Irish Love

Wow! Having a wonderful daughter-in-law from Ireland, this novel opened up much understanding for me. I just happened to find this volume at a local used-book store, "Bell, Book, and Candle", in Ashland, VA, knowing very well that lots of Greeley novels are on the library shelves of the Caroline County Library. But I'm so glad I got it - it will probably be a "keeper" on my limited shelf space. The other thing I wanted to say, being a WASP myself, and not really understanding Roman Catholicism, that Fr. Greeley has really opened my heart and mind to the dedicated believers in the Lord Jesus in the RCC. I feel very much at one with those that truly know our Lord, even though we differ greatly in some points of theology. Overriding the differences is the great love of God for His children, a love that Andrew Greeley describes so magnificently. I also really like the way the author connects all of his stories back to the parish, if that is the right term, in Chicago where Blackie serves. I look forward to reading this whole series.

Irish Love is a family story about the love and growth of Nuala Anne McGrail, Dermot Coyne and their children Nellie-Coyne and Micheal Dermod. It also uses Nuala's psychic abilities to investigate two "situations", one current and one from 1882. I, however, will only comment about two loving themes I especially enjoyed. In this novel, Nuala and Dermot take an extended vacation in Ireland to immerse their children with the culture of their ancestors. Nuala has been experiencing post partum depression since the birth of their second child. Dermot hopes that this vacation will help restore Nuala's spirits. Dermot's willing attempts to understand and relate to Nuala's struggle are inspiring. He is aware that he does not really understand. Often he is a bit frustrated by her behavior. But Dermot simply continues to show patience and tolerance. He clearly communicates his love for her. In the historical sub plot, Ned Fitzpatrick's diary reveals that he falls in love with Nora Joyce the wife of Irish folk hero Miles Joyce. Ned's love leads him to seek to protect Nora and her baby when Miles is accused of involvement in the Maamtrasna murders. They are very poor and sick. Ned secretly arranges for her medical needs and supports her financially. He helps Nora heal physically and emotionally. Ned's selfless love and patience are impressive. The descriptions of the Irish countryside are vivid and inviting. The love stories of both Dermot and Ned are refreshing tales of unconditional love. I recommend the book.

Dermott Michael, Nuala Anne, and the growing Coyne family have returned from Chicago to the West of Ireland. Our author, Father Greeley, gently reminds those with faint understanding of "The Troubles" in Ireland that there is more involved than religion - a history of British occupational forces and their progeny. Time to sing along with Johnny Horton? o/~ "In 1814, we took a little trip, along with Colonel Jackson down the mighty Missipp. We took a little bacon & we took a little beans and we fought the Bloody British in the town of New Orleans." o/~ But, of course, that Colonel Jackson went on to become President Andrew Jackson and besmirch himself and our fledgling Nation during the course of his forced march of Native Americans on the "Trail of Tears."In "Irish Love," Father Greeley has again interwoven a compelling and interesting historical tale with the equally interesting modern day Coynes, this time adeptly comparing the trials and tribulations of the Indigenous Irish to those of Native Americans:"We're not talking about justice out here, son. We're talking about controlling an uncivilized people and placating Dublin Castle and Westminister. Bolton is not a nice fellow, but London needs someone like him out here." [page 105] "he was in much the same position as a Sioux or an Apache who did not know a word of English in an American courtroom without an interpreter." [page 173]One more song to conclude this review: o/~ "Oh Lord, take me back. I want to ride in Geronimo's Cadillac." o/~`Tis a brilliant book altogether!

While Nuala and Dermott are still interesting, the story about Nora and Ned is even better. This one is hard to put down. I think it's time that Nuala and Fr. Blackie team up in a mystery in Chicago. Thanks to Fr. Greeley for another wonderful read.

Being a big fan of Andrew Greeley, I love anything this gentleman writes and certainly was not disappointed "at all, at all" with this new story detailing the latest escapades of Nuala Anne and Dermot Michael. Following suit with its predessors -- Irish Gold, Irish Whiskey, etc., -- Irish Love involves the solving of two mysteries -- one from the present and one from the past. The reader, therefore, can enjoy two stories for the price of one. There is not a dull paragraph in the book -- loyal Nuala/Dermot fans won't even have to pore through a recap of previous adventures and history of their relationship. However, this information is incorporated subtly into the next, allowing new readers to become acquainted with -- and new fans of -- the duo quickly. Truly delightful!!