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429th out of 564 books
—
751 voters
Patrick: Son of Ireland
Slave, soldier, lover, hero, saint, --his life mirrored the cataclysmic world into which he was born. His memory will outlast the ages.
Born of a noble Welsh family, he is violently torn from his home by Irish raiders at age sixteen and sold as a slave to a brutal wilderness king. Rescued by the king's druids from almost certain death, he learns the arts of healing and song...more
Born of a noble Welsh family, he is violently torn from his home by Irish raiders at age sixteen and sold as a slave to a brutal wilderness king. Rescued by the king's druids from almost certain death, he learns the arts of healing and song...more
Paperback, 592 pages
Published
January 27th 2004
by HarperTorch
(first published 2003)
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Great back story about the man who would become St. Patrick. Captured from his British home in a raid, Succat is forced into slavery to the barbarians in Ireland. After multiple attempts he finally succeeds in escaping, due to an elaborate plan that took him years to implement, only to find out his entire life, family, and property has been wiped out in Britain. Having few options he joins the Roman army, where he distinguishes him mostly through chance, eventually travelling to Rome to attempt...more
I actually like this book even more that Byzantium and treated it like a page turner. I find it very interesting.
Succat is a rather careless person who indulges in the pleasures of the world, is selfish, arrogant, lies to get what he wants to people who see good in him. Years of abuse in Ireland, after he was taken there from his homeland during a raid, made him misuse the trust of the druids who had taken him to their home. Life in the rath was brutal. He made two escape attempts which almost k...more
Succat is a rather careless person who indulges in the pleasures of the world, is selfish, arrogant, lies to get what he wants to people who see good in him. Years of abuse in Ireland, after he was taken there from his homeland during a raid, made him misuse the trust of the druids who had taken him to their home. Life in the rath was brutal. He made two escape attempts which almost k...more
Patrick: Son of Ireland was a very historical, very exciting adventure. I was surprised to learn that Patrick is not Irish, but British, and that he was kidnapped and taken as a slave during an Irish raid on the coast. During his time in captivity he experienced beatings within an inch of his life (due to trying to escape several times), and eventually was brought to the Druid House to study under some great leaders that were part of the Ceile De, a group of Druids that have been enlightened reg...more
Aug 03, 2011
James Korsmo
added it
In this work of imaginative historical fiction, Lawhead follows the exploits and exploitation of a young saint Patrick. This story, set mostly in Britain and Ireland, along with Gaul, Germania, and Rome, is an expansive and well-told tale. Lawhead does a great job of recreating the medieval world. And likewise the story of Patrick is a compelling one, as he emerges from a life of privilege and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, a journey which he sets upon unwillingly, as a captured slave a...more
Entertaining story, but false history.
I realize that not much is known about the historical Saint Patrick, bishop and saint of the Roman Church and Christian missionary in Ireland. I also realize that historical fiction is fiction. All the same, I was hoping to at least learn something from this book.
As it turns out, this book is about an entirely fictionalized Patrick whose life overlaps very little with the historical Patrick. The Patrick in this novel – like the saint – is a Roman Briton ca...more
I realize that not much is known about the historical Saint Patrick, bishop and saint of the Roman Church and Christian missionary in Ireland. I also realize that historical fiction is fiction. All the same, I was hoping to at least learn something from this book.
As it turns out, this book is about an entirely fictionalized Patrick whose life overlaps very little with the historical Patrick. The Patrick in this novel – like the saint – is a Roman Briton ca...more
If you expect a book dealing with what is commonly known about Saint Patrick, this isn't the book you're looking for. Lawhead focuses on the imagined journey of Patrick into the man who finally goes back to the homeland of the people who kidnapped him. Patrick, or Succat as he's known in the book, isn't a delightfully pleasant person. He's a liar and a wastrel and the majority of his career is spent being stubborn and trying to manipulate people. It isn't until his introduction to the druids tha...more
Aug 16, 2012
Jonathon Shannon
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Jonathon by:
family
The story of St. Patrick was not one that I was familiar with before I read this book. At that point I started to look more into his story. I was very interested in this tale. A person who is kidnapped and taken away from his home and then has his whole perspective on life changed is completely fascinating. I enjoyed watching his journey, seeing how he was changed spiritually. We didn't really get much further than his change of heart for his kidnappers in this story, and I still hope that he wi...more
I bought this a few years ago when I worked at B&N. I was in the middle of another one his books (can't recall which now, Merlin maybe?) and went ahead and purchased Patrick. While this is definitely a fast read, and interesting in parts, just like his other book, I felt very dissatisfied with the book as a whole. The character never is really likable. Lawhead takes a real person and pretty much fictionalizes Patrick's life which I find bold but maybe also disrespectful? Anyway, one of my fa...more
I had anticipated that this novel would tell the story of how Saint Patrick converted the Irish Celts to Christianity. I was wrong. The book actually tells the tale of Patrick’s early life of as a Romanized Briton who is captured by Irish raiders and enslaved by an Irish chieftain for six years. Patrick ultimately escapes and returns home, then ventures to Gaul and Rome before returning to Ireland. Aside from a brief epilogue, the novel provides no account of Patrick’s later years, which earned...more
Sep 26, 2011
Kelly
rated it
1 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
those who care nothing about St. Patrick
Shelves:
historical-fiction
I was expecting a fairly accurate- but still fictional- account of Patrick's life. Fictional, of course, because we don't know much about his life; we have so little evidence to go on. But we do have *some* information.
I guess I expected too much. Taking this as a work of 95% fiction, it was interesting, but lacking. Patrick himself is a liar and a thief; he has no regard for those he claims to love and is utterly selfish. Lawhead tries to bring him around to sainthood by the end of the book and...more
I guess I expected too much. Taking this as a work of 95% fiction, it was interesting, but lacking. Patrick himself is a liar and a thief; he has no regard for those he claims to love and is utterly selfish. Lawhead tries to bring him around to sainthood by the end of the book and...more
Nov 28, 2007
Peter Krol
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
mature fans of historical fiction
Shelves:
fiction
Lawhead is one of my favorite authors, and he followed through well on this book. This was my second time reading it.
Stephen Lawhead is an expert in Celtic history and mythology, and most of his stories are set in ancient Britain and/or Ireland. He retells Celtic legends as historical novels (rather than as fantastic legends) which fascinates me.
This novel tells the story of the famous St. Patrick, although the story is much different than the one I usually hear about Patrick. I'm most familiar...more
Stephen Lawhead is an expert in Celtic history and mythology, and most of his stories are set in ancient Britain and/or Ireland. He retells Celtic legends as historical novels (rather than as fantastic legends) which fascinates me.
This novel tells the story of the famous St. Patrick, although the story is much different than the one I usually hear about Patrick. I'm most familiar...more
I really, thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It gave a captivating glimpse into the history of Ireland, as well as into the life of Patrick, the now patron Saint of Ireland. The story follows him throughout his being forced into various identities and cultures, and while each of them were in a way their own separate tales, Mr. Lawhead does an excellent job of managing to connect them all into one life as well. A must-read.
I was totally enthralled with this book! This story focuses on the early life of the man we know as St. Patrick, and his journey to becoming a leader in the Christian religion. His total character changes drastically from a spoiled youth to a loving, caring man who finally commits to following Jesus Christ. This book has so much action, adventure, and romance! The portrayal of life as a simple Irish slave and shepherd to a member of Roman aristocracy (through marriage)made the reader believe in...more
I absolutely loved Patrick. Lawhead's 'first person' narrative takes a bit of getting used to, but his style developes the characters like no other author I know. Be warned, there is some brief 'adult content' in the story which I believe was un-necessary, especially from a Christian author.
Was disappointed that in reading this book I learned nothing about the actual historical person St. Patrick. Likewise, I don't feel like I learned anything about Druidism, but that feel that Lawhead dangerously mixes his obsession with it with his Christian beliefs in order to somehow reconcile the two. Sadly all the women in this book are two dimensional and therefore I wasn't moved by any of its romance. However, Succat is an interesting character to get to know and the book is an easy, entert...more
I kept hoping it would get better. I thought the main character was a selfish lazy jerk, and so little was about him changing. It was a disappointment to read. Lawhead depicts rough scrounging existences beautifully, but he seems to have lost his way to me.
I know much of Patrick's life is hidden, but I enjoyed Lawhead's attempt to piece it together. I thought he kept it honest and as closs as possible to what may have really happened. I liked its raw masculine sense.
One the the best books I ever read. I feel so much a part of the character. My ancestors were there at that time, I have no idea what they were doing, but it let's my imagination run wild :)
I doubt that St Patrick would recognize himself in most of this book (which is understandable because so little is actually known of him) but it's still a good story. Well written with an interesting look at the culture of early Ireland. Somewhat lengthy but worth the read.
Nov 18, 2009
Christy
added it
I enjoyed this creative retelling of the life of St. Patrick. I always enjoy Lawhead, but this was not the best I have ready. Still, an enjoyable read.
Aug 06, 2011
Anne
added it
Saint Patrick was one awesome dude! Lawhead does him some justice; but his real story is just as inspiring, but shorter!
An excellent book. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in Ireland, St. Patrick or some great historical based fiction.
I really enjoyed this book, It really sparked an interest in my culture and early religious beliefs of the Irish people.
Stephen Lawhead is an excellent writer, and knows how to make an engaging story. Why, then, did I not enjoy this book more? I think it comes down to the following elements:
* Some of the more "bawdy" parts of the tale seemed unnecessary, and didn't enhance the credibility.
* Not knowing enough of Saint Patrick's real story made it difficult to separate fact from fiction.
* Some of the more "bawdy" parts of the tale seemed unnecessary, and didn't enhance the credibility.
* Not knowing enough of Saint Patrick's real story made it difficult to separate fact from fiction.
Dec 07, 2010
Kristen Thorley
added it
Great, It had an on old Irish legend feel to it. One of his rare books that are not part of a series but It stands up on its own
I loved this retelling of the life of Saint Patrick. It was intense, fascinating, and made me curious about the real man.
Lawhead's Celtic books are sure-things: I've thoroughly enjoyed every one of them that I've read. Patrick is another great one.
Lawhead is a master storyteller! He does with Patrick what he did with St. Aiden in Byzantium!
Good fiction. Terrible historical accuracy. If you read it from that standpoint, it's an interesting read.
Jan 04, 2009
Bonnie Anderson
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Everyone who likes decent literature.
I adore Stephen Lawhead. If I could give him my first born, I would. It just saddens me that he didn't make Patrick into a series, like he did with the Pendragon chronicles. I could totally read more books about Succat =)
There's a lot of criticism for this book, saying its standard Lawhead writing and yes, it is. But he's so thorough and vivid and he really knows what he's writing about, so it is definitely a favorite of mine from him.
There's a lot of criticism for this book, saying its standard Lawhead writing and yes, it is. But he's so thorough and vivid and he really knows what he's writing about, so it is definitely a favorite of mine from him.
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Stephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. His works include Byzantium, Patrick, and the series The Pendragon Cycle, The Celtic Crusades, and The Song of Albion.
Also see his fanpage at Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/stephenlawhead...
Stephen was born in 1950, in Nebraska in the USA. Most of his early life was spent in America where he earned...more
More about Stephen R. Lawhead...
Also see his fanpage at Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/stephenlawhead...
Stephen was born in 1950, in Nebraska in the USA. Most of his early life was spent in America where he earned...more
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