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Passage to Inis Mór: Could a Legend Save a Life?
When 38-year-old Conner O’Rourke returns to Ireland, he’s running from his past. His advertising agency in Sydney is going broke, the bank is foreclosing on his mortgage, and he’s hearing voices in his mind urging him to return to Inis Mór. His grandmother, whom he hasn’t seen in years, has contacted him saying she's critically ill and must speak with him, but when he arrives on Inis Mór, a wild, windswept, rocky little island some 30 miles off the West Coast of Ireland, she’s already passed, leaving him a cottage and a dilapidated sailing boat.
A mysterious old seaman appears and offers to help him rebuild the boat and, as they work together, the old man tells Conner stories of Ireland. Stories of courage, passion, and purpose. Stories that could change Conner’s life forever if he can only muster the courage to follow his heart.
“O’Raleigh’s new Passage to Inis Mór—reminds one great Irish writers, such as Sean O’Faolain and Benedict Kiely.” (Frank O’Shea, The Australian Irish Echo)
A mysterious old seaman appears and offers to help him rebuild the boat and, as they work together, the old man tells Conner stories of Ireland. Stories of courage, passion, and purpose. Stories that could change Conner’s life forever if he can only muster the courage to follow his heart.
“O’Raleigh’s new Passage to Inis Mór—reminds one great Irish writers, such as Sean O’Faolain and Benedict Kiely.” (Frank O’Shea, The Australian Irish Echo)
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Published October 28, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
October 24, 2022
A lovely story, filled with Irish folklore and mysticism. A man returns to his family's home on an island, filled with failure and self loathing, and finds new purpose and meaning in life. A lovely read to cheer your day.
April 7, 2022
Enjoyed the Irish folklore,the writing not so much. And heavy handed re finding purpose. And now I know author has a “finding purpose” line of business. Ugh.
February 17, 2022
who was that mysterious man? A very compiling Irish story
March 30, 2023
While reading this book, there were moments where I was carried away to the shores of Ireland, and swept up by the mystical storytelling. A truly unique experience!
Had it not been for some pacing inconsistencies and unrealistic (at times) dialogue, this would have been a five star read!
Had it not been for some pacing inconsistencies and unrealistic (at times) dialogue, this would have been a five star read!
May 14, 2022
Enjoyable read for sure
I may read this again one day. There's much wisdom here. I have never read or heard of Brian O'Raleigh, but I know will be looking to see his other works momentarily. Look to others to synopsize for you. I'm just going to say I will be thinking about this book for awhile. I read it in a day.
I may read this again one day. There's much wisdom here. I have never read or heard of Brian O'Raleigh, but I know will be looking to see his other works momentarily. Look to others to synopsize for you. I'm just going to say I will be thinking about this book for awhile. I read it in a day.
January 14, 2024
„A few minutes later he was bringing the taxi to a halt outside a neatly kept whitewashed cottage standing alone in a field overlooking a small bay.” (Zitat Pos. 1160)
Inhalt
Als sein Vater bei einem Autounfall stirbt, verlässt Conners Mutter noch am Tag des Begräbnisses die irische Insel Inis Mór und der siebenjährige Conner wächst als John in Australien auf. Als seine Großmutter Grace O’Rourke stirbt, ist Conner achtunddreißig Jahre alt, seine zuvor erfolgreiche Werbefirma in Sidney steht vor dem Bankrott und seine Frau Nicky hat ihn gerade mit dem gemeinsamen Sohn Tristan verlassen. Von seiner Großmutter erbt er das alte Cottage in Kilmurvey, seit mehr als zweihundert Jahren im Familienbesitz, und das alte Segelboot Erin, das sein Großvater gebaut hatte. Conner will das Cottage verkaufen und so seine finanziellen Probleme in Sydney lösen, doch eine Klausel im Testament verhindert dies. So beschließt er statt dessen, das stark beschädigte Segelboot instand zu setzen. Ein alter Mann unterstützt ihn tatkräftig und mit Fachwissen. Er kennt sich mit Bootsbau aus, doch nicht nur damit. Der Mann erklärt Conner, dass jeder Mensch eine besondere Gabe hat. „Your father was a Seanachie, a storyteller.“ (Zitat Pos. 1239) Wird Conner herausfinden, welche Gabe er hat, um wieder in seinem eigenen Leben anzukommen?
Thema und Genre
In diesem Roman geht es um das Leben der Menschen auf den irischen Aran-Inseln, um Familie, Traditionen, um die eigenen Wurzeln und die Suche nach einem Platz im eigenen Leben. Es geht um Scheitern und Verlust, aber auch um Freundschaft, Liebe, Veränderungen und Magie.
Erzählform und Sprache
Conner O’Rourke erzählt seine Geschichte selbst in der ersten Person. So erfahren wir durch seine Erinnerungen viele Details aus seinem bisherigen Leben. Wir lauschen mit ihm den Geschichten des alten Mannes und erkennen an Conners Gedanken, wie er beginnt, sich zu verändern. Die Sprache erzählt klug, einfühlsam und poetisch.
Meine Ausgabe wurde schon 2014 unter dem Titel “The Storyteller of Inis Mór: Could a legend save his life?” herausgebracht, nun ist eine neuere Version erhältlich.
Fazit
„It was a magical, mystical evening and beyond a shadow of a doubt the strangest evening, that I’d ever spent in my entire life.“ (Zitat Pos. 3760). Besser kann man diese phantasievolle, wunderbar zu lesende Geschichte mit ihren vielen Facetten nicht beschreiben. Mich hat dieser Roman sofort in Gedanken und Erinnerungen zurück auf diese besondere Inselgruppe geführt, die mich bei meinem Besuch vor vielen Jahren sehr beeindruckt hat, doch man muss die Aran Inseln nicht kennen, um von diesem Roman verzaubert zu werden.
Inhalt
Als sein Vater bei einem Autounfall stirbt, verlässt Conners Mutter noch am Tag des Begräbnisses die irische Insel Inis Mór und der siebenjährige Conner wächst als John in Australien auf. Als seine Großmutter Grace O’Rourke stirbt, ist Conner achtunddreißig Jahre alt, seine zuvor erfolgreiche Werbefirma in Sidney steht vor dem Bankrott und seine Frau Nicky hat ihn gerade mit dem gemeinsamen Sohn Tristan verlassen. Von seiner Großmutter erbt er das alte Cottage in Kilmurvey, seit mehr als zweihundert Jahren im Familienbesitz, und das alte Segelboot Erin, das sein Großvater gebaut hatte. Conner will das Cottage verkaufen und so seine finanziellen Probleme in Sydney lösen, doch eine Klausel im Testament verhindert dies. So beschließt er statt dessen, das stark beschädigte Segelboot instand zu setzen. Ein alter Mann unterstützt ihn tatkräftig und mit Fachwissen. Er kennt sich mit Bootsbau aus, doch nicht nur damit. Der Mann erklärt Conner, dass jeder Mensch eine besondere Gabe hat. „Your father was a Seanachie, a storyteller.“ (Zitat Pos. 1239) Wird Conner herausfinden, welche Gabe er hat, um wieder in seinem eigenen Leben anzukommen?
Thema und Genre
In diesem Roman geht es um das Leben der Menschen auf den irischen Aran-Inseln, um Familie, Traditionen, um die eigenen Wurzeln und die Suche nach einem Platz im eigenen Leben. Es geht um Scheitern und Verlust, aber auch um Freundschaft, Liebe, Veränderungen und Magie.
Erzählform und Sprache
Conner O’Rourke erzählt seine Geschichte selbst in der ersten Person. So erfahren wir durch seine Erinnerungen viele Details aus seinem bisherigen Leben. Wir lauschen mit ihm den Geschichten des alten Mannes und erkennen an Conners Gedanken, wie er beginnt, sich zu verändern. Die Sprache erzählt klug, einfühlsam und poetisch.
Meine Ausgabe wurde schon 2014 unter dem Titel “The Storyteller of Inis Mór: Could a legend save his life?” herausgebracht, nun ist eine neuere Version erhältlich.
Fazit
„It was a magical, mystical evening and beyond a shadow of a doubt the strangest evening, that I’d ever spent in my entire life.“ (Zitat Pos. 3760). Besser kann man diese phantasievolle, wunderbar zu lesende Geschichte mit ihren vielen Facetten nicht beschreiben. Mich hat dieser Roman sofort in Gedanken und Erinnerungen zurück auf diese besondere Inselgruppe geführt, die mich bei meinem Besuch vor vielen Jahren sehr beeindruckt hat, doch man muss die Aran Inseln nicht kennen, um von diesem Roman verzaubert zu werden.
November 27, 2022
excellent
I loved this book. I did not want it to end. I particularly enjoyed the stories and the tales of the fili. I know the intent was inspirational but the book is more than that. I had heard some of these legends from my Irish ancestors but it was good to read them in this form.
I loved this book. I did not want it to end. I particularly enjoyed the stories and the tales of the fili. I know the intent was inspirational but the book is more than that. I had heard some of these legends from my Irish ancestors but it was good to read them in this form.
January 6, 2023
Deep in my heart and soul.
Writing superb. I cried, I smiled, I recognised every person and every one who has passed. I have made only 3 trips to Ireland many years ago but it brought it all back as if it was yesterday.
My roots are on both sides of family. Even strangers smile and say "Irish?". You betcha'! Thank you a hundred times over, Brian O'Raleigh!
Writing superb. I cried, I smiled, I recognised every person and every one who has passed. I have made only 3 trips to Ireland many years ago but it brought it all back as if it was yesterday.
My roots are on both sides of family. Even strangers smile and say "Irish?". You betcha'! Thank you a hundred times over, Brian O'Raleigh!
September 2, 2022
Evocative and lyrical writing makes you feel the rain and hear the ocean of this Irish island and makes for a lovely "ghost" story .
January 27, 2024
When Conor O’Rourke’s grandmother passes away, he returns to his birthplace at Inis Mór. With his life back in Australia in shambles, Conor meets an old man who helps him reconnect to his soul and remember what is important in life. The story is filled with Irish folklore, poetry, seanachais, selkies and many cups of hot tea. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
September 27, 2023
This book cast a spell on me. The story, though simple in it’s intimacy, painted such vivid characters, landscapes, and discussions about morals and choices. The beginning hooked me, starting at a place where the main character’s life was falling apparent - wife and son leaving him, business going bankrupt, losing a battle against his alcoholism… He was a hard character to root for at the start. However, the story immediately drops a dash of mystery and intrigue. Amidst losing all he loves and has labored for, he receives a letter from his dying grandmother in the Aran Islands who he hasn’t seen in years - she wants to tell him something she’s kept secret before passing. Unfortunately, she passes before he gets there. Instead he meets an older man who tells him stories and myths as they rebuild his grandfather’s old boat together.
I was absolutely enraptured by these stories, the discussions the characters had about finding purpose in life/discovering one’s gift, and the ways these stories made the main character reflect on his own life and changed the decisions he made moving forward.
Overall, absolutely eloquent, inspirational, and thoughtful story with a dash of mystery, lore, and ghosts!
I was absolutely enraptured by these stories, the discussions the characters had about finding purpose in life/discovering one’s gift, and the ways these stories made the main character reflect on his own life and changed the decisions he made moving forward.
Overall, absolutely eloquent, inspirational, and thoughtful story with a dash of mystery, lore, and ghosts!
April 14, 2023
Mystical, yet rooted in a deep reality.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as we journeyed with the protagonist from his broken life through his dark night of the soul, the labor that led to his epiphany, and the eventual glimpse of his redemption. I was drawn in by the beautiful prose, full of feelings and insights as he opened himself to the growth being offered to him through mysterious sources.
Enjoy this book if you are tempted to explore your own restlessness with the daily struggle of living a life where every day seems as if, just maybe, things could be different and better.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as we journeyed with the protagonist from his broken life through his dark night of the soul, the labor that led to his epiphany, and the eventual glimpse of his redemption. I was drawn in by the beautiful prose, full of feelings and insights as he opened himself to the growth being offered to him through mysterious sources.
Enjoy this book if you are tempted to explore your own restlessness with the daily struggle of living a life where every day seems as if, just maybe, things could be different and better.
May 21, 2023
Interesting...
Interesting read, I always ask myself if I have learned something after I finished a book and I must say I have, I enjoyed the stories told, but its a little discombobulated, at times it drags on, especially when the same story get repeated several times however this wasn't as annoying as the fillers..... If you take out all the 'he took as drink/bite/sip before he continued' you'd lose an entire chapter !
Not sure if I would recommend the book, I found it just an ok read.
Interesting read, I always ask myself if I have learned something after I finished a book and I must say I have, I enjoyed the stories told, but its a little discombobulated, at times it drags on, especially when the same story get repeated several times however this wasn't as annoying as the fillers..... If you take out all the 'he took as drink/bite/sip before he continued' you'd lose an entire chapter !
Not sure if I would recommend the book, I found it just an ok read.
June 2, 2022
A book that follows one mans journey back to the Aran Islands, to Inis Mór, where generations of his family have lived on that rugged and beautiful landscape.
Conor lives in Australia where his life is disintegrating, his wife and son have left and his business is failing. When he is contacted by his grandmother on Inis Mór with a request to come visit her before she passes, he takes it as an opportunity to take some control back or maybe even to run away from his problems.
Relearning the ways of the island, where he had spent a lot of time as a child, he is drawn into its intoxicating stories and mystery.
This is a book with stories within stories, where the weird and wonderful come together on that island off Ireland's west coast. It is certainly one that tries to convey a message about being true to yourself and foregoing the pursuit of wealth and material things. It can get a but repetitive on that front and I also found myself skipping a lot of the rhyming sections.
It is however, very compelling, you do feel as if you're sitting in the company of a Seanchaí, a master storyteller.
Conor lives in Australia where his life is disintegrating, his wife and son have left and his business is failing. When he is contacted by his grandmother on Inis Mór with a request to come visit her before she passes, he takes it as an opportunity to take some control back or maybe even to run away from his problems.
Relearning the ways of the island, where he had spent a lot of time as a child, he is drawn into its intoxicating stories and mystery.
This is a book with stories within stories, where the weird and wonderful come together on that island off Ireland's west coast. It is certainly one that tries to convey a message about being true to yourself and foregoing the pursuit of wealth and material things. It can get a but repetitive on that front and I also found myself skipping a lot of the rhyming sections.
It is however, very compelling, you do feel as if you're sitting in the company of a Seanchaí, a master storyteller.
December 28, 2022
The author's bio truly leaves me baffled. I gave this book only two stars because of his mischaracterization of depression. Depression is a biological disorder. People with depression, can't will-power their way to health. The author has a long history of his own mental illnesses and it's unfortunate that he took "poetic" liberty in presenting depression as he did. Even within the context of fiction, illnesses portrayed should be done so accurately. We certainly wouldn't tell patients with other illnesses to cure themselves!
Other than that, the book is interesting and poignant, but overall very tedious.
Other than that, the book is interesting and poignant, but overall very tedious.
July 13, 2023
I was pleased to give this book five stars because: I cherish the old Celtic stories, I appreciated the purpose of the tale, I admire the lyrical language offered throughout the book, and, although told in a mystical style, the story itself, its philosophy, is apropos to our lives today. It didn't hurt that my Mother's people were from the Aran Islands and that I have spent time there, so I could clearly envision the individual places in the setting. It was a book I felt good about when it came to its close. I am glad I spent time with Connor O'Rourke and was a witness to how one journey CAN save a life.
January 16, 2023
A work of art
What a beautiful book. Reading it once won't be enough. I was unsure at the beginning of the book. I love stories about Ireland, but here I was: starting a book, taking place (at the beginning), in Australia, with a main character I wasn't sure if he could be (or deserved, yes I was being judgemental) redeemed or even deserved redemption. Along the way I forgot about what the character deserved or didn't. The story grabbed me and didn't let go until I finished it. I will look for more books by the same author.
What a beautiful book. Reading it once won't be enough. I was unsure at the beginning of the book. I love stories about Ireland, but here I was: starting a book, taking place (at the beginning), in Australia, with a main character I wasn't sure if he could be (or deserved, yes I was being judgemental) redeemed or even deserved redemption. Along the way I forgot about what the character deserved or didn't. The story grabbed me and didn't let go until I finished it. I will look for more books by the same author.
May 2, 2023
I truly enjoyed “Passage to Inis Mor” by Brian O’ Raleigh. It is a heartfelt story about losing your way in life and, through the guidance of a mentor, finding your way back. The book is set in the Aran Islands in Ireland. It has a lively, but credible cast of characters that bring the story and the setting to life. Part self-help book, part history, part Irish fairy tale, O’Raleigh has crafted a fine tale of loss and redemption and the power of family. This was an audiobook read for me and the fact that I finished it aboard a ship sailing to Ireland was a huge plus.
June 12, 2022
Poignant and haunting
Did not know what to expect from this book but when I started it I found it hard to put down. I am Irish but living in England for the past 30 years. This book evoked memories long forgotten of being a proud Celt and the long held traditions of my forefathers. Loved this book and it changed something in me that I had hidden for so long. Set me free, in a really good way.
Did not know what to expect from this book but when I started it I found it hard to put down. I am Irish but living in England for the past 30 years. This book evoked memories long forgotten of being a proud Celt and the long held traditions of my forefathers. Loved this book and it changed something in me that I had hidden for so long. Set me free, in a really good way.
October 24, 2022
As an Irish woman living abroad, I actively search out Irish authors as they make me feel closer to home. I love books with an evocative setting and chose this book expecting to be transported to the Aran Islands. Unfortunately there were too many inconsistencies and it really smacked of someone recounting bits and pieces of stories heard, rather than the writer having experienced the location first hand. The story was a bit laboured and predictable.
2.5 stars from me
2.5 stars from me
February 9, 2023
This book captured my interest and held it...for so many different reasons. The magic, the myths, the legends and folklore intertwined with present day issues that influence our lives. There were many twisted turns and a bit of sadness but overall, this story was delightful. The best part, some of the main characters were O'Neill's! The audiobook is read by a gentleman with a soft Irish brogue which added to the experience.
February 25, 2024
If you like the author, Frank Delaney, you will likely enjoy this book. It is the story of a man in his late 30s whose life is in tatters as well as his business. In the words of the tall, unnamed stranger who enters his life, he has lost his way.
The stranger Helps to reconnect him with his ancestral home, his family, and the stories of both
In the process, the young man finds a new way forward
The stranger Helps to reconnect him with his ancestral home, his family, and the stories of both
In the process, the young man finds a new way forward
June 5, 2024
It was fun to read the legends relevant to Inis Mor on my way there for an overnight stay! And I’ll give this a couple stars for keeping me reading to the end for the mystery of it all - but otherwise I found the writing pretty heavy-handed on symbolism with poor character development. And in the end I’m not sure the mystery was ever settled for me. ….Did we ever learn what happened to the guys who sailed on the captain’s boat, like the old lady told Connor to ask??
November 16, 2024
A beautiful story of a man who was successful until his whole life fell apart. He ends up in Ireland and finds himself lost. It's a story is written so well, it is enhanced by lovely poetry and the protagonist's search for meaning. There is a bit of Irish lore and twists and turns that are enhanced by Irish myths. I loved the story, the plot and the writing. All of it left me with a warm glow and a wish to return for another visit to the beauty and love of Ireland. I recommend it.
August 30, 2025
Connor O’Rourke returns to Inis Mor 30 years after leaving for Australia with his mother after his father dies. His wife has left him and taken their son and his business in Australia has failed. Connor meets people on Inis Mor who knew his father’s family, particularly an old man who helps him restore his father’s boat, while telling him stories of Ireland. A heartwarming story filled with hope.
January 21, 2022
A touching modern day fairy tale
What a fabulous story this is! The author leads you through A troubled man's story And reconstruction With the gift of The storyteller! This book has everything You need: Ireland, The sea, selkies, And loads of stories! I couldn't put it down until I was done.
What a fabulous story this is! The author leads you through A troubled man's story And reconstruction With the gift of The storyteller! This book has everything You need: Ireland, The sea, selkies, And loads of stories! I couldn't put it down until I was done.
March 1, 2022
I liked the book and look forward to a sequel. But had some mixed feelings. First, the title of the book didn't seem to align... plus, don't usually see a subtitle with fiction. Awkward. Then it felt like the "mystery" was too much of the story. Finally, the rhymed poetry didn't (for me) add to the narrative. All that said... felt it was a nice dip into the world of Inis Mór.
April 22, 2022
What a beautiful story!
Oh my gosh! This book is exquisitely written and the story is compelling. It’s full of Irish legend and a bit of a ghost story. I have always been intrigued by Ireland and it’s people having a bit of Irish ancestry myself. Please read this if you have any interest in folklore and mystery. You will not be disappointed.
Oh my gosh! This book is exquisitely written and the story is compelling. It’s full of Irish legend and a bit of a ghost story. I have always been intrigued by Ireland and it’s people having a bit of Irish ancestry myself. Please read this if you have any interest in folklore and mystery. You will not be disappointed.
May 8, 2022
A story that speaks to the soul
Perhaps, if you've no celt or native blood running through your veins , your soul won't be touched by this story, but if you're born of these lines, this is a story that not only will speak to you but it will make you take a deep look inside yourself and do some serious self evaluation. Powerful isn't A strong enough word to use.
Perhaps, if you've no celt or native blood running through your veins , your soul won't be touched by this story, but if you're born of these lines, this is a story that not only will speak to you but it will make you take a deep look inside yourself and do some serious self evaluation. Powerful isn't A strong enough word to use.
September 24, 2022
Excellent!
So many parts of this book made me pause and think. Oh, it made me think!!! Wonderful overall! I found myself reading too fast and going back to reread some of the poetry. And again, reading too fast, eager for that happy ending. I don't want to give it away so i will stop here. Excellent book!
So many parts of this book made me pause and think. Oh, it made me think!!! Wonderful overall! I found myself reading too fast and going back to reread some of the poetry. And again, reading too fast, eager for that happy ending. I don't want to give it away so i will stop here. Excellent book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews