The Storyteller of Inis Mor: Could a legend save his life?

If you’re to read one thriller/mystery this year make sure it’s 'The Storyteller of Inis Mór'. Here, Brian O'Raleigh spins an engrossing story of passion, loss and redemption that will have you glued to the pages. When 38 year old Conner O’Rourke returns to Ireland after an absence of 30 years he's running. His advertising agency in Sydney is in difficulties, his marriage is falling apart and he’s hearing voices in his mind urging him to return to Inis Mór. His grandmother, whom he hasn’t seen in years, has contacted him saying she's critically ill and must speak with him but when he arrives on Inis Mór, a wild, windswept, rocky little island some 30 miles off the West Coast of Ireland, she's already passed leaving him a cottage and a dilapidated old sailing boat. A mysterious old seaman appears offering to help him rebuild the boat and as they work together the old man tells Conner stories of Ireland. Stories of courage, purpose and passion, stories that could change his life forever. 5 Star Review by Fionnuala Smyth. January, 2015 Kindle Edition Verified Purchase Brian O'Raleigh is a true storyteller! I'm from an Irish family of story tellers so I approached this book with great interest. I was captivated from the beginning. O'Raleigh tells a deceptively simple story in beautifully descriptive language. It is deceptively simple because there are layers to the story that reveal themselves slowly. In true Irish tradition the real world interacts with the 'other world' and the mystery continues gently throughout the book. O'Raleigh is also a master at delivering excellent dialogue. With my Irish background I have an antenna for fake Irish and you will find none of that in this book. It is a delight. 5 Star Review. A Powerful Story By Kathleen Davis "Louise". December, 2014 Format: Paperback Not since The Shack have I been so deeply moved by a book. The Storyteller of Inis Mor, by author, Brian O’Raleigh, has acutely identified the world in which we live of broken families and splintered cultures. While the Best Seller List is littered with senseless violence and sex, O’Raleigh reaches to the depths of one’s soul with beautiful prose and genuine storytelling. As the main character struggles to find himself and save his family, his story resonates with authenticity and insight lost on so many. This beautifully told story should be required reading for all families to encourage self-appraisal of their values. The real “seanchai” in this book is the author, Brian O’Raleigh, who can proudly walk in the footprints of the great Irish authors. 5 Star Review. A beautiful story written in the oral tradition. By Eilish Frazier O December, 2014 Kindle Edition Verified Purchase I rarely write reviews but when I do the author has reached into my soul. The Storyteller of Inis Mór accomplished this and so much more! The main protagonist, Conner, has lost everything and hit rock bottom when he receives a letter from his grandmother who is sick. By the time he arrives on Inis Mór she’s already died leaving him a cottage and a dilapidated sailing boat. With the help of a mysterious old seaman he sets out to restore the boat to her former glory. The old man helps Conner discover who he is by regaling him with tales of the old ways. He explains that we each have a gift, a special purpose in life, to not only help ourselves but others. He tells Conner that there is much more to life than money and material possessions. While reading these stories within the story, I could hear the Gaelic lilt in the old man's voice, smell the salty air and felt as though I was walking the rocky shores of Inis Mór. Will Conner realize his gift, his purpose in life? Ahh! You must read the story and discover that for yourself! THE AUSTRALIAN IRISH ECHO. January 2015 "A story such as this is very much in the tradition of Irish storytelling with strong, vibrant prose that reminds of writers such as Sean O’Faolain and Benedict Kiely. This is a well written story.