Helpful Score: 1
I was expecting another "outsider moves to Ireland and is charmed by the local color and characters" but this book is darker and the story has much more depth. Mr. Monagan, who spent years in Dublin when he attended Trinity College, decides to relocate his family from CT to county Cork for a year. He candidly discusses family dynamics and the emotional struggles of his family (mostly his kids) as they make new friends and adjust to a foreign school system. He and his wife also attempt to find jobs.
Although it was refreshing to get an unvarnished look at the good and the bad things that happen when trying to integrate into a new community, I wasn't warming up to the story. I finally decided the problem was I just didn't like Mr. Monagan. An example: on an extended trip back to the states, he gets offended when, after telling people that he just spent a year in Ireland, no one comments on how fascinating that is and stops to hear him talk about it. I was left with the impression of this family thrusting themselves into another world and expecting to be welcomed with open arms and then being resentful when that doesn't happen. Not for me.
Although it was refreshing to get an unvarnished look at the good and the bad things that happen when trying to integrate into a new community, I wasn't warming up to the story. I finally decided the problem was I just didn't like Mr. Monagan. An example: on an extended trip back to the states, he gets offended when, after telling people that he just spent a year in Ireland, no one comments on how fascinating that is and stops to hear him talk about it. I was left with the impression of this family thrusting themselves into another world and expecting to be welcomed with open arms and then being resentful when that doesn't happen. Not for me.
LOVED IT! I lived in Cork, Ireland for about four months when I was in college, and reading this American's reaction to Ireland was so validating! He noticed all the same quirks and oddities of the Irish and found them as endearing as I did. It's written very well, keeps the reader entertained through the end, and gives the reader an idea of what the "real" Ireland experience is like for us Yanks.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The account of the Monagan family's trials and tribulations during their move to Ireland was very interesting. The author has a very good command of the language and his descriptions of Irish sayings and ways of living in a foreign country were very enlightening. For anyone contemplating a move to Ireland, I would say to definitely read this book.
