Ireland in Mind: An Anthology: Three Centuries of Irish, English, and American Writers in Search of the Real Ireland

This collection of essays, short stories, and excerpts is the next best thing to being on the Emerald Isle. As a non-Irish, non-Catholic American, who made her first journey abroad to that very isle, I formed a connection from the very start. The best of the best written about this magical place are contained in this book. The stories are enjoyable in themselves, but having seen a few of the locals made them even more so. Ms. Powers chose famous Irish writers, such as Oscar Wilde and James Joyce, for the anthology, as well as writers from different backgrounds, such as Virginia Woolf and Paul Theroux to add to the mix.I particularly enjoyed the section by Frank McCourt, an excerpt from his endearing memoir, Angela's Ashes. Powers also provided an excerpt from James Joyce's "Dubliners". Having studied Joyce, I was pleased to see that the story selected is lesser known. "A Little Cloud" is one of the best stories, yet is oftentimes overlooked. The perspectives given were both from the insider's and outsider's. Reading about native Irish describing their home and then reading tourists describe the land makes for interesting comparisons. All the selections were thought provoking in themselves, and no two stories were alike, yet related so much to each other.Reading selections such as Wallace Stevens' "The Irish Cliffs of Moher" was incredible. I've seen these cliffs firsthand, and the power of them is captured tremendously. I could envision myself there, and wished that I could travel with Stevens back to O'Brien's Tower! Whether Irish or not, having traveled there, or only dreamed of it, one will have an experience never to be forgotton when reading these selections. Excellent work, Ms. Powers!