Ireland is known throughout the world for its rich and vibrant storytelling. Josie Gray is a proud inheritor of this tradition,a yarn-spinner whose evocative and authentic stories are steeped in the rural west of Ireland community to which he belongs. Beautifully crafted,subtly paced,and richly textured,Gray's stories vividly and affectionately bring to life a disparate cast of characters and recreate the fabric of their everyday lives. Disputes,laughter,courting,death,drink and general all-round skulduggery are the order of the day as Gray skilfully weaves together myth and fact,truth and near-truth. Captivated by these tales,acclaimed poet Tess Gallagher worked with Gray to give his oral stories written form. The result is a stunning collection that preserves the intimacy,melody and rhythm of Gray's voice.
MEDIA REVIEWS
Publisher: Colourpoint Creative LtdISBN: 9780856408144Dimensions: 186 x 122 x 15 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'This is a most unordinary kind of book. Josie Gray can tell stories. When he speaks about a dog,I would like to touch that dog. When he writes about a song,I would like to sing that song. This is what I call a good story.'HARUKI MURAKAMI'Gray and Gallagher collude and collogue to produce stories full of deadpan and deadly accurate wit.'CIARAN CARSON'A remarkable evocation of the long dark winter nights in rural Ireland. An Ireland of rush lamps and candles,an Ireland of the storyteller,the seanchai,who held such an important place in the heart of the parish. Josie Gray has recaptured these humorous yet touching anecdotes with skill and sensitivity.'LELAND BARDWELL'A colourful and vibrant pot of stories simmering in the rich tradition of oral Irish storytelling...delightful and true'PADRAIGIN NI UALLACHAIN & LEN GRAHAM
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