An acclaimed author interweaves history and legend to re-create the life of a complex man of faith fifteen hundred years ago. Winner of the 198... read full description
reviews
May 05, 2010
Donna
rated it: 
Found this title from a quote in another book. This one is a novel about a real St. Brendan who was born in 484 in Ireland. I could actually hear the Irish lilt in the words as I read. Set in the time of King Arthur, this is the story of Brendan, a baby taken from his parents to be raised with the monks. His life if a journey full of adventure and travels through Ireland and out to sea. He spends his life searching for Tri na n Og, Terrestrial Paradise and the tale is fascinating. Meetings
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Nov 16, 2009
Ken
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Saint Brendan is one of the most well-known Irish saints. This fictionalized account of his life is narrated by his life-long friend Finn.
The story follows Brendan’s life, from his birth around 484, to his death 91 years later. Central to the story are two sea voyages Brendan undertook.
The author weaves what little is known about the historical Brendan with the mythology which emerged in the years after his death, to create a convincing first person narrative. The story is told wi More...
The story follows Brendan’s life, from his birth around 484, to his death 91 years later. Central to the story are two sea voyages Brendan undertook.
The author weaves what little is known about the historical Brendan with the mythology which emerged in the years after his death, to create a convincing first person narrative. The story is told wi More...
May 01, 2009
Dee
rated it: 
Brendan is a biographical novel about Brendan (484-577 A.D.), an Irish monk who lived shortly after St. Patrick. Legends about Brendan are retold, especially that of his voyage in a leather covered boat with a few companions that lasted several years. The final chapter provides insight "We are cripples all of us....To lend each other a hand when we're falling," Brendan said. "Perhaps that's the only work that matters in the end."
It's a look at primitive monastic l More...
It's a look at primitive monastic l More...
Nov 18, 2011
Conrad
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Buechner uses Brendan's friend and traveling companion, Finn, as the narrator to tell the story of Brendan's life and his amazing journeys - which possibly took him as far as Florida a thousand years before Columbus set sail. The author blends history and legend to bring Brendan back to life in a most believable way as a man of faith who struggled with doubt and his purpose in life. A most enjoyable read.
Dec 10, 2011
Mimi
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As this book veers into Magical Realism, a genre I don't particularly enjoy, and has a bawdiness to it that detracts from the storyline, I found myself not engrossed.
However, now and then, I'd find myself absolutely absorbed in an amazing meditation on living Christ, and appreciated that all who were saints were not just one-dimensional.
However, now and then, I'd find myself absolutely absorbed in an amazing meditation on living Christ, and appreciated that all who were saints were not just one-dimensional.
Mar 09, 2010
"Terrence"
rated it:
What a treat. I've never seen a novel that can show the medieval mind in such a convincing way. The characters were all rich and multi-dimensional. Don't expect a modern, driving plot-line, but be open to a more biographical wandering, and this book will delight.
Nov 03, 2007
Peter
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A tour de force of language and character. Frederick Buechner synthesized a 6th century Irish/English and took with it the legends surrounding Brendan the Navigator, the 6th-century Irish monk who travelled to North America with a small crew of monks, by means of a modified curraugh.
The book is partly about this voyage, but mostly about the inner voyage of a human struggling with life, faith, and longing for what he cannot have in this life.
Tim Severin , The Brendan Voya More...
The book is partly about this voyage, but mostly about the inner voyage of a human struggling with life, faith, and longing for what he cannot have in this life.
Tim Severin , The Brendan Voya More...
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May 05, 2008
Janet
rated it:
I loved the concept of this book--taking a medieval legend and extending it to novel proportions. The language was beautiful and archaic with some curious recurring motifs. The chapter/section written from the point of view of the titular character (I love the word "titular") was particularly lovely. At certain times I was slightly reminded of Tolkien and you can interpret that however you want to (good or bad). It's just an observation, not a judgment.
Oh, and the per More...
Oh, and the per More...
Dec 05, 2011
Pat
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This is a historical fiction novel, enfleshing the life and story of Saint Brendan the Navigator. Brendan is one of the best-known Celtic saints and perhaps best known for his adventuring spirit, which took him on sea voyages that went as far as Greenland and quite possibly North America from the northwest coast of the US and perhaps to Florida.
I'm familiar with Brendan's story, and this novel does the story great justice. It's engaging and entertaining, playful even.
I' More...
I'm familiar with Brendan's story, and this novel does the story great justice. It's engaging and entertaining, playful even.
I' More...
Aug 02, 2011
Great fictional account of a real saint - learn how holiness is not a human quality but a gift bestowed by God.
Feb 01, 2010
Juli
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I just couldn't get into this one. Nothing really drew me in to the characters or the story itself... Sadly, it just wasn't my kind of story.
Dec 18, 2011
Kristin
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This book has changed the way I think about faith. It is profoundly moving as a novel about very particular characters, but it is also a fascinating study of early Christianity in Ireland, especially in its collisions with a pagan culture.
Jan 07, 2008
Matt
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I got halfway through this before I realized it was based on historical info about a legendary Irish saint. The story is heavily embellished but then the legend is too. A large italicised section in the middle of the book is all about a fantastic voyage (to Newfoundland & Florida?) The style and descriptions are all intended to take you back to the Middle Ages. I'd like to read more about Ireland in this time period. This wasn't the best for that. I still don't understand exactly how he was
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Jun 04, 2008
Beth
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I just picked this book up again... I really love it and it's earthy view of God. Highly recommended, though I may not get all the way through it again (though it really isn't so long, I've just read it a few times...) Fun Irish saint reading- interesting slice of earlier christian life. It is not at all "Christian literature" though- more just "literature that deals with faith and Christianity." I know you know the difference.
Oct 17, 2010
Goodnews
rated it:
This is a great historical but imaginative novel written in a style that kept me on my toes. I loved reading about St. Brendan while I was in Ireland seeing some of the places he is believed to have frequented in the 6th century.
Sep 28, 2009
Sharon
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Brendan is not for the fainthearted reader. But it's fantastic. My husband read so many parts out loud that I finally told him to quit and read it myself. Equal parts hilariously crude and beautifully told, it's a novel version of the Brendan voyage. The writing is rich without being overdone and the story-telling keeps you hooked.
Jan 17, 2012
Kevin
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An enchanting story about one man's search for Faith. There are lessons for all, especially for those whose search is over (or so they think).
Apr 12, 2008
John
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Okay, but the legend is better. Try "The Brendan Voyage" by Tim Severin instead.
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