Marie Heaney

– This isn’t a complete review, but simply a note for the Brigit lovers who are checking out this Librarything account.

The first set of tales retold by Heaney in this book is The Mythological Cycle, including the battle of Moytura. She does a wonderful job of condensing it without leaving a whole lot out. However, tho' I approached the final paragraphs with bated breath, I found that Brigit’s part in the story is omitted. Whereas it may be the single most important moment in the cycle for me, I can understand why from another point of view it may have been left out. Still, a disappointment. Lol… (meer)

This is a delightful modern but faithful retelling of the main legends of Irish literature. Heaney has a breezy, action-driven approach to the tales that still has a certain emotional resonance (often involving wounded pride). Madness, vengeance, sorrow, teamwork, courage abound, as well as some wonderful descriptions of beauty and Ireland and Tir Na nOg. The Tuatha de Danaan, the Children of Lir, Cuchulainn, and the Fianna are all included here. There is perhaps less focus on certain characters (e.g., Maebh). The tales of Saints Patrick, Brigid, and Columcille that are the last three sections of this book seemed a bit out of place compared to the largely pre-Christian material with which they are grouped. Had I been editor, I would have excluded them--not least of which because, other than Patrick's, the lives described don't have a lot of narrative oomph.… (meer)

"What gives you spiritual sustenance?" was the question put to the contributors in this remarkable book. Those asked represent a broad spectrum of Irish life and include writers, teachers, religious, politicians and performers, people who are already known to the public in different ways. The emotional register of their response is deep and diverse, with some writing about music, the visual arts, the natural world, while others testify to their struggle for spiritual fulfilment. For some sustenance is in the written word, ranging from Sartre to Solomon, from the Hail Mary to John Steinbeck. The breadth of responses is large, from anger and stoicism to acceptance and joy. Sources is a memorable collection of letters on the nature of spirituality and its relevance for the indivudual, and will be an invaluable resource. Dipping into its pages you will find persuasive evidence of the human need for something beyond the routine and materialism of everyday life, a need for some sort of spiritual sustenance, especially at times of crisis. Unifying the diversity of response in Sources is the authenticity of each of the contributions.
Whether about an unshaken belief in orthodox religion, new perspectives on traditional beliefs or hard-won individual credos, honesty, commitment and passion shine through.… (meer)