Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show: A Novel of Ireland

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Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show: A Novel of Ireland

by Frank Delaney (Goodreads Author)

3.66 of 5 stars 3.66 · rating details · 366 ratings · 121 reviews

“She sprang from the womb and waved to the crowd. Then smiled and took a bow.” And so we first meet Venetia Kelly, the beguiling actress at the center of this new, spellbinding, and epic novel by Frank Delaney, the bestselling author ofIreland and Shannon.

January 1932: While Ireland roils in the run-up to the most important national election in the Republic’s short history...more

Hardcover, 448 pages

Published February 23rd 2010 by Random House (first published February 17th 2010)

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Apr 19, 2010 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

From my blog...[return]Imagine yourself settling in with your favourite beverage and listening to a longtime acquaintance recalling a pivotal tale from his past. Such is the manner Frank Delaney tells the story of Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show. The narrator tells the tale of an 18-year-old boy in the rather turbulent times in Ireland in 1932-33, yet the tale is not told straight from the 18-year-old, but rather from a much older man telling the tale of his youth. In a masterful way, Delaney com...more

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Aug 07, 2011 Todd added it

An intriguing work. It starts in an intriguing way, as if we are following the narrator as he makes a final shuffle of his notes. Characters are introduced in a seemingly haphazard way, but it also has a continuity that keeps the reader going. In these early chapters I wondered if this would be a book I would recommend to friends. I have finished and am still wondering. I am happy to have read it, but there were moments when I did not enjoy it. They were always brief and the story quickly righte...more

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Jun 29, 2010 Literary Feline rated it 5 of 5 stars

A young man on the cusp of adulthood has lead a relatively good life up until that point. His father is a well-respected farmer and seems happily married to his mother. Everything changes, however, when he attends a traveling show performance with his father one evening. His father refuses to return home, emphatic that he is joining the show. The elder MacCarthy is smitten with the show's lead act, Venetia Kelly, an interest that had begun two years before, unbeknownst to the son. Ben MacCarthy...more A young man on the cusp of adulthood has lead a relatively good life up until that point. His father is a well-respected farmer and seems happily married to his mother. Everything changes, however, when he attends a traveling show performance with his father one evening. His father refuses to return home, emphatic that he is joining the show. The elder MacCarthy is smitten with the show's lead act, Venetia Kelly, an interest that had begun two years before, unbeknownst to the son. Ben MacCarthy is forced to grow up very quickly after that. Tasked by his mother to go after and bring home his father, Ben must give up his own dreams of college. The year is 1932 and the story takes place in Ireland, a beautiful and yet tense backdrop. Political tensions are high with the upcoming election and subsequent battle for power. What follows is a story full of intrigue, drama, comedy and family loyalty and strength. It is also rich in history with a dash of Irish lore. I laughed. I cried. I held my breath in anticipation of and fear. What sounds like a simple story is far from it. Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show is quite complex, with many layers.

What I found most exquisite in this novel was Frank Delaney's writing. Narrated by an older Ben MacCarthy as he attempts to document the events that took place during the early 1930's. He begins by setting up the characters, introducing them and sharing a little of their background. It was almost too much, but just when I was growing tired and wondering if the book would go on like that forever, Ben's narrative moved into the story and the events that changed his life forever.

I really came to care for the characters. Ben, in his innocence and naivety, was charming and thoughtful. He does what he has to do with the confidence of the young, yet he is still unsure and scared at times. His parents seemed like good people, hardworking and persevering. There were moments I was less than sympathetic with his father, quite a few, actually, but I could see why Ben held him in such high regard. I really felt for Ben's mother. She lost so much in all of this. The Kelly family remains difficult for me to describe. King Kelly, Venetia's grandfather, is a cold man, charming in his own way, but clearly used to using people to reach his own ends. Sarah King, Venetia's mother, and Venetia herself were held at a distance for the first half or so of the book--untouchable almost--but not without reason. The author dazzled the reader with their beauty and skill, both on stage and off. Both were actresses, you see. It is only as time goes on and Ben reveals more that we are given a deeper view of the two women. Venetia, eccentric as she is, never really loses her luster.

The side characters are just as intriguing. From Mrs. Hass, the King's housekeeper, to my favorites, Miss Fay and James Clare, a smart and supportive pair who offer their help to Ben along the way. James Clare was an especially interesting character; his occupation involved traveling around Ireland collecting and telling stories. He knew just the spin to put on a story. The most ordinary of circumstances seemed like an adventure when he was through weaving his own tale.

The political undercurrent that runs through the novel plays a significant part in the novel. Just as the MacCarthy family is facing serious upheaval of their own, so seems to be the government. Violence threatens to erupt from under the surface and Ben unwittingly finds himself at the forefront of it all.

As I read Frank Delaney's novel, I couldn't help but be entranced. The art of storytelling is in high gear in the novel, both as a theme running through the novel and the way the book was written. I would love to hear this novel narrated--I imagine it would be just as wonderful in the right narrator's voice. This book is definitely one I will be keeping around. I can see myself returning to it again and again, each time getting something new out of it.
(less)

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Jun 02, 2010 Sandra Olshaski rated it 3 of 5 stars

Sunday, May 23, 2010
Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show by Frank Delaney (Rated: C)
Random House
ISBN 978-1-4000-6783-1
Published 2010
Hardcover 427 pages
The opening words of this novel captured my attention. As the novel progressed, however, I was disappointed because I expected a serious novel but seemed to be confronted with a comedy, for example: the writer’s references to “Tiny Digressions, Important Digressions, Relatively Important Digressions , and Unimportant Digressions”. Initially, I was put o...more Sunday, May 23, 2010
Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show by Frank Delaney (Rated: C)
Random House
ISBN 978-1-4000-6783-1
Published 2010
Hardcover 427 pages
The opening words of this novel captured my attention. As the novel progressed, however, I was disappointed because I expected a serious novel but seemed to be confronted with a comedy, for example: the writer’s references to “Tiny Digressions, Important Digressions, Relatively Important Digressions , and Unimportant Digressions”. Initially, I was put off, but I was determined to continue reading to see what the novelist had to say. Happily, the reward was a tale well told.
The writer describes Venetia so well that she comes alive in our mind’s eye. It is easy for the reader to see how she captivated both a man of mature years and a boy of 18. Venetia was 32 and Ben 18, yet they seemed to fit together. We understand that Venetia is vulnerable and we wonder why, when she seems to have “everything” going for her - beauty, allure, talent, money. Venetia’s use of a ventriloquist’s dummy named Blarney was intriguing and revealed her inability to speak her thoughts directly to Ben. Early on in the narrative, through Blarney, we hear Venetia’s true feelings about her grandfather, Thomas Aquinas Kelly (often referred to as “King” Kelly) and later on about her love for Ben. Blarney helps the reader to “know” that “King” Kelly is not a good man and we feel the novel building to reveal his sins.
The novel came to life for me in chapter 65 and continued to the end at a relentless pace. The reader understands that the novel may not end on a happy note. There is a hint of incest when Kelly learns of the marriage of Ben and Venetia. We wonder if “King” Kelly is Venetia’s father but nothing more is said on the subject so the reader may conclude that she is his granddaughter, but who is her father? And why does “King” Kelly have such a hold on his daughter , Sarah, and his granddaughter, Venetia?
I was completely surprised with the ending – a true bitter/sweet ending because we realize, as events unfold, that Ben and Venetia had a special, loving relationship that will affect both of them throughout their lives.
From a historical viewpoint much can be learned about the Irish political situation in the 30’s in this book. The last few pages of the novel reveal the reason why many of the Irish writers frame their stories within the typical bitter/sweet Irish story - never wholly joyful nor wholly sad but always a combination of the two in various degrees.
Frank Delaney has won me over. I now want to read his other books.
(less)

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Mar 19, 2010 Mary Verdick rated it 4 of 5 stars

Delightful and Poignant, March 19, 2010
It's 1932 in Ireland and the whole country is in turmoil on the cusp of electing a new government. This is also the year l8-year-old Ben MacCarthy and his father, attend a variety show put on by a vagabond company touring rural Ireland. The star of the show, Venetia Kelly, is unbelievably beautiful and alluring, and Ben's father, up until then a stable, respected farmer and family man, is so smitten by the gorgeous Venetia he leaves his wife to follow the s...more

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Mar 19, 2010 C rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: disliked

Any book lover knows there are some books that find you at the right time in your life -- a book that couldn't have impacted you more at any other time. But there are also books that are the worst you could read at a particular moment in your life. Books affect readers differently depending on what is going on in the reader's life and what is happening in the book. 'Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show' was one of the worst books I could have read right now. I struggled with this one.

Wandering arou...more Any book lover knows there are some books that find you at the right time in your life -- a book that couldn't have impacted you more at any other time. But there are also books that are the worst you could read at a particular moment in your life. Books affect readers differently depending on what is going on in the reader's life and what is happening in the book. 'Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show' was one of the worst books I could have read right now. I struggled with this one.

Wandering around Ireland in 1932, we follow young Ben's search for his father. He disappeared with a traveling show --captivated by Venetia Kelly, an actress, despite having a wife and son he loves dearly back home. Ben is an innocent naive farmer's son, that has to change everything he is to fight for what is right, even if that fight takes everything else away from him. Ben and his family are wonderful sweet people. I didn't like seeing another horrible, malicious, manipulative, vindictive family using that against Ben's family. There is never a pleasant phase in this book -- from page one starts the job of unraveling what went wrong. I didn't understand the characters actions. Ben's dad is more thoughtful to his wife (showing his care in tiny ways all the time) than maybe 95% of the world's population could ever be, and yet he is so quick to break her heart. Another character reacts one way to keep a secret, but then they backpedal and do something else that is the equivalent of shouting that secret from the rooftops.

I would have liked to see a map of Ireland with all of the places Ben visits labeled within the front cover, since he is constantly traveling. I'm surprised that Ireland wasn't more of a character itself. It takes a while to introduce the characters before the meat of the story begins. With Ben as the narrator, he says "I'm prone to digressions" and "forgive me if I sometimes come across as jumpy" and "forgive me if I've taken too long to introduce [the characters:]". I don't feel these were Ben's apologies. I feel they are the writer's... and as Delaney is a former judge for the Booker Fiction Prize, I find that surprising. I would have liked to see some of the interesting bits mentioned passively, written about more: On Ben's travels, he "rides in a hearse" but that is all that is said on the subject. Why even mention it at all? Somehow I think I ride in a hearse could have added some much needed comic relief to this novel.

There is a sort of distance to the story (which is only beneficial if you are constantly suspicious of these characters and would rather not get close to the story.) If I had been aware that from page one I would be suspicious of every character, wondering what their motives are to ruin the lives of other people, I wouldn't have chose to read this. I'm dealing with this kind of thing in my own life -- wondering what motives people have to ruin other lives. I read books to escape my own life, not to worry even more. I don't want to worry about characters the same way I worry about people in my own life. I was even suspicious of the characters that became the biggest victims. That isn't how I'd like to read a book. Not to say I only read books with lovely nice characters, but having a plot solely be about suspicious characters is too much. There isn't really a clear, cut and dried ending either. I don't like writing a bad review. I can only imagine the amount of work it takes to write a book. Who am I to say if it isn't good? Again, it is largely my current problems that are affecting my enjoyment of this and not mainly the fault of the book. Books effect everyone differently.

This book reminded me of 'Big Fish' by Daniel Wallace and 'I Capture the Castle' by Dodie Smith (if either book was filled with despicable characters I didn't want to read about, anyway.) Come on now, even a ventriloquist dummy is horrible: "Venetia Kelly, serene as the moon, sat and looked on, and Blarney [(the dummy):] ranted, his words driving spikes into the national spirit" (page 140). This book crushed my spirit as well.(less)

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Mar 18, 2010 Colleen rated it 5 of 5 stars

The book opens with the announcement of the birth of the title character Venetia Kelly, as told by the narrator, Ben McCarthy. It is clear from the first paragraph, if not from the novel's title, that Venetia Kelly will play a pivotal role in this story. It is almost as if she is ordained with mythical power even from birth. But rather than immediately dive into Venetia's story, Delaney carefully weaves a tapestry of characters which surround or are connected to Venetia in some way. At first, it...more The book opens with the announcement of the birth of the title character Venetia Kelly, as told by the narrator, Ben McCarthy. It is clear from the first paragraph, if not from the novel's title, that Venetia Kelly will play a pivotal role in this story. It is almost as if she is ordained with mythical power even from birth. But rather than immediately dive into Venetia's story, Delaney carefully weaves a tapestry of characters which surround or are connected to Venetia in some way. At first, it was difficult to see how all the threads were going to come together - the story moved from NYC to Ireland and between members of the Kelly and McCarthy families in the first 100 pages. But those 100 pages served their purpose - I found myself completely drawn into the story at that point. I knew the characters well and was driven to read on and see how the story would unfold and how they would influence each other's stories.

The use of Ben McCarthy as the narrator is an interesting device. Ben is telling this story as a man in his 50's reflecting on events that took place when he was an 18 year old on the verge of manhood. He acknowledges that here:

As you read, please know that I am a man of mature years telling the story of himself when young, so forgive me if at times I make the young me seem and sound older than eighteen.

By having the narrator speak so directly to the reader, Delaney makes the reader feel almost as if they are listening to a story being told by a friend as he reminisces about his childhood. The many "digressions" taken by narrator enhances the sense of the story being told to you - Ben speaks to the reader in the way you would imagine any good Irish storyteller would - by taking a circuitous route with lots of color thrown in for good measure. Interestingly enough, there is a link on Frank Delaney's website to lectures he has given on the tradition of Irish oral storytelling. That tradition is perpetuated in his narrator Ben McCarthy.

I truly enjoyed this expansive novel - it is rich and multi-layered and one of the few books I would choose to reread. There is so much woven into the novel - Irish political history, mythology and complex characters- that I feel it is a book that can be read on many levels and you may see different things upon reread. It has been a long time since I have been so absorbed in a novel; this is my first Delaney but most certainly will not be my last - I will definitely be going back to read his earlier novels!(less)

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Mar 17, 2010 Gail Cooke rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The voice. It's a most remarkable voice, magical, mesmerizing drawing one in. Through countless audiobooks never has a reader (in this case, of course, also the author) so captured me. I dislike cliches but this fellow could read a city census and there would be applause. Frank Delaney's voice is modulated, low, strong with merely a hint of the Irish. His words can tumble, spring forth to cast a spell or somberly intone. His narration is rich with understanding, and ripe with experience: I've be...more
The voice. It's a most remarkable voice, magical, mesmerizing drawing one in. Through countless audiobooks never has a reader (in this case, of course, also the author) so captured me. I dislike cliches but this fellow could read a city census and there would be applause. Frank Delaney's voice is modulated, low, strong with merely a hint of the Irish. His words can tumble, spring forth to cast a spell or somberly intone. His narration is rich with understanding, and ripe with experience: I've been there, I've seen it, I know it. How can a voice convey all of this? Listen to VENETIA KELLY'S TRAVELING SHOW.

To tell us of the momentous events that changed not only his life but that of his country, Ireland, Ben McCarthy remembers. Now an older man he looks back to the winter of 1932, a time of turmoil in his home and throughout the land. He lived with his father and mother, Harry and Louise, on a small farm. Harry is stolid, hard working, a family man. Ben sometimes worries that his parents work too hard, and "dug for gold on the farm so he could buy his parents gifts." Quite obviously he is a good youth, one who only wants to do what is right. Theirs is a quiet life with entertainment sometimes being a traveling circus.

Harry goes to Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show starring Venetia, a young, beautiful woman who we are told "... sprang from the womb and waved to the crowd. Then she smiled and took a bow. " It's a shock when always reliable Harry falls passionately, head-over-heels, crazy in love with Venetia and decides to follow the circus. Louise is distraught and sends Ben off with directions to "Find him and bring him back."

Thus begins Ben's odyssey, a journey studded with intrigue, larceny, murder and other heinous acts. In addition to unforgettable characters Delaney peoples his story with real people (Yeats) and, yes, a ventriloquist's dummy, Blarney, whose utterances are less than comedic. Woven throughout are references to myth. An ever astonishing author Delaney is difficult to capture - he's inventive, surprising, witty, erudite. But, why try to capture him? Simply listen and enjoy.

- Gail Cooke (less)

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Mar 14, 2010 Myckyee rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was offered Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show to review I was quite excited and felt I was in for a treat.

I found the story to be refreshingly different. Set amid the politics of Ireland in the early twentieth century, the plot revolves around Ben McCarthy and his quest to bring his errant father back home to the family farm. This character, Ben, is imbued with warmth, humour and strength – much more strength than that shown by either of his parents. Other characters, King Kelly and his daughter...more I was offered Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show to review I was quite excited and felt I was in for a treat.

I found the story to be refreshingly different. Set amid the politics of Ireland in the early twentieth century, the plot revolves around Ben McCarthy and his quest to bring his errant father back home to the family farm. This character, Ben, is imbued with warmth, humour and strength – much more strength than that shown by either of his parents. Other characters, King Kelly and his daughter and granddaughter, seem larger than life and I suppose, a book reminiscent of some of the world’s best-loved fables, are meant to be. I’d always thought people like that were a bit scary and this is confirmed by the slightly sinister feel of these people. I’ve known people like King Kelly – I’m related to one – so that character hits close to home.

This book is filled with contrasts: Ben, though just eighteen is loyal, persistent, steadfast and strong; his father, Harry is flighty, weak, unfaithful and easily swayed. His mother too is an eerie foil for the beautiful Venetia Kelly. Where one woman behaves ‘above it all’, the other lives in a world closer to earth.

The history and politics of Ireland also play a role in this novel. While the politicians, local and national, are battling it out for power, a ventriloquist’s dummy is giving them a run for their money. Some of the dialogue from this dummy is not so dumb and the author’s clever use of this character adds to the quirkiness of the plot.

I enjoyed this book for many reasons but probably the most was that it was set in Ireland where my grandparents were born. I can still remember my grandmother calming my baby girl by gently uttering the word ‘whisht’ and I was delighted to see that word actually in print (page 77) in this novel. The characters were wonderfully oddball and the story kept me turning the pages. And for all that Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show looks like a large-ish book (at over 400 pages) it was a pretty quick read with most chapters being relatively short.(less)

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Feb 23, 2010 Nancy Oakes rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

My thanks to the Librarything Early Reviewer's Program, for selecting me to read this book. I would have bought it anyway had I not received it, because it's written by a very good author.

Frank Delaney has given readers yet another fine story, one which takes place among the tumultuous events of his native Ireland's 20th century history, and one which, after you've read it, you won't soon forget. This is, of course, one of the main themes that run constantly throughout Delaney's books. This time...more
My thanks to the Librarything Early Reviewer's Program, for selecting me to read this book. I would have bought it anyway had I not received it, because it's written by a very good author.

Frank Delaney has given readers yet another fine story, one which takes place among the tumultuous events of his native Ireland's 20th century history, and one which, after you've read it, you won't soon forget. This is, of course, one of the main themes that run constantly throughout Delaney's books. This time, the action is centered on either side (before and after) of the general elections of 1932. It's okay if you know little to nothing about Irish political history; the author gives you enough background to make the time period and events understandable. Amid this political backdrop, Delaney introduces the reader to one Ben McCarthy, a young, naive 18-year old boy who little by little comes to be a man carrying the weight of his world on his shoulders. Ben's life, and that of his family, is altered forever by the entrance of Venetia Kelly and her Traveling Show. How this happens, and how it's connected to the 1932 elections is the main thrust of the story of this novel.

Beautifully written, the novel slowly draws you in, keeping you there until the very last page. Delaney starts out with introductions to the principal players of this novel: Ben McCarthy and his family, who live a better life than many of their neighbors & acquaintances; Sarah Kelly, actress and mother of Venetia Kelly; and King Kelly, Venetia's grandfather, who lives by the golden rule, which for him is "the man with the gold makes the rules." (257) Throughout the story, the author launches into "digressions," in which he gives you some of the history, folklore and other cultural bits about Ireland, all perfectly relevant to the story, and to which you should definitely pay attention. As other reviewers have noted, it starts out a bit slow and may feel a bit sloggy at first, but you will be handsomely rewarded if you continue and do not give up.Trust me on this one.

There are some wonderfully humorous moments in this book, which is also highly metaphorical in places, but Delaney does not hold back on the more frightening and sorrowful truths about the playing field of Irish politics and the lot of the poorer Irish people of the time.

This one I can definitely recommend. If you don't care about the politics, that's okay -- there are other stories at work here that will keep you reading, but do keep in mind that the whole is so much greater than its parts. The end is a bit melodramatic, but overall -- a very good read. A word of advice: you may want to consider a tissue as you're coming to the end. (less)

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Aug 02, 2012 Kristen rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book had some good moments, but not enough of them to keep me reading to the end.

As with many Irish stories, there is sly, witty humour, and morbidly depressing drama in about equal propotions in this story of a young Irish man who's father decides on the spur of the moment to run off and follow the travelling show that comes to town. Without a second thought the man just leaves and goes with the show and the entrancing woman - the Venetia Kelly of the title - who he has completely fallen f...more

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Jun 23, 2010 Diane rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-books-read

In this coming of age, historical novel set in 1930s Ireland, Narrator Ben MacCarthy, now an elderly man, tells the story of Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show, and how it impacted his life and that of his father Harry, and mother, Louise. When the traveling show came into town, his family's life in the rural farmlands of Ireland were forever changed.

When Ben was just 18, his father took him to see a performance of the "traveling show" when it arrived in their town. When his father, Harry sees Venet...more

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Mar 01, 2010 Serena rated it 4 of 5 stars

Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show by Frank Delaney is a coming of age novel set during a tumultuous time in Ireland's history. Set in the early 1930s, Ireland and Britain were in the midst of an economic battle in which farmers refused to keep paying back the loans that enabled them to buy farmland. And Britain consequently began placing tariffs on all Irish goods -- all the while the political system in Ireland was tenuous.

"Of course it was all still being run by politicians. We have an old saying...more Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show by Frank Delaney is a coming of age novel set during a tumultuous time in Ireland's history. Set in the early 1930s, Ireland and Britain were in the midst of an economic battle in which farmers refused to keep paying back the loans that enabled them to buy farmland. And Britain consequently began placing tariffs on all Irish goods -- all the while the political system in Ireland was tenuous.

"Of course it was all still being run by politicians. We have an old saying here: 'No matter who you vote for, the government always gets in.'" (Page 15)

The narration is conversational in tone as Ben MacCarthy tells his family history, with tales on the side about the political climate of the time. Although he digresses from the main story of his father's disappearance and reappearance with the Venetia Kelly Traveling Show, MacCarthy warns you ahead of time that he often falls off topic, but that most of his stories have some relevance to the main narration. A quirky technique, but enjoyable given that the digressions are entertaining.

"So, throughout this story you can expect three kinds of sidesteps: Important Digression, which will usually be something to do with factual history; Important Digression, where a clarification needs facts and I will ferry them in from a side road; and -- my favorite -- Unimportant Digression, which can be about anything." (Page 10)

Delaney has created a multitude of characters with their own depth and meaning in the story, and there are references throughout to other classic works. He has created an energized menagerie through which readers will see and experience through Ben's eyes as a young man in search of his father and himself. In many ways Ben is like his father, especially as the narration progresses. Readers will find that he is unwinding his story slowly and deliberately, mirroring how his father contains his emotions and his true passions from his family.

"Beside me, my father reacted so hard that he made the bones of his chair creak. He pulled back his hands, tightened them into fists, and held them in front of him like a man containing himself." (Page 79)

The deliberate way in which the story unfolds enables readers to learn more about the MacCarthy family, the Kelly's, and the climate of Ireland at the time. A nation and families stuck between the old traditions and the modern ways of the world, seeking the best path through to the other side. What propels Ben on this journey and what does he learn? Readers will want to pick up a copy of Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show to find out.(less)

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Mar 11, 2010 Kathleen Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: finished

Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show is a beautifully written story about Irish families living in a very turbulent time in Ireland's history.The narrator, Ben MacCarthy is telling the story of what happens when his father deserts the family to follow this "traveling show" and the beautiful Venetia and her mother Sarah, who are the main actors. As Ben tells his story he often digresses, but this is a trait of the storytellers of Ireland, to stray off topic. At first the authors style of writing was ha...more

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Mar 08, 2010 Krista rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, 2010-books-read, historical-fiction-european, reviewed-for-luxury-reading

Frank Delany’s latest book, Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show, once again delves into the Irish psyche at a critical juncture in Irish history. Ben McCarthy is the hero/narrator of this story which is set primarily in 1930’s Ireland. His life changes forever the day his father, a normally staid farmer, abandons the family and runs off to join Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show. It’s a tumultuous time in Ben’s life, and in Irish history. Delany mixes historical-fiction focused on the Irish political cli...more Frank Delany’s latest book, Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show, once again delves into the Irish psyche at a critical juncture in Irish history. Ben McCarthy is the hero/narrator of this story which is set primarily in 1930’s Ireland. His life changes forever the day his father, a normally staid farmer, abandons the family and runs off to join Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show. It’s a tumultuous time in Ben’s life, and in Irish history. Delany mixes historical-fiction focused on the Irish political climate of the 1930’s; a coming-of-age story; and a touch of mythic Irish storytelling. It is rather long in some spots, and has too many ‘digressions’ for my taste. As I read the final page however, I was more moved by the story than I expected to be based on how hard it sometimes was to keep moving forward in the book.
The book opens with two storylines that intersect when Ben’s Dad joins Venetia Kelly’s traveling show. The first chapters provide background information about Venetia Kelly’s early life and family. Her mother, Sarah Kelly, was an actress in New York City at Venetia’s birth in 1900. Her grandfather, King Kelly, is a con-artist with an out-sized personality. Nothing he does is quite aboveboard. Venetia grew up in this tumultuous environment and was groomed to become an actress. This introductory section was filled with information that bogged the story down. For me, it was just too long.
In contrast to Venetia’s bohemian upbringing, Ben McCarthy is the only child of farming parents from rural Ireland. Their farm was well-run and prosperous. Ben’s parents doted on him and he lived an idyllic if somewhat solitary life. He was eighteen when his life exploded . That was the day his father left to join Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show. The next day his mother sent him on a quest to find his father and bring him back home. Venetia ‘s show is a typical vaudeville show that criss-crossess Ireland. She uses her ventriloquism skills with her alter-ego doll, Blarney, to point out the inconsistencies of all the political parties running up to the election. The audience responds to Barney’s observations, and the show gains in popularity. Through Ben’s journeys in the wake of Venetia’s show, we are treated to glimpses of the 1930’s countryside as well as some in-depth explanations about the political transformation underway in Ireland at the time.
Throw in an unexpected love story, a couple of mysteries, and militia training in secret; and you have a book that could appeal to a wide-ranging audience. There are some striking passages where Delany clearly captures the details of a scene in a new way. Unfortunately, he also can take a very circuitous route to reach a conclusion. That was my main frustration with this book. It took too long for the story to develop to the point that I really began to care about the characters. Once the almost stand-alone character sketches were knitted together into a storyline with a plot that moved forward it became a really engrossing story. I just wish it had happened earlier in the book.
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Apr 14, 2011 JoAnne Pulcino rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-fiction

Weaving Irish vaudeville and the political and social turmoil of 1932 Ireland together creates a book that is both delightful and astonishing. Ben McCarthy’s father abandons the farm to join a traveling theatre troupe. Ben’s mother sends him to bring his father home, and lo and behold, he falls in love with the same stunning young actress, Venetia Kelly, who seduced his father. Her villainous, political opportunist father, King Kelly is furious that his daughter is consorting with common farm fo...more

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Jun 18, 2012 Conrad rated it 5 of 5 stars

Frank Delaney has mastered the art of storytelling - no question about it. His intimate knowledge of Ireland and the ways and mannerisms of the Irish people (including those of bygone times) brings an authenticity to this tale of love found and love lost. I enjoyed his little digressions in the story (and he tells you they are digressions) - not unlike the way we might relate details to someone to explain an account of an event in a conversation. As he says, "We Irish do this digression stunt. W...more

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Feb 18, 2012 Toni Osborne rated it 3 of 5 stars

The story is set in 1932 Ireland, a time when tensions are high due to the upcoming elections and the endless rhetoric by those vying for power. Ben McCarthy narrates this story as a man in his 50's reflecting on events that took place when he was an 18 year old on the verge of manhood.

The first 100 pages take us back and forth between NYC and Ireland and between members of the Kelly and McCarthy families. Mr. Delaney carefully weaves a tapestry of characters that surround and are connected with...more

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Jun 01, 2010 Nely rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

Where to start on this one?! Well, I'll start with I loved this story.

Frank Delaney is a master storyteller. Ben McCarthy, narrator/hero extraordinaire, tells us a story of his youth in a very intimate setting - almost making you feel as if you are sitting down with him listening while he reminisces. Set in mostly 1930's Ireland, you learn how his life forever-changed the day his father abandoned their family to join Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show.

At first it took me a little bit to get into the...more

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Mar 12, 2013 Dennis Madden rated it 4 of 5 stars

Not the typical Delaney beginning. Usually I'm hooked by his first paragraph. This book has to develop its characters and the setting. It is all done in the narrator's voice. Who also happens to be the main character. A little tedious, but worth the investment. I enjoyed the book. I know hat I did because I couldn't get. the ending off my mind. Not your "warm fuzzy" kind of closure. Reality, yes and very Irish! Except Delaney didn't resolve the story in death, an Irish fixation, but instead reso...more

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Apr 06, 2012 Dean rated it 5 of 5 stars

When I put this book down, I cursed Frank Delaney. Not becacuse the book was bad, because the ending was no what I wanted. had I known at the time that it was part of a Triology, i would have been less angry, but he really put me through the wringer that time and I was gasping for a happy ending , only to be given a cliff hanger that broke my heart in several pieces.
Would I read it again? of course. Do I own it? yes. Of course, don't be an idtio, I own all of Delaney's books..look..don't just si...more

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Apr 07, 2011 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this novel about Ireland with all the color of the Irish people and the flavor of the country during the early 1900's. Our main character travels the country at first looking for his father who has "run away" with a traveling show and then traveling the country to follow the beautiful actress, Venetia Kelly. The father had been awed by her and then the son is smitten. There is lots of history in this story. I printed a map of Ireland and used it as a bookmark to follow the places mention...more

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Apr 18, 2011 Ronda Jean rated it 3 of 5 stars

I adore Frank Delaney's writing. I picked this up because I so enjoyed his previouse book 'Ireland'. I would have given this book four stars had it not been for the ending. The reader is left hanging. What happened to Veneita? Where did she go? Was she kidnapped? Mr. Delaney's prose and ability to tell a wonderful story are only surpassed by his understanding of human nature. Although I still deem this this book worthwhile, I felt very let down at the end. Could there be a sequel to this story t...more

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Dec 07, 2011 Sandy rated it 1 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the other two Frank Delaney books I have read, but I just couldn"t stand this one and gave up in the middle. The protagonist doesn't seem to do much or have much direction or power, ane the rest of the cast just behaves badly. I really like the descriptions of Ireland and it's peoples, but I don't much like these people, and they will have to rest in the purgatory of "those books I have started but will never finish because everyone is stupid or hateful." Mr Delaney still writes...more

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Apr 11, 2010 Cheryl rated it 4 of 5 stars

The year was 1932.

Ben MacCarthy and his father were heading out to watch the circus that had come to town. It was called the Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show. Ben can remember sitting in the stands, watching the show…his father laughing really hard at the talking ventriloquist, Blarney. As the show was ending, Ben’s father turns to him and tells him that he won’t be returning home with him. He is going to stay on with the circus. Ben returns home alone. His mother tasks Ben with tracking down and...more

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Jun 04, 2010 Lydia Presley rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, fiction, ireland

In another life I think I want to be an Irish writer. Several years ago I fell in love with the lyrical writing of Frank McCourt and now I've found another writer to fully explore.

I'd heard of Frank Delaney's other books before but never found the time to pick them up and read them. Then one day, at B&N, I saw this book sitting there and I was fascinated by the cover of it. When I was a young girl I remember watching a movie about a blind horse jumper and the whole idea of a traveling show (...more

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Apr 20, 2010 Holly (2 Kids and Tired) rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: did-not-finish

Another one where my review is in the minority!

I really struggled with this one. I made it well over half way through the book. I just couldn't finish it. I think that Frank Delaney is probably a terrific storyteller, and I love a great story. His prose is certainly lyrical and definitely Irish, which is normally something I enjoy reading. But, ultimately here, I didn't care for the characters. The set up for this story took too long and there were lots of characters to keep track of and way too...more

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Mar 07, 2010 K rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-was-asked-to-read

i wish i could say i enjoyed Venetia Kelly as much as others seem to have. it was my first delaney although i've seen his works and even have another one, ireland, on my shelf. i found his writing quite disjointed and irritating...too many semi-colons and LONG dashes (perhaps that's his point...his way of authentically trying to tell venetia's, and thus ireland's, story?) i didn't care for any of the characters, either, and the "digressions" drove me nuts. perhaps my distate was more towards the...more

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Aug 06, 2011 Alan added it

I love language. The story line in Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show is not too complex and not necessarily satisfying, but the language is exquisite. I had the pleasure of listening to Delaney read the book which added to the enjoyment. The book is basically about power and politics in 1932 in the new Irish state. The real pleasure in Delaney is the Digressions. The rambling patter of Irish speech is a treat to listen to. Do yourself a favor and read it out loud to yourself.

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Apr 13, 2010 Terye rated it 5 of 5 stars

I've just found out about this author and i adore him. This is his latest book and it's absolutely wonderful. Again the author reads the book on cd and i can't think of anyone else that should do that, he has such an expressive voice. The story is so different from any Irish story that i've read. In my long search for and Irish story that wasn't morbidly depressing, i have finally found an Irish tale that allowed me to not only laugh out loud, but to also cry and the poignant ironies.

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About Frank Delaney

'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 '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 prolific author, a polished broadcaster on both television and radio, to journalist, correspondent, screenwriter, lecturer, playwright and scholar. He has been the president of the Samuel Johnson Society, president of the UK Book Trust, and the Literary Director of the famed Edinburgh Festival.

A judge of many literary prizes (including the famous Booker), Delaney also created landmark programs and passionate documentaries on many subjects including Joyce, Shaw, Oscar Wilde, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Hemingway, Mailer, Matisse, Van Gogh and the vitality and organic growth of the English language - his famed BBC show on the way we speak, Word of Mouth, is still heard all over the English-speaking world. And his six-part series, The Celts, originally broadcast in forty countries, is still in active DVD distribution, some twenty years after its launch.

Delaney lectures all over the world, writes every day, and has created a significant podcast series: Re: Joyce, deconstructing, examining and illuminating James Joyce's Ulysses line-by-line, in accessible and entertaining five-minute broadcasts, posted each week on this website. The project is estimated to run a quarter of a century.

Born and raised in County Tipperary, Ireland, Delaney spent more than twenty-five years in England before moving to the United States in 2002. His first 'American' book was the New York Times Bestseller, Ireland. His second, the non-fiction Simple Courage, was chosen as one of the top five books of the year by the American Library Association. Since 2006, he has published five Novels of Ireland, all addressing, decade by decade, the twentieth century history of his homeland.

Delaney lives in Litchfield County, Connecticut, with his wife, writer and marketer, Diane Meier.(less)

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