the next chapter walking sticks will explain why you never allow Kerry to navigate and why she needs Bertrand as her guide. Finally, Books will round out the book and the tours. The book exchange in the last chapter sounds like fun and it would make for another book and I hope the next book you write and the next vacation will include some great photos. This book is a great travel guide where we go along with the author to many different places, visits with her friends, flashbacks and the enjoy the fun of her Ramblings in Ireland. This is a great book to introduce all kids of every age to Ireland, healthy walking and travel.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Vacations are supposed to be fun and not stressful. Holidays at times can be complicated as our author explains from the start when vacation time centers around your work schedule. Teaching at a language-training center in the English department where clients are local businesses with contracts with English speaking countries, working to teach English to adults can be both challenging and rewarding. With schedules that are color-coded the reader and the prospective travelers have to weed through the red, orange and green periods on their work calendars to find out where the vacation days are and just how long a holiday you can take. Green means everyone gets a holiday during that block of days like during the summer. Red periods means that no one gets a vacation and it is their busiest times unless you get some type of proof of an emergency you get no time off. Orange is the biggest problem because it is during these holiday times anyone can ask for days off but someone from your team had to cover for you. The entire explanation is on page 8. Kerry, our author always wanted to go to China and she tells us about the many places she would like to visit, her friends at work and why she decided to take this position. But, back to her trip but not to China instead Egypt. Imagine all the plans made, the tickets bought and you are ready to go and then the unthinkable happens: War in Egypt and the trip is cancelled. By the time the war is over it is too late and she can’t go and feeling unwanted by the Egyptians.
Next she shares information about her daughter Jinx, their family vacations and here is where our journey begins as she and her husband Bertrand are finally going to go away. Bertrand as she states in the introduction is great at reading maps, loves to get lost and enjoys finding out information the old fashioned way from a book. So, the holiday is booked and they are going to Ireland. Packing their bags, walking boots, itinerary, maps, underwear, tissues, walking sticks and boots, which just happen to be the titles of each of the chapters in this book. A book that takes the reader along with the author and her husband to a place that many will never visit but only dream about. From the start you can tell that the author has a great sense of humor, enjoys life and shares her vacation with readers in such a way that you can close your eyes and you too are there.
Beginning their trip with a discussion about which bags to take what to carry and how to speak with different people and understanding that most people are not interested in your life history when they meet you was quite revealing. Planning out their trip and deciding how many bags to take, where they would stay and meeting the people at the first bed and breakfast allows the reader to learn something about the culture, the people and the hospitality afforded to Kerry and her husband. But, the next chapter is really quite humorous as it is titled Walking Boots. Now, what could go wrong when you are wearing the proper boots, the correct footwear and hopefully not get lost in the fog? Well, you get lost in the fog, your feet get wet, you need to get waterproof spray or thicker soled boots and keep your sense of humor. The scenery is vividly described, the rock formations you can see them for yourself as you close your eyes and think about what the author has written on pages 35- 40 and then the comedy over the lengths of their trousers and the ponchos that did not prevent their feet and trousers from getting soaked. Meeting different people along the way, some warning them about where not to go and about the fog, the one thing that bothered the author and this reviewer too is that the travelers in the car did not offer them a lift. Chapter Four deals with their lengthy itinerary and the places they would go to next, the restaurants, the mix-up with the Bed and Breakfasts and the different foods that tried.
In some respects you might say the Ramblings are the author’s recount of her trip but in reality it also refers to the many walking trips they went on. Trying to relate to Bertrand in French and translating what their many hosts were saying might have been frustrating to some but not to Kerry and Bertrand. Imagine being able to converse in different languages and learning about the history of footpaths, the laws to keep them opened and the many different kinds of foods. We even learn and how and why she got her first pair of reading classes.
Marriage takes work and listening to the author and her husband’s conversations, banter, humorous remarks and their kind words for each other you realize that sometimes the mysteries of life and love never go away. This is a travel guide for anyone that has ever wanted to go on a walking trip to prepare you for what lies ahead when you get to your destination.
The research into the areas, the planning to make sure that their destinations were set, the mistakes made along the way is what makes this memoir interesting and different as nothing ever goes as planned as you will find out. The discussion about different kinds of foods, people not wanting to try food they are unfamiliar with and the entire chapter where she discusses the many cuisines really funny and yet so true. The next chapter is titled Maps and my favorite Underwear, which I will enlighten you about but I cannot tell all, follows that one. It will be more fun if you read this book yourself and go along on the walking tours with Kerry. When Bertrand comments on one of her garments it is priceless. Imagine describing a bra as a large bowl and not knowing the difference between the many different types. You have to hear the conversation and listen to the discussion and you will definitely have a good laugh.
Once at a local market she and her friend frequented a local market and then looked at the many different kinds of underwear that the vendors had for sale. Imagine having your Bra Size announced by the vendor in order to make your purchase. How would you feel? I would probably laugh and not care but some people might be embarrassed. I won’t tell you what she was wearing that got Bertrand’s attention but I can tell you this it made them both happy. We learn about Rock Art, stepping-stones, and the discussion about where the bridges are or might be.
Just to add some more humor is their initial discussion about the weight of their luggage and the fear of not finding a toilet and the price of the coffee and the floppy sandwiches.
The last two chapters are titled Tissues and Walking Sticks. Imagine having to go to the bathroom in the middle of the woods on a walking trip. Imagine having biodegradable tissues or leafs to use and you don’t need to know how or where to create a picture in your own mind. But, it gets better when you think about the zip lock bags and the rest that she describes. Telling us how she got her first pair of reading glasses and the quick eye tests she had then we meet a little old man who seems to have the answers to her eye problems. Of course he’s an optician but you need to find out what happens by reading it and why she was uncomfortable. But, if you know anything about medical care and insurance companies you do know that it is going to take more than one doctor to create the prescription and tons of what I call red tape until the glasses are made. Of course the next chapter walking sticks will explain why you never allow Kerry to navigate and why she needs Bertrand as her guide. Finally, Books will round out the book and the tours. The book exchange in the last chapter sounds like fun and it would make for another book and I hope the next book you write and the next vacation will include some great photos. This book is a great travel guide where we go along with the author to many different places, visits with her friends, flashbacks and the enjoy the fun of her Ramblings in Ireland. This is a great book to introduce all kids of every age to Ireland, healthy walking and travel.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
November 12, 2012
If you are looking for a travelogue that will enlighten you on Ireland that would help you to travel,well then this book is not for you..It is a personal take or like a journal entry of Kerry Dwyer with her French husband Bertrand...To start with this trip didn't happen to Kerry as a dream come true , because her other plans never materialized..She wanted to travel to Egypt but a civil war stopped her and her alternative plan was Ireland..But now with much preparation they head to Ireland which hardly help her..Like she says nothing can prepare one to travel to Ireland , one has to experience it truly to feel it...Born in England and settled in France she was looking forward for all new experience from this trip but for her husband it was a way to discover another culture and the way of people...First chapter the pre-Ramble gives an idea about her family especially her Mum and Dad, her mom who quotes
"Google is not a replacement for a good library or a good encyclopedia"
Her life in England with short family outings till they settle down in a calm Hamlet in France , her mom still amuses the family with her FB posts and comments, Now if your starting to think that the rambling is getting off the track well then get used to it, this is how things are going to be....Finally she gets on to her holiday destiny with her husband through various troubles of budget travel, setting her foot in Ireland ..Her hosts gets confused with her maiden name it was amusing to read the subsequent response and to learn about her married name "Renaudineau"...First day is foggy and they get lost..The walker's walk doesn't go well like they had planned yet they manage to have some fun along the way..Meeting fellow travelers getting some tips their conversations with them help them a lot...Their appetite grows wide and far yet they feel hungry all the time..There are pretty amusing moments along the pages where she gets herself an oversize bra from a street vendor, some might feel she went overboard with many passages dedicated to the description, yet it was fun read..Their clothing doesn't help them through the rain in Ireland they are also shocked to discover the heavy price tag on almost everything ...When it deals with travel and walk Kerry and her husband gets it all wrong, the descriptions are often short while her conversations with pub attenders, waiters and people she gets talking are elaborate...But her contemplation on people, their thoughts, the cultural difference are absorbing and had a psychological insight to it ..This is what I liked the book for...
To get a hang about the book do not skip the introduction ..This would give a fair idea on what to expect...The book is pleasingly written, for me there were moments that I absolutely loved and moments that put me off still I enjoyed the book for her wit and the spirit that is contagious..Had the book been able to deliver more details as a travelogue I could have appreciated it even more...Go for it if you like a free spirited read about a personal rambling...
"Google is not a replacement for a good library or a good encyclopedia"
Her life in England with short family outings till they settle down in a calm Hamlet in France , her mom still amuses the family with her FB posts and comments, Now if your starting to think that the rambling is getting off the track well then get used to it, this is how things are going to be....Finally she gets on to her holiday destiny with her husband through various troubles of budget travel, setting her foot in Ireland ..Her hosts gets confused with her maiden name it was amusing to read the subsequent response and to learn about her married name "Renaudineau"...First day is foggy and they get lost..The walker's walk doesn't go well like they had planned yet they manage to have some fun along the way..Meeting fellow travelers getting some tips their conversations with them help them a lot...Their appetite grows wide and far yet they feel hungry all the time..There are pretty amusing moments along the pages where she gets herself an oversize bra from a street vendor, some might feel she went overboard with many passages dedicated to the description, yet it was fun read..Their clothing doesn't help them through the rain in Ireland they are also shocked to discover the heavy price tag on almost everything ...When it deals with travel and walk Kerry and her husband gets it all wrong, the descriptions are often short while her conversations with pub attenders, waiters and people she gets talking are elaborate...But her contemplation on people, their thoughts, the cultural difference are absorbing and had a psychological insight to it ..This is what I liked the book for...
To get a hang about the book do not skip the introduction ..This would give a fair idea on what to expect...The book is pleasingly written, for me there were moments that I absolutely loved and moments that put me off still I enjoyed the book for her wit and the spirit that is contagious..Had the book been able to deliver more details as a travelogue I could have appreciated it even more...Go for it if you like a free spirited read about a personal rambling...
January 16, 2016
This book was such a pleasure to read. It was fun, interesting and amusing. I loved traveling with Kerry and her hubby. We took walks together and saw the sights, I listened in on their conversations, I packed bags with them, I complained about the GPS along with them too! And I even drank beer with them. What a fun trip.
No seriously - I did feel like I really got to know this couple. And her descriptions were so good I felt as though I were right there with them. I love memoirs and travel books anyway and this one was great.
I loved it when she went off an a tangent, like driving on the wrong side of the road in a different country, and bras! There was a whole 3 pages about bras, trying them on, finding the right one (Oh and I almost forgot - the thongs!).
"What is that on the bed?"
"Its one of my new bras," surprised he should need to ask.
"Well, it looks enormous. Are you sure it is not some sort of bowl?"
"Why would I bring a bowl on Holiday with us?"
The object Bertrand was referring to was one of my new "T-shirt" bras. It did looke a bit like a bowl, quite solid and round with one cup folded into the other."
And I loved when she was talking about the GPS, my own husband complains about them all the time.
"Bertrand, not surprisingly, did not trust my navigational skills. Last year he programed the GPS for my annual holiday with Tracey. We'd always used a map before and had never gotten lost, but it seemed like a sensible precaution. Ever thoughtful Bertrand changed the language of his GPS into English for me thinking this would be easier for me to follow than the French one. The inane voiced instructions drove me mad. After the first hour I switched it off."
She is quirky, cheeky, and fun. I loved reading their banter back and forth.
"Do you know everything?"
"No, just most things."
"And you are modest too!"
"Yes, You are so lucky to have me. Knowledgeable, modest, and beautiful. Don't forget beautiful!"
Oh my gosh, I could post 100 quotes, there are so many good ones. But then you would have no reason to read the book. So I will leave it there so the rest is a bit of a mystery.
THE ALL-IN-ALL -
All in all this was a very nice story about a husband and wife's travels in Ireland "on holiday" as they call it :-) It is a travel book, but not just a travel book - it is a memoir about love and respect, fun everyday things that go on in a relationship, and strange quirky things that can happen when preparing for and while on vacation.
This is a very clean story. I don't think a young person would really be interested in it, but it is clean enough for all readers.
No seriously - I did feel like I really got to know this couple. And her descriptions were so good I felt as though I were right there with them. I love memoirs and travel books anyway and this one was great.
I loved it when she went off an a tangent, like driving on the wrong side of the road in a different country, and bras! There was a whole 3 pages about bras, trying them on, finding the right one (Oh and I almost forgot - the thongs!).
"What is that on the bed?"
"Its one of my new bras," surprised he should need to ask.
"Well, it looks enormous. Are you sure it is not some sort of bowl?"
"Why would I bring a bowl on Holiday with us?"
The object Bertrand was referring to was one of my new "T-shirt" bras. It did looke a bit like a bowl, quite solid and round with one cup folded into the other."
And I loved when she was talking about the GPS, my own husband complains about them all the time.
"Bertrand, not surprisingly, did not trust my navigational skills. Last year he programed the GPS for my annual holiday with Tracey. We'd always used a map before and had never gotten lost, but it seemed like a sensible precaution. Ever thoughtful Bertrand changed the language of his GPS into English for me thinking this would be easier for me to follow than the French one. The inane voiced instructions drove me mad. After the first hour I switched it off."
She is quirky, cheeky, and fun. I loved reading their banter back and forth.
"Do you know everything?"
"No, just most things."
"And you are modest too!"
"Yes, You are so lucky to have me. Knowledgeable, modest, and beautiful. Don't forget beautiful!"
Oh my gosh, I could post 100 quotes, there are so many good ones. But then you would have no reason to read the book. So I will leave it there so the rest is a bit of a mystery.
THE ALL-IN-ALL -
All in all this was a very nice story about a husband and wife's travels in Ireland "on holiday" as they call it :-) It is a travel book, but not just a travel book - it is a memoir about love and respect, fun everyday things that go on in a relationship, and strange quirky things that can happen when preparing for and while on vacation.
This is a very clean story. I don't think a young person would really be interested in it, but it is clean enough for all readers.
December 14, 2012
Bu yorum daha önce www.tugceninkitapligi.com da yayınlanmıştır.
Kerry Dwyer’in Ağustos 2012′de çıkarttığı kitabı Ramblings in Ireland (Irlanda’da Gezinmek), aslında tam olarak bir seyahat kitabı değil. İrlanda’da nereleri görmeniz gerektiğini yada mutlaka yapılması gerekenleri anlatmıyor. Daha çok, Fransa’da yaşayan İngiliz Kerry’nin, Fransız kocası Bertrand ile Mısır’a planladıkları seyahati, çıkan iç savaş neticesinde iptal ederek, İrlanda’ya yaptıkları alternatif bir tatilde başlarından geçenleri komik bir dille anlatıyor.
Aslında bu kitap benim kendi okuma listemin biraz dışında, ancak yaptığım bir yorum ve röportaj sonrası yazarın, bana ulaşarak ricası üzerine okudum kitabı. Açıkçası, düşündüğümden daha çok beğendim diyebilirim.
Kerry ve kocası, İrlanda’nın batısında yürüyerek gezecekleri bir tatile çıkıyorlar, tam olarak alışılagelmiş bir tatil değil. Bölgeyi keşfetmek için farklı patikalar izliyorlar ve sonunda kayboluyorlar, ki bundan bile en keyif alacakları şekilde hareket etmek için çaba sarfediyorlar. Yaptıkları yanlış tercihlere gülebiliyor ve pek birşeyin tatillerini mahvetmesine izin vermiyorlar.
Sanki yakın arkadaşları ile tatil maceraları üzerine sohbet yaparmış havasında yazılmış kitapta, ayrıca İrlanda’nın tarihine ait küçük ayrıntılar da bulmak mümkün. İrlanda seyahatine başlamadan önce ki kısımda, Kerry ve ailesini daha yakından tanıyor ve kitap boyunca yer yer verilen detaylarda, hem kocasına ve ailesine dair hem de Fransızlara dair enteresan detaylar; Fransız mutfağından tutunda göz doktoru macerasına kadar, öğrenme şansı yakalıyorsunuz.
Kerry Dwyer’in okuyucuyu adeta hayatının içine soktuğu anlatımı ile, kendinizi hikayeye kaptırıyor ve bu aile tatiline dahil edildiğiniz için giderek artan bir tat alıyorsunuz. Ailesine ait; tatilden bağımsız anektodlar sayesinde, sadece bu güzel ülkeye yapılmış bir gezinin detaylarını okumuyor, bir kadının bakışı açısını ve iç dünyasını da keşfetmiş oluyorsunuz.
Son derece detaylı anlatılan sahneler ve olaylar, çoğu zaman okumaktan çok seyrediyormuş hissi yaratsa da, yer yer fazla detaya girmiş, gereksiz ayrıntılar olarak da hissediliyorlar.
Eğer, anı türündeki kitapları seviyor ve gezmekten, farklı kültürleri okumaktan hoşlanıyorsanız, keyifli ve esprili bir anlatım sunan bu kitabın size göre olduğunu söylemek mümkün.
Kerry Dwyer’in Ağustos 2012′de çıkarttığı kitabı Ramblings in Ireland (Irlanda’da Gezinmek), aslında tam olarak bir seyahat kitabı değil. İrlanda’da nereleri görmeniz gerektiğini yada mutlaka yapılması gerekenleri anlatmıyor. Daha çok, Fransa’da yaşayan İngiliz Kerry’nin, Fransız kocası Bertrand ile Mısır’a planladıkları seyahati, çıkan iç savaş neticesinde iptal ederek, İrlanda’ya yaptıkları alternatif bir tatilde başlarından geçenleri komik bir dille anlatıyor.
Aslında bu kitap benim kendi okuma listemin biraz dışında, ancak yaptığım bir yorum ve röportaj sonrası yazarın, bana ulaşarak ricası üzerine okudum kitabı. Açıkçası, düşündüğümden daha çok beğendim diyebilirim.
Kerry ve kocası, İrlanda’nın batısında yürüyerek gezecekleri bir tatile çıkıyorlar, tam olarak alışılagelmiş bir tatil değil. Bölgeyi keşfetmek için farklı patikalar izliyorlar ve sonunda kayboluyorlar, ki bundan bile en keyif alacakları şekilde hareket etmek için çaba sarfediyorlar. Yaptıkları yanlış tercihlere gülebiliyor ve pek birşeyin tatillerini mahvetmesine izin vermiyorlar.
Sanki yakın arkadaşları ile tatil maceraları üzerine sohbet yaparmış havasında yazılmış kitapta, ayrıca İrlanda’nın tarihine ait küçük ayrıntılar da bulmak mümkün. İrlanda seyahatine başlamadan önce ki kısımda, Kerry ve ailesini daha yakından tanıyor ve kitap boyunca yer yer verilen detaylarda, hem kocasına ve ailesine dair hem de Fransızlara dair enteresan detaylar; Fransız mutfağından tutunda göz doktoru macerasına kadar, öğrenme şansı yakalıyorsunuz.
Kerry Dwyer’in okuyucuyu adeta hayatının içine soktuğu anlatımı ile, kendinizi hikayeye kaptırıyor ve bu aile tatiline dahil edildiğiniz için giderek artan bir tat alıyorsunuz. Ailesine ait; tatilden bağımsız anektodlar sayesinde, sadece bu güzel ülkeye yapılmış bir gezinin detaylarını okumuyor, bir kadının bakışı açısını ve iç dünyasını da keşfetmiş oluyorsunuz.
Son derece detaylı anlatılan sahneler ve olaylar, çoğu zaman okumaktan çok seyrediyormuş hissi yaratsa da, yer yer fazla detaya girmiş, gereksiz ayrıntılar olarak da hissediliyorlar.
Eğer, anı türündeki kitapları seviyor ve gezmekten, farklı kültürleri okumaktan hoşlanıyorsanız, keyifli ve esprili bir anlatım sunan bu kitabın size göre olduğunu söylemek mümkün.
November 10, 2012
I give this book 2.5 - 3 stars.
Did I enjoy this book: Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped to. It had some great moments, but it also had some not so great moments. This should have been a quick read but, sadly, it was not.
I understand that the synopsis tells us that this book is not exclusively about the walking trip through Ireland that the author and her husband went on but that it is about the memories she recalled during that trip. That's fine but some of the memories were kind of out there and things that I did not need to know about. For example, I did not need to know about her underwear or the "she-pee". Some of the tangents that the author went on were unnecessary and kind of dull. I didn't need the lesson on grammar and accents. That made the book drag for me as did some of the repetitive paragraphs and discussions.
Don't get me wrong, there were some great parts to this book as well. The descriptions of their walks, their visits to the villages, and to the pubs were great. Chapter 3 described their first walking adventure which proved to be quite adventurous and possibly dangerous. During some of their walking tours, I laughed with them and I could start to envision some of the places that they went. I enjoyed reading about the people and how friendly they were to the tourists. I would love to visit these pubs and eat the local fare. The descriptions make me want to go on a walking tour of Ireland (a place I have always wanted to visit and hope to someday).
Personally, I would have liked this book to be more about Kerry and Bertrand. I wanted to know more about their trip and the memories of their life together that the trip helped to recapture. I didn't really want to know about her quizzing random people about the past tense or about her camping trip with another friend a few years prior.
Would I recommend it: I would not recommend this book.
Will I read it again: I will not.
http://everyfreechancebookreviews.blo...
Did I enjoy this book: Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped to. It had some great moments, but it also had some not so great moments. This should have been a quick read but, sadly, it was not.
I understand that the synopsis tells us that this book is not exclusively about the walking trip through Ireland that the author and her husband went on but that it is about the memories she recalled during that trip. That's fine but some of the memories were kind of out there and things that I did not need to know about. For example, I did not need to know about her underwear or the "she-pee". Some of the tangents that the author went on were unnecessary and kind of dull. I didn't need the lesson on grammar and accents. That made the book drag for me as did some of the repetitive paragraphs and discussions.
Don't get me wrong, there were some great parts to this book as well. The descriptions of their walks, their visits to the villages, and to the pubs were great. Chapter 3 described their first walking adventure which proved to be quite adventurous and possibly dangerous. During some of their walking tours, I laughed with them and I could start to envision some of the places that they went. I enjoyed reading about the people and how friendly they were to the tourists. I would love to visit these pubs and eat the local fare. The descriptions make me want to go on a walking tour of Ireland (a place I have always wanted to visit and hope to someday).
Personally, I would have liked this book to be more about Kerry and Bertrand. I wanted to know more about their trip and the memories of their life together that the trip helped to recapture. I didn't really want to know about her quizzing random people about the past tense or about her camping trip with another friend a few years prior.
Would I recommend it: I would not recommend this book.
Will I read it again: I will not.
http://everyfreechancebookreviews.blo...
December 9, 2012
Kerry Dwyer’s Ramblings in Ireland, is aptly titled for that is exactly what the story is about, the ramblings through a country with present descriptions, of dangerous excursions to a ledge forbidden in fog (which they accidentally journeyed onto), to ill prepared clothing for rain, to a husband’s compulsion for the Irish breakfast, the journey as it happened, coupled with the ramblings of times past. The word ramblings in the abstract can connote a pejorative, which would be anything but the case with Dwyer’s story, for her writing is endearing and intelligent with a rare gifted ability to make the reader laugh, her asides had me laughing out loud.Dwyer invites the reader in to her life, the mundane which through her talent are captivating and as the story progresses along you feel as if you’re listening to a friend, a good friend, telling you about their vacation, and you get excited that you, for this brief time, have the vicarious pleasure of being let in, to more than just descriptions of the travels in a country, but of a women, her relationship with her family (the incidental mention of her grandfather’s assassination in Palestine, her mother’s mistaken identity for an Indian, to her husband’s ability to pee anywhere, etc.). Her scene description is exceptional; when they go into a dining room you can see the people there, the pink-rinsed grandmothers, grunge clothing, dreadlocks… masterful imagery that brings you there, the detail right down to what she brought with on the trip. As the trip ends the author describes her love for reading and in the author’s note she mentions her blog: www.kerrydwyer.net.When I went to check it out the first thing I noticed was a column at the top titled What is Rambling. There beside her answer is a photo of Freud, a brilliant metaphor for her journey and life, as she so adeptly, and with great humor, portrayed in her ramblings.
February 10, 2013
Ramblings in Ireland by Kerry Dwyer is really two books in one. One the one hand we have a humorous, incisive look at expat life as seen by this witty, fascinating author, but which only hints at all the experiences she has clearly had. On the other we have an enjoyable travelogue that depicts Ireland with all its outward charm and friendliness. This precisely reflects how Ramblings is used as the title to depict Dwyer’s thoughts and observations about various matters and also the physical unhurried walks that Dwyer takes on holiday. France-based, the author and her husband take their first child-free holiday for a long time and end up in Ireland when other holiday plans go awry. However, they’re as happy to be there as anywhere more exotic and the trip introduces them to a wonderful country and allows the author the chance to tap her rich imagination and share her point of view about many and various things with us.
Kerry Dwyer has a wonderful eye for detail and uses it to depict very clear mental images for the reader of everything she experiences. We can see the full Irish breakfasts on the plates in all their glory, picture husband and wife teetering on a fogbound, narrow ledge and get a good idea of what everybody they meet looks like. We get a clear feel for the friendly atmosphere they encounter everywhere. We also learn what makes this author tick - her likes and dislikes, her optimism, her enthusiasm, her love for Jinx and her husband. Just occasionally the reproduced conversations go on a little too long, but that’s a minor and easily forgivable fault given the general excellence of this unusual, quirky gem of a book.
I would have preferred to have seen two separate books since this would have meant there was twice as much to enjoy. I hope Kerry Dwyer will be putting pen to paper again soon.
Kerry Dwyer has a wonderful eye for detail and uses it to depict very clear mental images for the reader of everything she experiences. We can see the full Irish breakfasts on the plates in all their glory, picture husband and wife teetering on a fogbound, narrow ledge and get a good idea of what everybody they meet looks like. We get a clear feel for the friendly atmosphere they encounter everywhere. We also learn what makes this author tick - her likes and dislikes, her optimism, her enthusiasm, her love for Jinx and her husband. Just occasionally the reproduced conversations go on a little too long, but that’s a minor and easily forgivable fault given the general excellence of this unusual, quirky gem of a book.
I would have preferred to have seen two separate books since this would have meant there was twice as much to enjoy. I hope Kerry Dwyer will be putting pen to paper again soon.
February 26, 2013
RECEIVED FREE COPY TO REVIEW
For her fiftieth birthday Dwyer wanted to visit China but her job did not allow it. Next she opts for Egypt but that trip is cancelled by "civil war." That is what I like about Brits, they tend not to mince words. It is civil war, not some Arab Spring.
Growing up in her native England, Kerry learned adventure as her family split into two parts to hitchhike, with a vicar the most memorable ride giver. Now living in France with a French husband, she finally chose Ireland for her adult wanderlust. The result is a book that meanders as much as the trails they walked there.
At their French airport they endure a facility with no toilets. Her descriptions of "extortionately priced cups of coffee and floppy sandwiches" hawked by the stews, thankful travellers applauding the pilot after landing in Ireland, and of walking in Goretex, boots, and disintegrating shoes were hilarious.
She calculated that the cost of one Ireland walking tour equals the cost of two cruises to Egypt. Even after training before the trip they were "thoroughly exhausted with tired wobbly legs and growling stomachs" after the first day's walk. The next day her husband had two breakfasts but was hungry by noon.
The author warns that she "tends to go off at tangents" and "My stories are not always direct either." Tangents include a GPS saying "at the roundabout take the roundabout," communication breakdown between spouses, buying oversized bras from street vendors, and life in France.
Chapter 1 should be required reading for any want-to-be expatriate thinking of moving to another country, especially if one plans to work there. Quaint village life is hard, especially on seniors. And when even the accountants tell you to cheat to hide taxable income, you begin to understand why such lands are going down the tubes to the point that some airports are toiletless.
For her fiftieth birthday Dwyer wanted to visit China but her job did not allow it. Next she opts for Egypt but that trip is cancelled by "civil war." That is what I like about Brits, they tend not to mince words. It is civil war, not some Arab Spring.
Growing up in her native England, Kerry learned adventure as her family split into two parts to hitchhike, with a vicar the most memorable ride giver. Now living in France with a French husband, she finally chose Ireland for her adult wanderlust. The result is a book that meanders as much as the trails they walked there.
At their French airport they endure a facility with no toilets. Her descriptions of "extortionately priced cups of coffee and floppy sandwiches" hawked by the stews, thankful travellers applauding the pilot after landing in Ireland, and of walking in Goretex, boots, and disintegrating shoes were hilarious.
She calculated that the cost of one Ireland walking tour equals the cost of two cruises to Egypt. Even after training before the trip they were "thoroughly exhausted with tired wobbly legs and growling stomachs" after the first day's walk. The next day her husband had two breakfasts but was hungry by noon.
The author warns that she "tends to go off at tangents" and "My stories are not always direct either." Tangents include a GPS saying "at the roundabout take the roundabout," communication breakdown between spouses, buying oversized bras from street vendors, and life in France.
Chapter 1 should be required reading for any want-to-be expatriate thinking of moving to another country, especially if one plans to work there. Quaint village life is hard, especially on seniors. And when even the accountants tell you to cheat to hide taxable income, you begin to understand why such lands are going down the tubes to the point that some airports are toiletless.
February 18, 2013
Rating: 3.5 (worthy of rounding up)
This isn't a travel guide or really even a memoir, but it is a very endearing and personal story. The introduction sets the stage--the author admits it was meant to be a memoir, but "Something in a story reminds me of another story and there I go."
Ireland is a practical choice, made based on friend recommendations and costs, but the trip turns into more than a quick getaway. The beautiful scenery, as enjoyed most often by hiking, serves as a backdrop for personal reflection.
The author's gift with honesty and wit reminded me of Bridget Jones and her diary. It's refreshing, and made me want to look at my own life with such candor. At one point, she mentions a plaque that reads (translated), "At this serious point in my long life I have found here that what I sought: to face myself."
The book serves as a lovely reminder to take time to enjoy life and to always search for experiences that help us stay connected to not just the loved ones in our lives, but to ourselves. And I must commend the author on her vivid descriptions of the places they visited. If you never wanted to visit Ireland before, you will definitely want to after reading this book.
I only wish it had been longer, with more insight and stories. Not a bad piece of constructive criticism... to be left feeling like the author really had more to say than was said. I only felt that way because she said enough to intrigue me.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not guaranteed or requested; the opinions expressed are my own.
This isn't a travel guide or really even a memoir, but it is a very endearing and personal story. The introduction sets the stage--the author admits it was meant to be a memoir, but "Something in a story reminds me of another story and there I go."
Ireland is a practical choice, made based on friend recommendations and costs, but the trip turns into more than a quick getaway. The beautiful scenery, as enjoyed most often by hiking, serves as a backdrop for personal reflection.
The author's gift with honesty and wit reminded me of Bridget Jones and her diary. It's refreshing, and made me want to look at my own life with such candor. At one point, she mentions a plaque that reads (translated), "At this serious point in my long life I have found here that what I sought: to face myself."
The book serves as a lovely reminder to take time to enjoy life and to always search for experiences that help us stay connected to not just the loved ones in our lives, but to ourselves. And I must commend the author on her vivid descriptions of the places they visited. If you never wanted to visit Ireland before, you will definitely want to after reading this book.
I only wish it had been longer, with more insight and stories. Not a bad piece of constructive criticism... to be left feeling like the author really had more to say than was said. I only felt that way because she said enough to intrigue me.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not guaranteed or requested; the opinions expressed are my own.
March 30, 2013
Let me start by saying that traveling with Kerry and her husband Bertrand would be a hoot! In a story that is only part-travel diary, she manages to impart humor, scenery and a touch of personal growth into a simple trek in the West Counties.
Having the maps as your guide is far less important than finding those moments to just savor the moment, the sights and the people you encounter: finding a way to make memories together as you are slowly putting one foot in front of the other to see what is over the next hill….
This is not your basic “then we went here” and “stop there” sort of story. Peppered with conversations, thoughts and tangents about packing, purchasing and even what type of undergarments one packs, each piece has a moment where the reader will see some common bonds or a moment to laugh. Kerry’s humor and take each moment as it arrives attitude clearly shines in this story, and should encourage those contemplating a more “rigid schedule” in their vacation to perhaps just take a moment and go left, even though the guide says right.
If you are wanting a book that is littered with directives, directions and highly rated tourist attractions: this is not the book for you. This is exploration of relationships, communication and the world around you, with a moment to appreciate each thing on the ramble.
I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review for the Indies Rock promotion at I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Having the maps as your guide is far less important than finding those moments to just savor the moment, the sights and the people you encounter: finding a way to make memories together as you are slowly putting one foot in front of the other to see what is over the next hill….
This is not your basic “then we went here” and “stop there” sort of story. Peppered with conversations, thoughts and tangents about packing, purchasing and even what type of undergarments one packs, each piece has a moment where the reader will see some common bonds or a moment to laugh. Kerry’s humor and take each moment as it arrives attitude clearly shines in this story, and should encourage those contemplating a more “rigid schedule” in their vacation to perhaps just take a moment and go left, even though the guide says right.
If you are wanting a book that is littered with directives, directions and highly rated tourist attractions: this is not the book for you. This is exploration of relationships, communication and the world around you, with a moment to appreciate each thing on the ramble.
I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review for the Indies Rock promotion at I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
December 1, 2012
I love the way the book is written. The author recreates the atmosphere, talks about the language, the people, the sounds and even the smell of Ireland. The detailed imagery brings the scenes to life! Instead of just dumping loads of information about the country on us, the author manages to make the most ordinary things seem fascinating and can weave stories out of thin air! The actual facts about Ireland and the descriptions of the countryside are interspersed with snippets of old conversations, funny anecdotes and obscure memories. I particularly enjoyed reading about the author's experiences teaching English as a foreign language, about her childhood difficulties with accents, about French, English and Irish food and the running gag about her navigational expertise.
I found the book thoroughly engaging, right from from the very first page, when the writer tells us what to expect from the book. It seems from the style of writing and the pure randomness of the anecdotes that the author wrote the book entirely for herself and that makes it very genuine. And, being the kind of person who finds it very hard to write without going off on tangents, it was very easy to relate to her!
I loved the book. I would recommend this book to everyone. In fact, please, go buy your copy right now!
Read full review here: http://peskypiksipesternomi.blogspot....
I found the book thoroughly engaging, right from from the very first page, when the writer tells us what to expect from the book. It seems from the style of writing and the pure randomness of the anecdotes that the author wrote the book entirely for herself and that makes it very genuine. And, being the kind of person who finds it very hard to write without going off on tangents, it was very easy to relate to her!
I loved the book. I would recommend this book to everyone. In fact, please, go buy your copy right now!
Read full review here: http://peskypiksipesternomi.blogspot....
November 9, 2012
Since I am of Irish descent, when Kerry Dwyer contacted me about her book, she did not have to do much in the way of convincing me to review it. The title says it all, Ramblings in Ireland. I have been to Ireland twice, not on any walking tours as I am older now and walking great distances is not an option. While reading Kerry's descriptions of the places they were touring and walking, I could see the beauty of Ireland in my minds eye again. Such a beautiful country. I had to chuckle every so often when Kerry was talking about her husband and some of the things he said. How hard it must have been for him to be in another country and try to understand the people and the language. In the book Kerry has a tendency to veer off into another topic and the funniest one for me was the bra description. A bowl indeed!!! Very funny. For you readers if you are wondering what I am talking about..not going to tell you so you will have to get your own copy. If you are a person who is planning on going to Ireland for a visit whether walking, staying in B&B's or just doing a tour, this is the book for you to take along. Note* this is not a guide book. I loved it and highly recommend it!
Thanks go to Kerry for an ecopy of her book and to let the reader know that I was not monetarily compensated for my review.
Thanks go to Kerry for an ecopy of her book and to let the reader know that I was not monetarily compensated for my review.
May 16, 2013
This book follows Kerry and her French husband Bertrand on a walking holiday in Ireland, but just as they wander off their original routes, in the book Kerry wanders between Ireland and their life in France.
It is an entertaining, easy read that brought back some very happy memories for me of holidays in Co Cork and Co Kerry and miraculously, for Ireland, wet weather wasn't an issue for Kerry and Bertrand, once they had survived the fog and damp socks on the first day. Bertrand sounds lovely, and even seems to enjoy it when Kerry gets them lost either map reading and navigating in the car, or when out walking.
Not surprisingly, as Bertrand is French, food gets a good mention in the book, especially the hearty Irish breakfasts that couldn't be more different from a coffee and a croissant.
There are some very funny bits, especially about travel from Bordeaux via the lovely Easyjet and Kerry's search for the correct attire for a serious walking holiday, which surprisingly enough included an in depth look at her new underwear. I also laughed out loud at the description of her Mother's use of Facebook, sorry Kerry's Mum.
This is Kerry's first book, but I hope it is not her last as I enjoyed her writing style and humour which often led to me sharing sections aloud with my husband as I was reading it.
It is an entertaining, easy read that brought back some very happy memories for me of holidays in Co Cork and Co Kerry and miraculously, for Ireland, wet weather wasn't an issue for Kerry and Bertrand, once they had survived the fog and damp socks on the first day. Bertrand sounds lovely, and even seems to enjoy it when Kerry gets them lost either map reading and navigating in the car, or when out walking.
Not surprisingly, as Bertrand is French, food gets a good mention in the book, especially the hearty Irish breakfasts that couldn't be more different from a coffee and a croissant.
There are some very funny bits, especially about travel from Bordeaux via the lovely Easyjet and Kerry's search for the correct attire for a serious walking holiday, which surprisingly enough included an in depth look at her new underwear. I also laughed out loud at the description of her Mother's use of Facebook, sorry Kerry's Mum.
This is Kerry's first book, but I hope it is not her last as I enjoyed her writing style and humour which often led to me sharing sections aloud with my husband as I was reading it.
November 5, 2012
Kerry warns us in the foreword that she rambles. Rambling can go very bad but Kerry manages to bring it all back to relevance. She paints the picture of her parents and Bertrand and their difficulty with maps and the beauty of Ireland in vivid detail. Reading Ramblings in Ireland is sitting down with a good storyteller and enjoying the journey rather than the destination. Despite the troubles they have in traveling together, neither Kerry nor Bertrand grate at the reader. They treat each challenge in a way that allows the reader to laugh with them rather than at them.
I find it fun to read how different cultures see different things and through Kerry we get the English, French and often Irish perspectives. Each character we meet while on the road is unique and memorable and drawn in such a way that this reader wanted to head over and meet them. I’m not a walking tour person but I almost want to do it after reading Ramblings in Ireland.
I read this book while on a long trip and found that the bits of time spent with Kerry and Bertrand were light, easy and brightened my day. This is not the best book I’ve ever read but I have absolutely nothing negative to say about it. I would advise anyone who likes fun travel memoirs to pick it up.
I find it fun to read how different cultures see different things and through Kerry we get the English, French and often Irish perspectives. Each character we meet while on the road is unique and memorable and drawn in such a way that this reader wanted to head over and meet them. I’m not a walking tour person but I almost want to do it after reading Ramblings in Ireland.
I read this book while on a long trip and found that the bits of time spent with Kerry and Bertrand were light, easy and brightened my day. This is not the best book I’ve ever read but I have absolutely nothing negative to say about it. I would advise anyone who likes fun travel memoirs to pick it up.
December 15, 2012
“Ramblings in Ireland” by Kerry Dwyer is a great title for this casual yet rather in depth hike through the author’s mind, life and that holiday in Ireland.
I came across the book via Kerry’s blog and when enquiring about reading it Kerry said almost dismissively that I would not enjoy it as I was not her typical target audience. Never one to take no for an answer and intrigued I purchased the book all the same and began reading with a sceptic and curious mind alike.
All the more pleased and surprised was I to find myself hugely entertained by the easy flow of her language and the often drifting and unfocused yet charming “ramblings” about her family, her life in France, packing, underwear and many more.
With a great sense of humour I was taken back to my own family holidays, two of which had been in B&B’s in Ireland and some in France. I am a vegetarian and laughed heartily at the relating pages on vegetarian food issues over there.
The pages just flew by and I had finished the book in almost one sitting (one needs to eat).
As in her blog, Kerry is a natural writer who has a formidable way with words. I hope that once her holiday anecdotes have been exhausted Kerry finds a way to make some stories up and bless us with some fictitious ramblings instead.
I came across the book via Kerry’s blog and when enquiring about reading it Kerry said almost dismissively that I would not enjoy it as I was not her typical target audience. Never one to take no for an answer and intrigued I purchased the book all the same and began reading with a sceptic and curious mind alike.
All the more pleased and surprised was I to find myself hugely entertained by the easy flow of her language and the often drifting and unfocused yet charming “ramblings” about her family, her life in France, packing, underwear and many more.
With a great sense of humour I was taken back to my own family holidays, two of which had been in B&B’s in Ireland and some in France. I am a vegetarian and laughed heartily at the relating pages on vegetarian food issues over there.
The pages just flew by and I had finished the book in almost one sitting (one needs to eat).
As in her blog, Kerry is a natural writer who has a formidable way with words. I hope that once her holiday anecdotes have been exhausted Kerry finds a way to make some stories up and bless us with some fictitious ramblings instead.
November 3, 2012
‘Ramblings in Ireland’ with novel about a trip the author took Ireland with her husband. Her mother was from Ireland and she wanted to take holiday for a long time to explore Ireland. The novel takes you through their many experiences in Ireland from flying there, to driving on the narrow streets, to staying at different bed-and-breakfasts and getting lost on their walks.
It was a great peek into the lush land of Ireland and since my father's side of the family is from Ireland and one day I would love to go there, I thought this was a great book. It was entertaining and insightful. I like how it showed how different it can be when you visit other countries. It showed how simple word can change something so greatly. This book really made me want to visit Ireland even more than I already wanted to and it definitely made me want to do some of these walks. I also enjoyed that there was quite a bit of humor in the story.
I really enjoyed this book. It was like I was right there in Ireland with Kerry and at the very hard thing to accomplish when you're writing a book. It is a very good book and I would highly recommend it.
It was a great peek into the lush land of Ireland and since my father's side of the family is from Ireland and one day I would love to go there, I thought this was a great book. It was entertaining and insightful. I like how it showed how different it can be when you visit other countries. It showed how simple word can change something so greatly. This book really made me want to visit Ireland even more than I already wanted to and it definitely made me want to do some of these walks. I also enjoyed that there was quite a bit of humor in the story.
I really enjoyed this book. It was like I was right there in Ireland with Kerry and at the very hard thing to accomplish when you're writing a book. It is a very good book and I would highly recommend it.
October 18, 2012
Like most vacations that go awry, they are never forgotten! This is a travel memoir of author Kerry Dwyer and her husband, Bertrand, traveling to Ireland for a walking sightseeing trip. Kerry herself is British while hubby is French. Kerry doesn't speak much French, while Bertrand has trouble with English. That, in itself, tells you the humor that both will find in Ireland! Kerry did much research and planning before they left France. You know how the best laid out plans go? Not too well at times. From selecting backpacks, to forgetting the water repellent spray for boots, to getting lost on the edge of a cliff in dense fog, you have to know there are many humorous events which Kerry describes very well. I enjoyed this travel story which had me laughing along the way, as well as cheering them on their successes. I also thought of how funny a sitcom this would make on BBC, like the many I've enjoyed watching. I've always said, everyone has a story to tell, and talented Kerry has provided a fun read in her "Ramblings." I do hope she will plan another vacation to share with us. To see her book trailer and some photos of Ireland, go to http://www.kerrydwyer.com
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November 3, 2012Ramblings in Ireland by Kerry Dwyer
4 Stars
When I picked up this book I was expecting lots of information about ‘rambling’ in Ireland, from the types of flowers to species of insects that were spotted along the way. I really wasn’t expecting to feel like I was listening to a friend ‘rambling’ on about, well everything, from French cuisine to peeing on a ski slope!
Kerry Dwyer opened my eyes to more than just the scenery of Ireland. I also learned that going to the opticians in France is not the same as in the UK, that the French are very much ‘food snobs’ and there was also quite an informative part about Kerry’s job. My own daughter, Kendal, has just gained her TEFL certificate and hopes to go abroad in the next year or so to do the exact same job as Kerry, so her insights on the subject made for quite an interesting read for me.
I have never had the urge to visit Ireland, or France for that matter, and reading this book hasn’t changed my mind on that, but I did find it to be a great read. Kerry is a gifted story teller putting interest and humour into every day situations and I enjoyed the journey.
Copy supplied for review
4 Stars
When I picked up this book I was expecting lots of information about ‘rambling’ in Ireland, from the types of flowers to species of insects that were spotted along the way. I really wasn’t expecting to feel like I was listening to a friend ‘rambling’ on about, well everything, from French cuisine to peeing on a ski slope!
Kerry Dwyer opened my eyes to more than just the scenery of Ireland. I also learned that going to the opticians in France is not the same as in the UK, that the French are very much ‘food snobs’ and there was also quite an informative part about Kerry’s job. My own daughter, Kendal, has just gained her TEFL certificate and hopes to go abroad in the next year or so to do the exact same job as Kerry, so her insights on the subject made for quite an interesting read for me.
I have never had the urge to visit Ireland, or France for that matter, and reading this book hasn’t changed my mind on that, but I did find it to be a great read. Kerry is a gifted story teller putting interest and humour into every day situations and I enjoyed the journey.
Copy supplied for review
March 9, 2013
I am not usually a fan of memoir, but I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland and this book appealed to me. It is a memoir of a couple’s walking vacation, or “ramble” through Ireland. Each ramble not only allowed the couple to explore a beautiful, compelling country, but also deepen their relationship with each other.
I found the book charming and easy to read. The style is amiable and approachable. The pacing is a bit slow, but it matched the mood of the book, and fit the theme. The descriptions are excellent. For example, I flinched when the author described her wet boots (I hate wet shoes!). Some of their journeys not only took them into new places, but brought literal challenges of faith, trust, and love.
There was perhaps too much narrative, though I loved the dialogue between husband and wife, from playful banter to honest discussion. I could have wanted just a bit more inner dialogue, as sometimes I wondered what the author thought of certain situations, aside from what was said to her husband.
The editing is fairly good, and looked nice on my Kindle Fire. There were some British terms I had to look up or guess, such as “boot of the car”, but that’s to be expected.
I found the book charming and easy to read. The style is amiable and approachable. The pacing is a bit slow, but it matched the mood of the book, and fit the theme. The descriptions are excellent. For example, I flinched when the author described her wet boots (I hate wet shoes!). Some of their journeys not only took them into new places, but brought literal challenges of faith, trust, and love.
There was perhaps too much narrative, though I loved the dialogue between husband and wife, from playful banter to honest discussion. I could have wanted just a bit more inner dialogue, as sometimes I wondered what the author thought of certain situations, aside from what was said to her husband.
The editing is fairly good, and looked nice on my Kindle Fire. There were some British terms I had to look up or guess, such as “boot of the car”, but that’s to be expected.
November 1, 2012
I read this book for author for a fair and honest review.
This book is about a husband and wife on their vacation from France to Ireland. It was not a typical vacation. They are walkers, kind of like hikers. They traveled different walking paths to explore the area. The book reads as if they were having a conversation with friends about their vacation.
They get lost at one point but just continue on making the best of it, accomaditions get messed up as well. This couple just rolls with the puches and deal with what they are dealt with. They are able to laugh at themselves and not let mix ups bring them down.
There is also some small history lessons about different places in Ireland they see on their trip as well. There are a few small things that I had to pause to figure out the meaning of because I'm from America and we call things different. It doesn't take away from the story, just takes a second or two to figure it out.
This book would be great for anyone that is either into cross country hiking, or is familiar with Ireland's country side.
This book is about a husband and wife on their vacation from France to Ireland. It was not a typical vacation. They are walkers, kind of like hikers. They traveled different walking paths to explore the area. The book reads as if they were having a conversation with friends about their vacation.
They get lost at one point but just continue on making the best of it, accomaditions get messed up as well. This couple just rolls with the puches and deal with what they are dealt with. They are able to laugh at themselves and not let mix ups bring them down.
There is also some small history lessons about different places in Ireland they see on their trip as well. There are a few small things that I had to pause to figure out the meaning of because I'm from America and we call things different. It doesn't take away from the story, just takes a second or two to figure it out.
This book would be great for anyone that is either into cross country hiking, or is familiar with Ireland's country side.
June 30, 2013
I was given an ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book carries you along with the author and her husband while they take a holiday in Ireland. You get a taste of the walks, bed and breakfast, pubs and the culture.
When the author asked me to review it, I was was more than happy to. I have always thought that Ireland would be a great place to visit. Like the author, I am not the greatest at navigation,so I am as sure about planning at trip in the near future, hence I am not as in tune with my Irish roots as she is. Maybe after a lot more research it can be added to my "one day" trips in the future.
During the story, she does tend to ramble from one event to something of coarse, but then back again. I can honestly say I am guilty of this when telling a story to a friend. Something sparks a memory and off you go. I have to say that I liked the ramblings as much as the actual journey.
I think this is a good book and it helps you get a feel of how Ireland really is. Worth the read.
This book carries you along with the author and her husband while they take a holiday in Ireland. You get a taste of the walks, bed and breakfast, pubs and the culture.
When the author asked me to review it, I was was more than happy to. I have always thought that Ireland would be a great place to visit. Like the author, I am not the greatest at navigation,so I am as sure about planning at trip in the near future, hence I am not as in tune with my Irish roots as she is. Maybe after a lot more research it can be added to my "one day" trips in the future.
During the story, she does tend to ramble from one event to something of coarse, but then back again. I can honestly say I am guilty of this when telling a story to a friend. Something sparks a memory and off you go. I have to say that I liked the ramblings as much as the actual journey.
I think this is a good book and it helps you get a feel of how Ireland really is. Worth the read.
October 4, 2012
In a world which seems to be increasingly sterilised, globalised and homogenised, Kerry's ramblings reminded me that there are still differences between countries and cultures which should be recognised and relished. Although Kerry is English, her husband is French and there are many little touches in the book where she not only interprets both Ireland and France through English sensibilities but also interprets Ireland as understood by a Frenchman.
This is one of those delightful yarns where nothing much happens - but it happens a lot. You can almost feel the calmness and serenity of rural Ireland as you read each page. Little details become important; small events assume a significance they would not normally have in a busy and crowded life. Ramblings In Ireland lets the reader step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday living to lose themselves in a more unhurried world with a warm and loving couple.
This is one of those delightful yarns where nothing much happens - but it happens a lot. You can almost feel the calmness and serenity of rural Ireland as you read each page. Little details become important; small events assume a significance they would not normally have in a busy and crowded life. Ramblings In Ireland lets the reader step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday living to lose themselves in a more unhurried world with a warm and loving couple.
December 25, 2012
When I found out my husband, Joel D Canfield, was going to be working with Kerry Dwyer to get her book, Ramblings in Ireland, published, I was very excited to read it. We were able to spend a month living on Valentia Island in Ireland in the winter of 2005 when our youngest was just 11 months old.
If I hadn't already visited Ireland, reading Ramblings in Ireland would have made me want to go. Since I have been, it brought back many memories of the time we spent there. Since the book mentions many of the spots we visited, I was able to relive it all again.
I thoroughly enjoyed taking my time reading the book. It's the perfect book to read while sipping a cup of tea. It takes you on a fun and interesting journey. Whether you've always wanted to go to Ireland or want to relive a trip you've taken there, this is the book for you to read!
If I hadn't already visited Ireland, reading Ramblings in Ireland would have made me want to go. Since I have been, it brought back many memories of the time we spent there. Since the book mentions many of the spots we visited, I was able to relive it all again.
I thoroughly enjoyed taking my time reading the book. It's the perfect book to read while sipping a cup of tea. It takes you on a fun and interesting journey. Whether you've always wanted to go to Ireland or want to relive a trip you've taken there, this is the book for you to read!
September 4, 2012
As someone who both enjoys travelogues and is fascinating by Ireland, I looked very much forward to reading this book. I love reading about what people see, experience and feel on their travels, and this book certainly provides the reader with that. However, I must admit that I did find the mental detours the author takes describing things not directly related to the Ireland walks to be somewhat long, distracting and extraneous, even though I very much enjoyed the sections where the actual walks were described. I certainly recommend the book for those who are interested in reading about the Irish countryside and who don’t mind bits of extra information thrown in.
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