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The Lion and the Cross: A Novel of Saint Patrick and Ancient Ireland
The man who would become Ireland’s beloved patron saint confronts his destiny during the tumultuous Dark Ages in this vibrant, enthralling novel
In 410 CE, arrogant sixteen-year-old Magonus Sucatus Patricius denounces Christianity as a religion for cowards when the Roman legions withdraw, leaving Britain vulnerable to raiders from the west. Determined to wield a sword despite being the grandson of a priest, the affluent young man is taken captive by barbarians and sold into slavery to a cruel Irish king. On a mountaintop in Eire, a shepherd strips him of his grand Roman name and calls him Padraic, marking him a man of no consequence.
Set against the magnificent backdrop of ancient Ireland and based on available historical facts, Saint Patrick’s Confession, and Celtic myth, this gripping novel follows Patrick as he finds his faith while fighting to escape bondage in Eire. Friendship with a king, love for a queen, and enmity with the druids who fear his God will embroil him in a civil war in a land from which he will struggle to flee—only to be called to return.
In 410 CE, arrogant sixteen-year-old Magonus Sucatus Patricius denounces Christianity as a religion for cowards when the Roman legions withdraw, leaving Britain vulnerable to raiders from the west. Determined to wield a sword despite being the grandson of a priest, the affluent young man is taken captive by barbarians and sold into slavery to a cruel Irish king. On a mountaintop in Eire, a shepherd strips him of his grand Roman name and calls him Padraic, marking him a man of no consequence.
Set against the magnificent backdrop of ancient Ireland and based on available historical facts, Saint Patrick’s Confession, and Celtic myth, this gripping novel follows Patrick as he finds his faith while fighting to escape bondage in Eire. Friendship with a king, love for a queen, and enmity with the druids who fear his God will embroil him in a civil war in a land from which he will struggle to flee—only to be called to return.
455 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1979
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About the author
Joan Lesley Hamilton
1 book8 followersAlso writing under the pseudonym William Sarabande
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 1, 2016
If you’re looking for the perfect book to read as St Patrick’s Day approaches, this could be it. Originally published in 1979, The Lion and the Cross: A Novel of Saint Patrick and Ancient Ireland has recently been made available as an ebook by Open Road Media. Narrated by Patrick himself, it is a fictional account of the life of the man who would become Ireland’s patron saint.
The story takes place in the 5th century, a time of unrest and uncertainty as the period of Roman rule in Britain has come to an end, leaving the country vulnerable to attacks from raiders. As the novel opens in the year 410, Magonus Sucatus Patricius, son of wealthy Romano-Britons, is sixteen years old. Despite being the grandson of Potitus the priest, Magonus himself has no intention of devoting his life to religion, but this is something which will slowly change. The first big turning point in Magonus’s life comes when he is captured by barbarian raiders who take him across the sea to Ireland where he is sold into slavery.
Now known as Padraic, or Patrick, he spends the next few years herding sheep in the Irish countryside and – after catching the attention of the Ri and Rigan (king and queen) – trying to survive the intrigues and machinations of the court. During this time his faith strengthens and when he eventually manages to escape from his captivity and from Ireland, Patrick must make the decision whether to one day return and convert the people to Christianity.
In The Lion and the Cross, Joan Lesley Hamilton has drawn on a variety of sources including The Confession of St Patrick, Irish mythology and historical fact to recreate the story of Patrick’s life. As she states in her author’s note, this period of history is ‘obscured by the roiling, silent fog of centuries’ and there are many things we don’t know about Patrick and his world; however, I think Hamilton does a good job of working with what little information is available and finding the right balance between fact and fiction.
The praise at the front of this book compares it to Mary Stewart’s Merlin trilogy, which I have read and loved. Although they are very different stories, I can understand the comparison; like Stewart’s The Crystal Cave, The Lion and the Cross is set shortly after the decline of the Roman Empire, it is narrated by a young male protagonist and it has a slightly magical feel (the first chapter deals with Patrick’s meeting with the Morrighan, a legendary Celtic goddess). The writing is quite beautiful and poetic at times, but let down by the dialogue – some of the characters speak with Irish accents which, to me, don’t sound at all right.
Patrick himself is not the easiest of characters to like. He is a stubborn, arrogant and defiant young man and because of this, despite the ordeals he goes through, I sometimes found him difficult to connect with. Patrick’s personality, though, is an important part of the story; it’s the reason he’s able to survive and to accomplish what he does, and it explains his internal struggles with God and the doubts he has to overcome. I did enjoy learning about Patrick and his life, but the religious element of the novel is very strong (as you would expect from a book about a saint) and I think the ideal reader for this book would be someone with a particular interest in religious history.
The story takes place in the 5th century, a time of unrest and uncertainty as the period of Roman rule in Britain has come to an end, leaving the country vulnerable to attacks from raiders. As the novel opens in the year 410, Magonus Sucatus Patricius, son of wealthy Romano-Britons, is sixteen years old. Despite being the grandson of Potitus the priest, Magonus himself has no intention of devoting his life to religion, but this is something which will slowly change. The first big turning point in Magonus’s life comes when he is captured by barbarian raiders who take him across the sea to Ireland where he is sold into slavery.
Now known as Padraic, or Patrick, he spends the next few years herding sheep in the Irish countryside and – after catching the attention of the Ri and Rigan (king and queen) – trying to survive the intrigues and machinations of the court. During this time his faith strengthens and when he eventually manages to escape from his captivity and from Ireland, Patrick must make the decision whether to one day return and convert the people to Christianity.
In The Lion and the Cross, Joan Lesley Hamilton has drawn on a variety of sources including The Confession of St Patrick, Irish mythology and historical fact to recreate the story of Patrick’s life. As she states in her author’s note, this period of history is ‘obscured by the roiling, silent fog of centuries’ and there are many things we don’t know about Patrick and his world; however, I think Hamilton does a good job of working with what little information is available and finding the right balance between fact and fiction.
The praise at the front of this book compares it to Mary Stewart’s Merlin trilogy, which I have read and loved. Although they are very different stories, I can understand the comparison; like Stewart’s The Crystal Cave, The Lion and the Cross is set shortly after the decline of the Roman Empire, it is narrated by a young male protagonist and it has a slightly magical feel (the first chapter deals with Patrick’s meeting with the Morrighan, a legendary Celtic goddess). The writing is quite beautiful and poetic at times, but let down by the dialogue – some of the characters speak with Irish accents which, to me, don’t sound at all right.
Patrick himself is not the easiest of characters to like. He is a stubborn, arrogant and defiant young man and because of this, despite the ordeals he goes through, I sometimes found him difficult to connect with. Patrick’s personality, though, is an important part of the story; it’s the reason he’s able to survive and to accomplish what he does, and it explains his internal struggles with God and the doubts he has to overcome. I did enjoy learning about Patrick and his life, but the religious element of the novel is very strong (as you would expect from a book about a saint) and I think the ideal reader for this book would be someone with a particular interest in religious history.
February 2, 2016
This is the story of St Patrick beginning with his capture by Irish raiders at the age of 16 until his decision a decade or so later to return to Ireland and help convert the Irish to Christianity. It is a long-forgotten novel out of print for over 40 years – but undeservedly so.
I may not have chosen to read this book had it not been offered to me by its publishers for review. I am glad I did. Although something of a curiosity, at times reading like a religious tract, at times filled with violence of the most bloodthirsty sort, it literally grabs the reader’s interest and refuses to let go, right until the end. Patrick himself is an arrogant, infuriating and confrontational character, lacking charm or sympathetic trait. This was initially a difficulty for me, but as I read I saw that the portrayal was essential; only such a contrary character could have taken on and achieved what Patrick ultimately did. On the other hand, all the other characters in the book, even the most cruel, have sympathetic aspects, often more human and appealing than Patrick himself. This, too, was an interesting and thought provoking approach. The author presents Patrick dealing with all sorts of temptations, even interpretations of the Christian story, but allows him to resist – not in a whimsical or pious fashion, but within the context of the times, the fall of the Roman Empire, the worries, fears and doubts about a violent and disturbing future.
Patrick is himself enchanted by the witch Morrigan at the start of the book; I was similarly drawn in and ultimately entranced by the author’s narrative.
I may not have chosen to read this book had it not been offered to me by its publishers for review. I am glad I did. Although something of a curiosity, at times reading like a religious tract, at times filled with violence of the most bloodthirsty sort, it literally grabs the reader’s interest and refuses to let go, right until the end. Patrick himself is an arrogant, infuriating and confrontational character, lacking charm or sympathetic trait. This was initially a difficulty for me, but as I read I saw that the portrayal was essential; only such a contrary character could have taken on and achieved what Patrick ultimately did. On the other hand, all the other characters in the book, even the most cruel, have sympathetic aspects, often more human and appealing than Patrick himself. This, too, was an interesting and thought provoking approach. The author presents Patrick dealing with all sorts of temptations, even interpretations of the Christian story, but allows him to resist – not in a whimsical or pious fashion, but within the context of the times, the fall of the Roman Empire, the worries, fears and doubts about a violent and disturbing future.
Patrick is himself enchanted by the witch Morrigan at the start of the book; I was similarly drawn in and ultimately entranced by the author’s narrative.
June 10, 2016
Finished on St. Patrick's Day!
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Finished this one on St Patrick's Day, timing couldn't have been better for this fictional account of Ireland's Patron Saint.
It was not an easy book for me to read/finish. It felt incredibly slow at times and Patrick, or Padraic as he's called, is not a character that's easily liked. I'm not saying that it was a bad book at all, but originally published in 1979 and now available as ebook from Open Road it felt outdated in its pacing.
Parts however were faster and more interesting and at those times I did enjoy myself, but they were too sparse and in between. This is not a book I'm able to recommend although I'm sure there are going to be people who'll love it.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Finished this one on St Patrick's Day, timing couldn't have been better for this fictional account of Ireland's Patron Saint.
It was not an easy book for me to read/finish. It felt incredibly slow at times and Patrick, or Padraic as he's called, is not a character that's easily liked. I'm not saying that it was a bad book at all, but originally published in 1979 and now available as ebook from Open Road it felt outdated in its pacing.
Parts however were faster and more interesting and at those times I did enjoy myself, but they were too sparse and in between. This is not a book I'm able to recommend although I'm sure there are going to be people who'll love it.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
January 29, 2016
I really enjoyed this one. It's not at all what you'd call a 'quick read', but not because it's boring, rather it's because this is such an epic journey.
Patrick's story of young man, turned slave, turned priest is a fascinating tale and Hamilton tells it well. This is historical fiction, as not much is truly known of the real Patrick, but Hamilton weaves the facts into her fictional storytelling beautifully.
I highly recommend this for historical fiction lovers, especially if you love religious history.
**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Patrick's story of young man, turned slave, turned priest is a fascinating tale and Hamilton tells it well. This is historical fiction, as not much is truly known of the real Patrick, but Hamilton weaves the facts into her fictional storytelling beautifully.
I highly recommend this for historical fiction lovers, especially if you love religious history.
**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
March 7, 2016
Just in time for Saint Patrick's day, this is a great book to read! It is his life's story as he himself would narrate it. The book is written in such a way that as a reader, I neither liked nor disliked him. The spoiled son of a wealthy nobleman, Padraic often comes across as spoiled, arrogant, and full of himself. And that's what I liked most about this book - the characters were very real and not depicted too villainous or two beloved.
In his early years, Padraic was an atheist. When barbarians arrived to destroy his village, he was taken as a slave. This sets him on the path of quite a spiritual and physical adventure. The pace of the novel is on the slow side, but I think this is necessary so the reader can get an accurate understanding of all he endured to arrive at his level of spiritualist. And although I could not find myself liking Padraic, I did find the book a clear reflection of the tumultuous times he lived in. At times, the prose was a little challenging, and at others it read smoothly. Most important of all, it is a good accounting of Saint Padraic's life and times.
Thank you to the author and publisher. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In his early years, Padraic was an atheist. When barbarians arrived to destroy his village, he was taken as a slave. This sets him on the path of quite a spiritual and physical adventure. The pace of the novel is on the slow side, but I think this is necessary so the reader can get an accurate understanding of all he endured to arrive at his level of spiritualist. And although I could not find myself liking Padraic, I did find the book a clear reflection of the tumultuous times he lived in. At times, the prose was a little challenging, and at others it read smoothly. Most important of all, it is a good accounting of Saint Padraic's life and times.
Thank you to the author and publisher. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2016
With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, I thought this book based on the life of the saint would be an interesting read. I was correct. Hamilton wove a tale of the brash young man who believed in nothing to the strong leader who would lead his people. As I read further and further into the novel, I became more and more enchanted by the tale of Patrick. The story is well written and a joy to read.
The novel would be easily enjoyed by fans of Mary Stewart and gentle read fans.
This review is based on a ebook version provided through Netgalley.
The novel would be easily enjoyed by fans of Mary Stewart and gentle read fans.
This review is based on a ebook version provided through Netgalley.
October 23, 2007
This was a book which jumped into the hands following Trinity by Leon Uris -- Trinity was an epiphany reading for me and thus trails a number of these off-shoot readings. Anyone who has a real interest in Irish/Catholic/Christian history will likely enjoy this.
March 23, 2011
I loved this book. Its the story of the youth and slavery of Patrick and how he became the man who converted Ireland to Christianity. Its based on his "Confessions." A good read.
July 5, 2019
This was enjoyable enough. It's got great prose, uses lots of Celtic mythology and symbolism intertwined with what little we know of St. Patrick's life. It's very much a modern Christian tale, one I'd recommend to all my Christian friends/followers. Unfortunately, it carries many of the bad tropes of that as well. Once Padraic converts, he becomes the bold (read: asshole) Born Again minister we've become used to. It's not enough for him to accept that others believe differently, instead he must interrupt and insert his: "There is only one God and He is calling you." *eyeroll* I and they know you believe that, you don't need to keep reminding us you view our beliefs as trash. It was an odd mix actually, this religious arrogance mixed with his occasional humility. It also focuses on his "Becoming St. Patrick" rather than the ministry of the man. Why can't authors take us all the way? Why stop BEFORE the part where they become famous/relevant?
I also hated the way it views the Celts, especially the Gaels/Scots. The Gaels are totally evil and barbaric except when they convert to Christianity, or are at least open to it. Everyone else is too. If only everyone would just convert to to this folk religion from Israel turned global imperial power, then the world would have peace. *eyes roll out of head* I tolerated it to a degree because of course this was his life and premise of the story, an atheist becoming a Christian who preaches to pagans and converts the island. But that would be another point, I didn't get as much of a feel of Ireland as I would've liked. It wasn't helped by his Christianity feeling more Protestant than Catholic. But it wasn't that bad, you just have to suck in your breath the same way you do around certain Protestant friends/family who are nice and enjoyable, but religious in your face, rubbing your face in it because bold servants of Christ. Tough it out, it's worth it for people interested in the related subjects.
Quotes:
"Across the sea will come Adze-head, crazed in the head,
his cloak with hole for the head, his stick bent in the head.
He will chant impieties from a table in the front of his house;
all his people will answer: 'so be it, so be it.'"
"For what purpose... the miles and the years... the quest and the question... for what purpose?"
"The druids do say, Lord Padraic, that the roads have been laid for us... long before we are born... and that, somehow, the future of all Mankind is written in its past."
"'Look, Lord Padraic, the sun is rising quickly now.' He had turned to face it. I closed my eyes. I did not have to look toward it to see it. It was rising within me, as it has risen within men fo faith since the beginning of the world; vast beyond the dimensions of Man's imaginings, a beacon of Light raised against the Darkness of infinity. The heat of it seemed to be reaching across Time to touch me, to encompass me, to bathe me in its essence. It was Life and I stood beneath it. It was Life and it burned within me."
I also hated the way it views the Celts, especially the Gaels/Scots. The Gaels are totally evil and barbaric except when they convert to Christianity, or are at least open to it. Everyone else is too. If only everyone would just convert to to this folk religion from Israel turned global imperial power, then the world would have peace. *eyes roll out of head* I tolerated it to a degree because of course this was his life and premise of the story, an atheist becoming a Christian who preaches to pagans and converts the island. But that would be another point, I didn't get as much of a feel of Ireland as I would've liked. It wasn't helped by his Christianity feeling more Protestant than Catholic. But it wasn't that bad, you just have to suck in your breath the same way you do around certain Protestant friends/family who are nice and enjoyable, but religious in your face, rubbing your face in it because bold servants of Christ. Tough it out, it's worth it for people interested in the related subjects.
Quotes:
"Across the sea will come Adze-head, crazed in the head,
his cloak with hole for the head, his stick bent in the head.
He will chant impieties from a table in the front of his house;
all his people will answer: 'so be it, so be it.'"
"For what purpose... the miles and the years... the quest and the question... for what purpose?"
"The druids do say, Lord Padraic, that the roads have been laid for us... long before we are born... and that, somehow, the future of all Mankind is written in its past."
"'Look, Lord Padraic, the sun is rising quickly now.' He had turned to face it. I closed my eyes. I did not have to look toward it to see it. It was rising within me, as it has risen within men fo faith since the beginning of the world; vast beyond the dimensions of Man's imaginings, a beacon of Light raised against the Darkness of infinity. The heat of it seemed to be reaching across Time to touch me, to encompass me, to bathe me in its essence. It was Life and I stood beneath it. It was Life and it burned within me."
September 17, 2018
Fact of fiction
I was very interested in the author's note at the end of the novel. As with all historical fiction, it is valuable to be able to separate the fact from the fiction. All in all it was a good read.
I was very interested in the author's note at the end of the novel. As with all historical fiction, it is valuable to be able to separate the fact from the fiction. All in all it was a good read.
June 8, 2017
Soul-searching novel of St. Patrick
I enjoyed this book; it kept my interest from the start as I wanted to see which path Patrick would take. Even though I knew the answer, I wanted to know how he arrives at his answer. The writing caused me to look inward at my own spiritual quest. And, unlike many Kindle books, this one was not riddled with typos (although there were a few). Like other historical novels, this book pushed me to look up more about St. Patrick.
I enjoyed this book; it kept my interest from the start as I wanted to see which path Patrick would take. Even though I knew the answer, I wanted to know how he arrives at his answer. The writing caused me to look inward at my own spiritual quest. And, unlike many Kindle books, this one was not riddled with typos (although there were a few). Like other historical novels, this book pushed me to look up more about St. Patrick.
February 12, 2016
Hamilton's tale of St. Patrick's coming of age is a well-written historical novel. As a fan of anything Irish, it was an obvious choice to preview. Although a captivating tale, it was a little sloggish from the start, but with this I also add that I am biased towards stronger character novels and less inspirational ones. Joan Lesley Hamilton's The Lion and the Cross will certainly appeal to vast majority of historical and inspirational novel readers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews