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Title: I Am of Irelaunde: A Novel of Patrick and Osian
Score:
Author: Juilene Osborne-McKnight
Rating: Not available
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Review of I Am of Irelaunde: A Novel of Patrick and Osian

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Comments for I Am of Irelaunde: A Novel of Patrick and Osian

• Posted on 2007-03-29
  Luck of the Irish
  
  Most people are familiar, to some degree, with St. Patrick, but fewer know about Osian. Suffice it to say that Osian is an interesting storyteller of old Ireland. The author skillfully weaves Osian's stories in the plot, which tells us about Patrick's work in Ireland. Ms. Osborne-McKnight's Patrick is a man tortured by conflict within himself and between him and the native Irish. By the end, Patrick is comfortable in his own skin and with the Irish, and much of his success is due to Osian and his delightful stories.
  If you're looking for more of a biography of St. Patrick, this isn't for you. If you're looking for an interesting, fanciful, and mystical book, you might enjoy this one.
  
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• Posted on 2006-06-20
  Realize the Beauty
  
  "I tell you now that there are moments in this life when a truth comes that the heart has known all along. At these moments there is a deep silence, a sound at the center of the world like a drumming. I knew what he said was true. The Voice had spoken it to me, but I had shut the camber of my heart. I was speechless before the old man." (P 58-59)
  
  A beautiful tale. Such a tale as bends the heart to realize the beauty. Legend and historical fact is wedded in such a luminous, unforgettable way, playing upon the urges, struggles and desires of the common man who longs to lead a strong, noble, godly and joyous life. Juilene paints men as they are but also as they *could be*. This is storytelling at its finest. An adult read of great quality and inspiration. O, to tell the stories of God, as Osian told his tales!
  
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• Posted on 2005-12-31
  Reality check
  
  Sorry, but her credibility was utterly blown by page 3, when she wrote of "the sweetly puckered lips" of a nursing newborn. No puckering involved in real life - they aren't drinking a milkshake, they are taking a huge big mouthful. Shame on her "women's circle" for not clueing her in. Anyway, after a disconnect of that magnitude (as if one were to read of the quaking swamps of the Gobi desert) I couldn't stand to read any more.
  
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• Posted on 2003-02-10
  A Little History Mixed With A Lot Of Irish Folk Tales
  
  I AM OF IRELAUNDE is a story about Patrick and Osian and to a lesser extent Osian's father Finn Mac Cool and the Fenian warriors of Ireland who flourished around two centuries before Patrick Christianized Ireland. It is a novel which mixes a few historical facts with Irish folk tales and Celtic myths. The author is a good writer who is primarily a folklorist.
  
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• Posted on 2002-11-15
  Not in MY strength!
  
  Magonus Succatus Patricius was a well-born Roman citizen, a baptized Christian, and a celibate priest of the Roman Church. Because he is sincere in his commitment to Christ, he has reluctantly resigned himself to return to the land of his former captivity. He could not deny the incessant demand of the messenger of Christ to return to Eire. But he was determined not to like it. Among other symbols of this reluctant duty is his refusal to acknowledge his Hibernian name, Padraig (Patrick).

  One of the themes in Osborne-Knight's complex tapestry is the slow realization by the protagonist that he is indeed "of Irelunde". Osian, poet-son of the great Finian leader Fionn Mac Cumhail, is sent by God to tell the ancient stories of Eire, and so aide in the transition from Succatus to Padraig. Osian is the representative of ancient Eire. The Eire which is passing away, to make room for the "One who comes", the Lord Christ. The book concludes with a spirited conversation between the dying Osian, and Patrick. "I will tell them that I have been with Magonus Succatus Patricius, druid of the White Christ". "Nay, tell them not that". "Then where shall I tell them I have been?" Tell them that you have been with...Padraig!".

  Osborne-Knight paints an Ireland that has been waiting for generations for the arrival of the "Three-in-One". Patrick is sent to deliver the message of the "light at the center of all", not because he is courageous, strong, educated, or charming. He is none of these as he tells the Victorianus. The messenger angel then assures Padraig that his courage and skill is not the issue. God's strength, God's wisdom, and Christ's utter attractiveness is determinative. In this sense, the story is quite theocentric. This is emphasized further by the narration of Padraig's triumph at Tara, the great hall of the high king of Eire. In circumstance of mortal danger, Padraig prays for Christ to shield him and his brother Christians. In response, he is given the great Hymn still known as "St. Patrick's Breastplate". Singing this powerful poem, Padraig and the brothers are preserved and given a great victory where it was least looked for. The scene brought wonder to my heart, especially since our church has recently learned the modern version of the hymn.

  I read this book as a committed Christian, an adherent of the reformed faith. I am somewhat skeptical of the implied universality of the Christian message. However, I am not SURE that such a message is actually there. I give the story 5 stars for the depth (both of character and of plot) and for the ripping good tale that it is.
  

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