Customer Reviews

The Seanachie: Tales of Old Seamus

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I truly loved this book.

Ms MCCullough's evocative characterisation brings these stories to life in a delightful absorbing way. You can't read just one of them.

From a prize pig race to a singing dog and a teacher's secret you are sure to find something to delight you. The stories expplore facets of human nature and experience in a lively way and the Seanachie (storyteller) Seamus O'Hare is a true master of his craft as he spellbinds us. I am curently unable to select a favourite.

I have just one complaint about this book and that is that it simply is not long enough.

Picture the scene of an old fashioned Irish pub with a peat fire roaring with life. The smoke from the burning peat spilling over anyone close enough. Sitting in the corner in an old chair is The Seanachie - storyteller. Maybe a clay pipe in his hand but definitely a drink in the other.
So sets the scene in my mind of The Seanachie by Gerry McCullough. This magnificent storyteller has done it again. Each individual story has it's own Gaelic charm, so much so that it hard to choose a favourite. I can thoroughly recommend these lovely stories and happy to give them a five star rating.

I was fortunate to have this wonderful collection with me on my kindle during an extended journey. These heart warming tales are beautifully told with subtle Irish humour and I'd have to say the race of the two fat piggies is my current favourite.
It was very easy to conjure up images of the mischievous Old Seamus, who's heart is always in the right place, as he related his many adventures.In fact all of the characters mentioned had something about them that made you want to read on.

A delightful read, definitely recommended.

Personally I prefer to read a novel which I can get my teeth into and keep me wanting more. I find a short story frustrating in that you just get into it and it's over in a flash. However, if you are busy and want something short and easy to read; that you can dip in and out without worrying about losing the plot; then this collection may be for you. These stories are told in the manner of passing on family/ local snippets that grandparents, great-grandparents or elderly neighbours like to deliver to young and willing listeners. Although these are set in Ireland's Donegal area, it made me think about some of the stories my Nan told me when I was young.