The Corncrake's Welcome: Memoirs of a Northern Irish Diplomat

by William D. Hanna

The Corncrake's Welcome continues the story of William Hanna’s family, introduced in Voyages with my Grandfather. Spanning a hundred years, these memoirs delve into the turbulent birth of Northern Ireland, wartime Belfast, and the 1960s, when Hanna was growing up in Windsor Manse, next to the Presbyterian Church where his father was the Minister.

Join the young boy, enthralled by both the orange sashes of Belfast and the green rugby jerseys of Dublin. See the teenager confronted by the Troubles, beginning to question his religious and national inheritance. Follow Hanna’s coming-of-age journey, from Ireland to Scotland, Switzerland, and France, and watch him set out on a diplomatic career in Dublin and in Brussels.

Share his joy and sorrow when he returns to Ireland, after many years serving as EU Ambassador around the world; recalls his father’s historic meeting with Pope John Paul II; and makes poignant discoveries about events a century ago.

Praise for Voyages with my Grandfather:

‘Beautifully written. Very moving’ Alexander McCall Smith

‘Extraordinary insight into life of Northern Ireland Presbyterians’ Gail Walker, Belfast Telegraph

‘Wonderful book. A remarkable family story very well told’ Sir Jonathan Faull

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2023

Reviews

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an interesting book I really didn't want it to end. The author lovingly recalls memories of his own, as well as delving into fragments of memoir left by his mother and father.
There are poignant moments witnessing his father, a Presbyterian, growing up in the rural idyll of North Antrim, with many Catholic friends. The text is evocative and written with heartfelt sincerity. Then, as the Troubles begin, the author calls the manse adjoining the Windsor Presbyterian Church on Derryvolgie Avenue in South Belfast, home. Belfast becomes a deeply intolerant city torn apart by hatred and violence.
The quality of the writing is compelling, shining a light on good times and bad times, in an Ireland now irrevocably changed.
I eagerly look forward to the author's next book.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that recalls a neighbourly Northern Ireland between the Wars, when Protestants and Catholics supported each other in a close-knit rural community and pleasures were simple ones. It takes the reader through WWII when the family have to deal with personal tragedy. It's also the story of a boy growing up in urban Belfast during the Troubles. It's a poignant story - but also one filled with love and joy and plenty of fun. The writing is immediate and light of touch. The author draws the reader in so that the family becomes yours too as you lose yourself in the Hanna story.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written memoir of a time growing up when the troubles began in Northern Ireland. William D. Hanna is the son of a Presbyterian minister. This isn't the sole focus of this collection of memories, however, which includes memories written by both his parents also. This really is a lovingly written book, it was a pleasure to read it.