About the book
“Riveting . . . Readers will quickly warm to [Frank] Delaney’s vividly described Ireland of the 1950s, its fully realized inhabitants, and the dynamic political and personal relationships that make for a remarkable story.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“If we’re to live good lives, we have to tell ourselves our own story. In a good way.” So says Ben MacCarthy’s beloved mentor, and it is this fateful advice that will guide Ben through the tumultuous events of Ireland in 1956. The national mood is downtrodden; poverty, corruption, and an armed rebellion rattle the countryside; and although Ben wants no part of the insurrection, he unknowingly falls in with an IRA sympathizer. Yet despite his perilous circumstances, all he can think about is finding his former wife and true love, Venetia Kelly, who after many years has returned to Ireland with her brutish new husband, a popular stage performer. Determined not to lose Venetia again, Ben calls upon every bit of his passion and courage to win her back, while finally reconciling his violent past with his hopes for a bright future.
Brimming with fascinating Irish history, daring intrigue, and the drama of legendary love, The Last Storyteller is an unforgettable novel as richly textured and inspiring as Ireland itself.
“A colorful, leisurely tale, with dark moments as well as humor and grace.”—The Star-Ledger
“A magical tale [that] weaves in a jackpot of Irish myths.”—Bookreporter
“Character-rich and dramatic.”—Library Journal
Editions of The Last Storyteller
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780812979756
- AltFormat
- ISBN 9781400067855
- EBook
- ISBN 9780679644224
Read an Excerpt
“Riveting . . . Readers will quickly warm to [Frank] Delaney’s vividly described Ireland of the 1950s, its fully realized inhabitants, and the dynamic political and personal relationships that make for a remarkable story.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“If we’re to live good lives, we have to tell ourselves our own story. In a good way.” So says Ben MacCarthy’s beloved mentor, and it is this fateful advice that will guide Ben through the tumultuous events of Ireland in 1956. The national mood is downtrodden; poverty, corruption, and an armed rebellion rattle the countryside; and although Ben wants no part of the insurrection, he unknowingly falls in with an IRA sympathizer. Yet despite his perilous circumstances, all he can think about is finding his former wife and true love, Venetia Kelly, who after many years has returned to Ireland with her brutish new husband, a popular stage performer. Determined not to lose Venetia again, Ben calls upon every bit of his passion and courage to win her back, while finally reconciling his violent past with his hopes for a bright future.
Brimming with fascinating Irish history, daring intrigue, and the drama of legendary love, The Last Storyteller is an unforgettable novel as richly textured and inspiring as Ireland itself.
“A colorful, leisurely tale, with dark moments as well as humor and grace.”—The Star-Ledger
“A magical tale [that] weaves in a jackpot of Irish myths.”—Bookreporter
“Character-rich and dramatic.”—Library Journal
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Last Storyteller about?
“Riveting . . . Readers will quickly warm to [Frank] Delaney’s vividly described Ireland of the 1950s, its fully realized inhabitants, and the dynamic political and personal relationships that make for a remarkable story.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“If we’re to live good lives, we have to tell ourselves our own story. In a good way.” So says Ben MacCarthy’s beloved mentor, and it is this fateful advice that will guide Ben through the tumultuous events of Ireland in 1956. The national mood is downtrodden; poverty, corruption, and an armed rebellion rattle the countryside; and although Ben wants no part of the insurrection, he unknowingly falls in with an IRA sympathizer. Yet despite his perilous circumstances, all he can think about is finding his former wife and true love, Venetia Kelly, who after many years has returned to Ireland with her brutish new husband, a popular stage performer. Determined not to lose Venetia again, Ben calls upon every bit of his passion and courage to win her back, while finally reconciling his violent past with his hopes for a bright future.
Brimming with fascinating Irish history, daring intrigue, and the drama of legendary love, The Last Storyteller is an unforgettable novel as richly textured and inspiring as Ireland itself.
“A colorful, leisurely tale, with dark moments as well as humor and grace.”—The Star-Ledger
“A magical tale [that] weaves in a jackpot of Irish myths.”—Bookreporter
“Character-rich and dramatic.”—Library Journal
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Last Storyteller?
Fiction > Historical fiction
Where can I read a sample of The Last Storyteller?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780812979756
Is The Last Storyteller part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series A Novel of Ireland
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Last Storyteller?
Frank Delaney
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Last Storyteller is available as paperback(ISBN 9780812979756) and altformat(ISBN 9781400067855) and ebook(ISBN 9780679644224)
Where can I buy The Last Storyteller online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Last Storyteller from below
Where can I buy The Last Storyteller?