…there’s always a chance that you’ll find the way.” — Seamus Heaney
Before I went to Ireland for the first time in 1990, the wife of the chef I had worked with prior to my move to Albany strongly recommended that I read the novel, Trinity, by Leon Uris. It was a must.
I remember nothing about the book (but am impressed with myself that I recalled the author’s name and spelling without prompting), beyond a sense that it was a saga and it was lengthy. Maybe?
Since that first trip, with its suggested accompanying reading, there have been many return trips to Ireland. One year, I even had a syllabus with required reading for an undergrad Irish Literature class that I was taking upon my return for spring semester. I’m certain, my appreciation for Synge, Yeats and O’Casey was greatly enhanced by my reading their works while I was in Dublin.
In anticipation of my upcoming time in Ireland, I searched Libby for available audiobooks using the term “Irish.” A number of titles came up, primarily works written by contemporary authors such as Sally Rooney and Maeve Binchy. I’ve had mixed experiences with Rooney and was seeking something a bit different than a Binchy novel.
What I ultimately borrowed, is an audiobook by an author new to me, Anne Griffin. When All is Said, published originally in 2019 and narrated by Niall Buggy and his charming brogue, was exactly what I hoping for – the story of Maurice Hannigan, a man nearing the end of his days and reflecting back on his 84 years.
The structure of the book is unique, Maurice is sitting at the bar of the hotel in which he secretly owns a major share, raising a glass in honor of 5 people who had greatly influenced and impacted him. As Maurice talks about the people who played important roles in his life, he also weaves in Irish customs, history and aspects of every day Irish life through the decades.
The book is delighting me with its humor and realistic depiction of the challenges faced by everyday Irish families in the 20th and 21st centuries. The economic struggles of post-WWII, devastating health conditions including TB and infertility, and hard won financial success, all rang true to me.
These were things my own family had experienced.
After 35+ years of visiting Ireland more times than I can count, Maurice is not a stranger to me. He could be my cousin or one of my departed uncles and I’ve grown a wee bit attached to him. I’ll be sad when the books ends.
As a consolation, however, my youngest son will be joining me in Ireland. It’ll be his first trip “home” and I think we’re both pretty excited about the trip. Since I’ve got more time available than he does, I’ll be doing a few things prior to his arrival, including visiting Ventry in County Kerry with a cousin and spending an afternoon out in Howth with, hopefully, a meal at my favorite little spot on the coast, Octopussy.
Once the lads land in Dublin about a week after me, they’ll be tasked with navigating their way to Galway where we’ll meet and begin our Wild Atlantic Way adventures in Galway and Donegal. I’m hoping for a dip in the Atlantic (followed by time in a sauna), time in Stranorlar with family and an introduction for my son to the land where our family originated. We’ll finish with four nights in Dublin and a few booked ahead activities such as the Guinness Brewery, EPIC, dinner at The Vintage Kitchen and appointments for some new ink to mark the occasion. There’s also a family gathering planned and I can’t wait to see who turns up, be they familiar or new to me faces.
I look forward to finding the words to be able to share this upcoming and very special trip with you all. 🙂
DelSo 