There is nothing I like better than settling down with a good book. You know, the kind that not only has a great plot, but likable characters and good prose; one that will sweep you away to far off lands or time gone by. If you like this type of book then I highly suggest you read Frank Delaney’s The Last Storyteller.
The book is the last of his Irish historical fiction and in my mind the best. Delaney interweaves Irish mythology into a story set in the turbulent 1950’s Ireland. He goes back and forth, as all good storytellers do, taking his readers with him.
The book jacket suggests the book is about Ben, a collector of stories who finds himself caught up with rebellious gunrunners all the while trying to find his former wife and love his life the actress Venetia Kelly. If this name sounds familiar it is because she is the subject of Delaney’s previous book Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show. Yet the book is much more than this, it is a wonderful collection of mythology that Delaney says he either collected or made up himself. You cannot tell which is which.
How to describe Delaney’s use of prose? This always eludes me when I am trying to convince someone to read one of his books. He is an author who can, in a few short words, describe a scene that would take others paragraphs. One of my favorite quotes from the book is from Ben as he sits in an Irish pub, “Using no energy, I eavesdropped on the silence around me, punctuated by snatches of idle conversation”. This is the type of style Delaney is famous for and why I continue to read his work.
If you ever sat at the feet of a great storyteller and were awed by his ability to hook you in and keep you, then I highly recommend The Last storyteller.
So, dear Readers, now it is your chance to win a signed copy of this book (open to the US only at this time, sorry to my overseas friends). All you have to do is leave a comment letting me know you would like the book and how I may reach you if you win. The contest runs through the end of February.
Happy Reading!
The View From Sari's World 
I would LOVE to win a signed copy! I cannot wait to read this one!!! EEK, so excited!
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I’ve only read two Frank Delaney books, but I loved both of them and would love to have a signed copy of the new one. I’ve been waiting for it’s release!
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Oh my gosh! Would I like a book by the man who wrote “Ireland” ~ a magical story that carried me through a very trying time ~ and signed by himself, to boot? Not to mention what a wonderful way to celebrate my 60th! Oh, yes! Peg Bainbridge
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Oh, yes! I would love to have a signed copy of this book – what a treasure that would be!
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A signed copy of any book is priceless. I personally would treasure a napkin signed by Frank Delaney & buy the book! What a wonderful thing to be gifted & to pass down to one of my wonderful grandchildren…maybe the beautiful redhead with the porcelain. Complexion of her Irish ancestry or my daughter ~ named Erin Kathleen…yes groveling to win, but no blarney!
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Thanks ladies for stopping by! I meant to say hi yesterday but I must have seen a shiny object.
You all have great reasons for wanting the book. I wish I had enough for everyone. You all left such great comments I am upping the odds for you; I i will give away two signed copies. Wish I had more to give.
Good luck and again, thanks for stopping by.
Sari
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Thank YOU! I was just reading Mr. Delaney’s page & thinking to myself, if I get to NY this year, I MUST get to Occupy Ulysses! (and a Yankee Game 😉
I’ll be stopping by again, even if I don’t win!
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