The Scent of the Roses

by Mary O'Hara

The popular Irish folksinger recounts her childhood, the death of her husband, the twelve years she spent in a monastery, and the current revival of her career

Hardcover

First published September 22, 1980

About the author

Mary O'Hara is an Irish soprano and harpist from County Sligo.

Reviews

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting memoir of an incredibly important figure in Irish music that traces most of her life but focuses on her marriage to Richard Selig, and his extremely tragic death. Bit bleak as a result, but funny and lovely in spots too. On the second to last page she says, "In interviews I'm sometimes asked about my ambition in life. I haven't any, really." Extremely relatable.

[Katharine Von Schubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly moving biography that I have just re-read aged 52 but was given it as a present for my Confirmation aged 12. I experience her writing style and her personality as a breath of fresh air, like her singing, and she narrates her story very poignantly and full of grace. I am so glad I have re-discovered the book.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this book while clearing out my parents' house. I sat down and read the first few pages and decided to give it a go. I'm glad I did. I saw Mary O'Hara in concert in 1961. I'll never forget the harp and her stage costume. Or her beautiful voice.

[Rosanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very beautiful book. Mary O’Hara describes a few of the mundane life events that typically go into an autobiography, but the heart of her story is the unique relationship she had with Richard Selig and the tragedy that befell them. I thought I would be most interested in this book because she was a famous harpist, but ultimately it is more of a tribute to her husband. He did not have time in his short life to reach his potential as a writer or poet, but how wonderful it is that her book has memorialized him so beautifully when he could not achieve this for himself. Her decision to enter the convent because of her lost interest in all worldly affairs after Selig’s death is devastating to read about, but I come away from this book greatly admiring the author and wishing I could have as contemplative an approach to the tribulations of life as she did. I immediately had to listen to the song “Farewell But Whenever” that she recorded around the time of his death and which she discusses in the book. It is a singularly moving performance and I will certainly look up more of her recordings in the future.

[Lucy Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book written by the Irish harpist and singer Mary O'Hara. It describes her Irish upbringing, her love of music, her first meeting with her future husband, his premature death, which stunned her so much she signed up as a nun, where she remained for many years. However, her calling as a singer led her out of the convent,although her strong faith never left her. A wonderful story of a life well-lived.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring autobiography of Irish singer Mary O'Hara--her successful music career, her marriage to the brilliant young American poet, Richard Selig, his tragic death within fifteen months of their union, her entrance into a monastic order, her return to the outside world after twelve years of silence and prayer, bringing gifts of song and spirit to share.

[Bridget Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story of Mary O'Hara, her career, her husband, and her faith. Her writing shines with love for God and for her friends. Even if you are not familiar with O'Hara, her book is well worth a read.