The Rag Tree: A novel of Ireland

by D.P. Costello

D.P. Costello’s spellbinding novel, The Rag Tree, breathes dark, vivid life into Ireland’s passionate legends. Crisp and sharp-witted, Costello’s tale probes a modern Ireland torn between letting go of time-honored dreams and embracing the promises of a prosperous New Ireland. Even as they struggle against one another, the Irish Special Branch, the British Army, Scotland Yard, and the I.R.A. find themselves forced to ally against a common The Rag Man. Mattie Joe Treacy is the Rag Man. Engrossed in a desperate quest to find his missing father, Mattie Joe is cursed—by the playboy’s life of drink and carousing, by his family’s staunch adherence to Ireland’s old folk ways, and by a family curse hurled at his clan generations ago. The Curse of the O’Neills, invoked by an angry cleric against Mattie Joe’s great-grandfather, declares that, “the eldest son will not survive the father.” No Treacy son has since outlived his father, and Mattie Joe is next in line to die. Or is he?

Genres: Ireland, Historical Fiction, Fiction

392 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2009

Reviews

[Jen Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look into Northern Ireland culture and conflict. A bit confusing at times, but mainly due to my lack of knowledge of Irish terminology.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, but I wonder what a reader with absolutely no knowledge of Irish history would think of it. Quite a whodunnit. Never would have guessed!

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had put this book on the long finger for a long time , but am glad I finally got to read this book , it is a hidden gem.I loved the mix of old Irish folklore and the hopes of a peaceful Ireland , North and South..
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves the Irish culture.

[Peter Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rag Tree is a book I've been interested in reading for some time. Part mystery and part fantasy, some parts remind me of Neil Gaiman. A mix of the far past, the near past and the present. A rag tree is usually a tree near a holy well and the custom is to tie a piece of cloth to a branch and make a wish. If the wish is thought worthy, when the rag rots and falls away from the tree the wish is granted. I recommend this book to anyone who can find a copy. It has a love of the past and the love of a hopeful future.

[Gary Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I too found it hard to follow at times, but I think it was well worth the work. It is a complex subject, especially when an author tries to cover such a historical and religious trouble without bias and then to layer modern developments into the mix. A story this large needed numerous characters and several plot lines.
I think Costello did a marvelous job and I would recommend it to anyone interested in what is happening in Ireland today.

[Dick Whittington · Rating 1 out of 5]

What I could follow of the story seemed decent enough...but I found it impossible to follow and keep up...and I was so tired of having to go back, reread and try to understand that I finally gave up with about 100 pages to go. My Son-In-Law read and recommended this book...so there is obviously merit...but not for me.

[Lauraileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stellar book about the Irish and "the troubles", intertwining myth, legend, mystery, and reality. Rag Tree refers to generally a Hawthorn tree on which people tie pieces of cloth from someone with a problem or illness. They believe that the problem or illness will disappear as the rag rots away.

[Ellen Wersan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was hard to follow and I had trouble keeping interested. That being said, it was an interesting way to learn about Irish culture and history. Some of the characters were very interesting, others weren't very well developed and I had to keep going back to remember who they were.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is the younger brother of my childhood friend. Our library system just added this title to the collection.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story well told. Mystical traditions, the Church, and the IRA - the recent history of Ireland - along with well developed characters. One of my favorite books.

[Sheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confusing but interesting when I could understand it.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, moving story with a touch of fantasy. Recommended.

[Dan · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was $.99 on Kindle.
You get what you pay for...