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175th out of 641 books
—
344 voters
Shannon
by
Frank Delaney (Goodreads Author)
In the summer of 1922, Robert Shannon, a Marine chaplain and a young American hero of the Great War, lands in Ireland. He still suffers from shell shock, and his mentor hopes that a journey Robert had always wanted to make—to find his family roots along the banks of the River Shannon—will restore his equilibrium and his vocation. But there is more to the story: On his retu...more
Hardcover, 384 pages
Published
February 10th 2009
by Random House
(first published 2009)
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I can't get through his books in one or two sittings because the content is rich and full of history. He must love his native Ireland very much because he takes the reader on a journey around the island similar to that in his other book Ireland. It makes it very hard for me to know where to start should I ever make at trip there! However the journey in this book is very different because it shows the effect of war on soldiers and the people. It is outside the usual for me to read because of this...more
Frank Delaney has proven to be a very consistent author. While not perfect, Shannon proved to be just as satisfying as his other recent works, filled with rich details about his home country and the quirks of its people.
Like with his previous books, Ireland and Tipperary, Delaney crafts a complex and realistic character, and almost uses him as an excuse to explore the natural beauty, history, mythology, and politics of Ireland; the country itself tends to serve as the protagonist in Delaney's wo...more
Like with his previous books, Ireland and Tipperary, Delaney crafts a complex and realistic character, and almost uses him as an excuse to explore the natural beauty, history, mythology, and politics of Ireland; the country itself tends to serve as the protagonist in Delaney's wo...more
Robert Shannon, a Catholic priest has traveled to Ireland in search of his family roots. All he knows about his family is that his family's name came from the famous Shannon River. Robert is suffering from shell shock and it is hoped that this journey will help in his recovery.
As Robert journeys through Ireland, he meets all types of people. They help him heal as they kindly take him in and feed him, but he helps them in return. He meets a man named Francis who has lost his wife--an army nurse--...more
As Robert journeys through Ireland, he meets all types of people. They help him heal as they kindly take him in and feed him, but he helps them in return. He meets a man named Francis who has lost his wife--an army nurse--...more
I like books about Ireland and lately I've read a lot set around World War I and II, and about PSTD, or shell shock as it was known in the time of this story. So this was a natural for me.
Catholic priest, Robert Shannon, was a chaplain in World War I and the horrors he witnessed daily in the battle of Belleau Wood left him with shell shock so severe he was near catatonic. Shannon had always been curious about the Shannon name and any connection to the River Shannon. After a partial recovery, his...more
Catholic priest, Robert Shannon, was a chaplain in World War I and the horrors he witnessed daily in the battle of Belleau Wood left him with shell shock so severe he was near catatonic. Shannon had always been curious about the Shannon name and any connection to the River Shannon. After a partial recovery, his...more
I hated to finish this, last of the Frank Delaney novels, that I have so much enjoyed. I have learned so much history through his books placed in Ireland during the early 1900's. This one is the touching, tender story of a young priest who suffered "shell shock" during the horrific battle of Belleau Wood in France during WW I. He is sent to Ireland from Boston to "recover" while on a journey to discover his family roots. His last name is Shannon, so he naturally is attracted to the Shannon River...more
This book really surprised me. I expected it to be pleasant; I did not expect it to fascinate me. But fascinate me it did. Delaney takes his time with the story, and the layers of it reveal themselves slowly and enchantingly as Robert makes his way up the Shannon River, meeting a host of characters who are at once simple and complex. Some serious territory is covered here--the first world war, civil war, shell shock, murder, discord in the Catholic church--but none of it is sensationalist and no...more
This was an accidental read, so I didn't start out with any expectations, except it seemed to be about Ireland from the cover :). I didn't particularly enjoy reading it - there were a few wonderful scenes with local characters telling stories that I enjoyed, and some satisfying traveling and physical exertion descriptions. But the book was about a man during a recovery from PTSD, and the trouble was that as a reader, as the book wore on were exposed to descriptions of horrible graphic violence a...more
I enjoyed reading the first 3/4 of this book. Then it took a sharp downhill turn for me.
*Spoiler Alert* This is the story of Robert Shannon, a young Catholic priest who serves as chaplain to the troops in WWI. He suffers from "shell shock" and returns home a changed man. Hoping that it will help him recover, he makes a journey across Ireland in search of his ancestry. He travels along the Shannon river, which shares his name. Corruption in the Catholic church is also a sub-plot. Along his journe...more
*Spoiler Alert* This is the story of Robert Shannon, a young Catholic priest who serves as chaplain to the troops in WWI. He suffers from "shell shock" and returns home a changed man. Hoping that it will help him recover, he makes a journey across Ireland in search of his ancestry. He travels along the Shannon river, which shares his name. Corruption in the Catholic church is also a sub-plot. Along his journe...more
This was my first novel by Frank Delaney and I was quite impressed. He took a highly regrettable situation and made it human and enlightening. The story of a man that is recovering from shellshock after WW II by tracing his ancestors along the Shannon River in Ireland. The authors heritage shines through with the characteristics of the Irish people, landscape and legends. And that the author himself does the reading allows the listener to know and feel what was intended for that particular scene...more
This is about a young WWI chaplain who has left the war with post traumatic stress disorder. His superior wants him healed and sends him on a soul searching adventure along the shores of the river Shannon in Ireland. Unbeknownst to the superior he sent the chaplain into danger as Ireland is heading into civil war. On his journey the chaplain finds a nurse from his time during the war and together they work to heal the chaplain. Their is also a side story of the corruption of the Archdiocese of B...more
A very enjoyable book, set in 1922, as a young priest, suffering from shell shock in WWI, decides to trace his family history in Ireland. Some parts seem quite far-fetched, particularly that supporters of his Boston cardinal put out a contract to execute Father Shannon to ensure no rumors are spread by the young man, whome we learn heard the cardinal's confession. It was never clear if the cardinal was a homosexual or a pedophile. I think the former. Father Shannon is taken in by a variety of st...more
It's 1922, and Ireland is at the beginning of a civil war. A young American priest, Father Robert Shannon, suffering from shell shock after his time in the Marines at the Battle of Belleau Wood in WWI, travels along the Shannon River in Ireland, seeking to find his roots and to regain his soul. As the colorful and kind people of the Shannon region embrace him and help him heal, the Church seeks to silence him regarding his knowledge of the dealings of high-powered Church officials.
Part travelogu...more
Part travelogu...more
This was such a marvelous book. Your basic "quest" plot set in Ireland in 1922. A young catholic priest, with a bad case of PTSD, stemming from his time as a chaplain with the Marines in the battle of Belleauwood, which was horrific. (I spent an interesting morning learning about this epic battle) In order to aid his recovery, he goes to trace his family name along the River Shannon, meeting a number of interesting people. He also is pursued by some interesting people. Beautiful imagery, stories...more
I really loved this book. Like all of the books that Frank Delaney writes, he will beat you up, take your lunch money and make you happy he did so. This was a fine example of that. He invests your interest in Heroes and Villians and then procedes in fine style to put you through the wringer, as any good storytell does. This book had me on the edge of my seat and I had a hard time putting it down to do things like Sleep and work ect.
I love Delaney's work, I own all of his work in Hardback, and wr...more
I love Delaney's work, I own all of his work in Hardback, and wr...more
If this book had been "Rambles of a Shell-Shocked American Priest Along the Banks of the River Shannon, Attempting to Recover Whilst Searching for his Family's Roots (Not to Mention Running into an Occasion Bit of Bother, as the Troubles Are Just Kicking into Gear)", I would have liked it just fine.
But there are two who have followed him from Boston, one for good, the other for evil, and the final stand-off between the four main characters is nicely done. The ending though, IMHO, as a cheat. Hm...more
But there are two who have followed him from Boston, one for good, the other for evil, and the final stand-off between the four main characters is nicely done. The ending though, IMHO, as a cheat. Hm...more
Given how much I love anything at all to do with Ireland, it’s a mystery why I’ve never read any of Frank Delaney’s novels before. (And this one was even more of treat because I listened to the audio version which was narrated by the author.) Most of the action takes place in the summer of 1922 along the banks of the river Shannon. Robert Shannon, a Catholic priest and former Marine chaplain who is suffering the effects of severe shell shock, has gone to Ireland to search for his family’s roots....more
Frank Delaney's writing--from what experience I have with it--is always very engaging and has a relaxed, storyteller, feel that I find very nice. The opening to this book I felt was very well done and I liked the conclusion as well. The bulk of the story is following an American priest and former U.S. Marines Chaplain recently returned from World War I and trying to overcome severe shell-shock by tracing his family roots along the Shannon River in Ireland. The story felt like a journey and had m...more
Okay. Better to 'fess up' before someone feels the need to point it out. This book is dedicated to me. And that's a pretty neat thing. Shannon is also - quite on it's own -- a heck of a book.
A clear-eyed look at post traumatic stress disorder - or what we used to call Shell Shock. Frank has had countless letters from military and psychiatrists alike, commending him on the perfect balance of numbness and cognizance. The perfect concept of what it is to be trapped with your memories -- and the fe...more
A clear-eyed look at post traumatic stress disorder - or what we used to call Shell Shock. Frank has had countless letters from military and psychiatrists alike, commending him on the perfect balance of numbness and cognizance. The perfect concept of what it is to be trapped with your memories -- and the fe...more
I really liked this novel about a shell-shocked young priest returning to Ireland to find his roots. There were some tense points, and some morally questionable moments, but all in all I enjoyed it. It combines beautiful descriptions of the countryside of Ireland, wonderful characterizations of the local people, and the great main character that you can't help but root for. Also, it was an interesting look at the hierarchy of the Catholic church, at least from the perspective of the author.
Another wonderful story by Frank Delaney about his beloved Ireland. This story is set in the aftermath of the first world war, and exploring the affects of "Shell Shock" on the souls of those who suffered for this, then, mysterious condition. The American war hero chaplain Father Robert Shannon comes to Ireland to find his family roots in his home land, and more importantly, his calling.
As is so characteristic of Delaney books, it is a journey story that enables him to tell many stories about I...more
As is so characteristic of Delaney books, it is a journey story that enables him to tell many stories about I...more
WOW! I rarely rate a book 5 stars but this is it. This story is dramatic, heartwarming, tense, charming and elucidating. Robert Shannon journeys to Ireland a troubled man. The descriptions of his journey draws anyone but especially one with Irish roots to its shores. Not a bad geography of the island, especially the significant of the Shannon River that runs nearly through it. So engaging I do even remember turning the pages; I did not want it to be over, I wanted his journey to continue but Del...more
Shannon: A Novel
Frank Delaney
Random House
2009
Shannon is an epic novel of hope and recovery set in post WWI Boston and Ireland.
Father Robert Shannon is suffering from Shell Shock (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) after serving as a cleric during the battle of Belleau Wood. In order to aid his recovery, he is walking the length of the Shannon river to discover his families roots and to heal his soul.
Unbeknown to him, there are those who do not wish him to recover and will do anything to prevent it....more
Frank Delaney
Random House
2009
Shannon is an epic novel of hope and recovery set in post WWI Boston and Ireland.
Father Robert Shannon is suffering from Shell Shock (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) after serving as a cleric during the battle of Belleau Wood. In order to aid his recovery, he is walking the length of the Shannon river to discover his families roots and to heal his soul.
Unbeknown to him, there are those who do not wish him to recover and will do anything to prevent it....more
Extremely well read, the WWI descriptions of Belleau Wood are horrifying and an excellent way to introduce PTSD explained by experience. Robert Shannon, the priest/chaplain is fascinating but the Marines didn't have chaplains attached to units; he should have been a Navy Captain, yes? The characters are strong, although Ellie is not quite real. Lots of insight to Irish "local color" and exposure to the Irish civil war. I want Ellie's house and her dog.
Find your soul and you'll live. Lose your soul and you'll die.
A beautifully descriptive book of post WWI Ireland and one Catholic Priest-Robert Shannon's quest to find himself after suffering from shell shock while serving as a Chaplin for the US Marines in France. Visiting the home of his ancestors in beautiful Ireland following the river that bears his name, Robert Shannon must learn how to find his soul and live or lose his soul and die.
A beautifully descriptive book of post WWI Ireland and one Catholic Priest-Robert Shannon's quest to find himself after suffering from shell shock while serving as a Chaplin for the US Marines in France. Visiting the home of his ancestors in beautiful Ireland following the river that bears his name, Robert Shannon must learn how to find his soul and live or lose his soul and die.
This is a beautifully written story of a shell shocked American priest travelling through post WWI Ireland to trace his family roots and also as an exercise to help him recover. Much of the book is essentially a travelogue, describing the places and the people he meets along the way. The real story begins to unfold about halfway through, when we learn of the danger that follows Robert. I enjoyed the book very much and liked the characterizations and the story, even though the ending felt a bit f...more
The spirit of the Irish bard lives on in Frank Delaney. In his novels, Ireland and Tipperary he began a tradition he continues in the novel Shannon. Deftly he intertwines his story of a young priest broken by WWI and the corruption of the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston in the early 1920's with the legends of Ireland from long ago and Irish history of not quite so long ago. As in his previous works the story is excellent, the tales of Ireland fascinating and the language lyrical.
Set in Ireland in 1922, a Catholic priest tries to trace his family name after being shell shocked in the war in France. Delaneys writing is so vivid about the countryside of Ireland and the people he introduces along the way, you want to get on the next plane to see it yourself. The story goes back and forth to Boston where the priest is originally from and to the Vatican, where some secrets are being kept that unfold at the end.
There is so much densily packed in Delaney's novels. Shannon is a a course in Irish geography, history, folways and wittism. The use of trekking as a restorative power is highlighted in the book. So too are the challenges of shell shock from war ( WWI). It is also a story of love and friendship. It restores tmy faith in the common man too. I highly recommend the story.
Bit slow to get into but well worth the effort. I love his explanation of Irish conversations, they are quite accurate and funny to me as I had forgotten many sayings and communicating a completely different message than the actual words used. As always made me homesick and missing those who have passed on but the beauty was in the gift of knowing them in the first place.
Well done Mr Delaney and thank you, another book to keep and fill out my expanding bookshelves. ( not an ebook fan!!)
Well done Mr Delaney and thank you, another book to keep and fill out my expanding bookshelves. ( not an ebook fan!!)
Irish history, folklore, cuisine, expressions, kindness, hospitality, beauty - just lush with all this, but there's also a compelling story - war, PTSD, child abuse, a killer-for-hire, a Cardinal with secrets, an ambitious archbiship, a wonderfully compassionate nurse, and a protagonist you want to root for all the way. I can hardly wait to read other books by this author.
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| Review | 2 | 24 | Aug 03, 2009 09:21pm |
'The Most Eloquent Man in the World', says NPR, about the writer, broadcaster, BBC host and Booker Prize Judge, Frank Delaney. Over a career that has lasted more than three decades, Delaney, an international-best-selling author himself, has interviewed more than 3,500 of the world's most important writers.
Frank Delaney has earned top prizes and best-seller status in a wide variety of formats, from...more
More about Frank Delaney...
Frank Delaney has earned top prizes and best-seller status in a wide variety of formats, from...more
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“Find your soul and you'll live. Lose your soul and you'll die.”
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“The human face does not always reflect the beauty that may repose in the soul.”
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