Woodbrook

David Thomson was a British man with a great love of Ireland and its people, with a deep understanding of its tragic past and of its present troubles. In his story is woven the story of Ireland. Thomson's memoir covers his 10 years at Woodbrook, a house in Co. Roscommon, owned at that time by an Anglo-Irish family. He arrived as a shy, young tutor and in his years at Woodbrook he naturally became very close to the family, as well as to their neighbors. His position gave him a unique possibility to befriend both Protestants and Catholics, aristocrats and farmers. He writes at length about Ireland's history, using references as well as anecdotes told to him during his stay. But this is not a history book; a poignant love story is at the heart of this memoir. For anyone interested in Ireland, this is a book to be savored.