by Dave Monagan, published by Lonely Planet (2004)
This beautiful story about life in a strange land blossomed from American journalist David Monagan's fascination with the Irish.
He and his wife Jamie pack up their Connecticut home (and their three children) and return to his ancestral home in Cork.
Monagan had studied in Dublin and revisited the country occasionally, and his passion remains at the surface of his memoir, even though the Ireland of the present often bears little resemblance to that of his memories.
With a light touch, Monagan tells of enrolling his children in school, watching his wife struggle to find work, trying to blend in at the local pub and navigating the complicated bureaucracy.
The story grows dark when his family finds itself at the mercy of teenage hoodlums. It floats from incident to incident until midway through, when Monagan decides he wants to launch a regional magazine.
Reviews
"You won't find a better or truer depiction of Ireland than this one." -- Frank McCourt (author of Angela's Ashes)It's often laugh out-loud funny. The strength of the book is that it represents the totality of Ireland. -- (New Zealand Herald, December 8, 2004)
Monagan, who obviously has more than a little of the fabled Irish gift for storytelling, alternately entertains, delights and saddens. -- (Daily Yomiuri - Japan, March 18, 2005)
The book never failed to entertain. A great read -- thoroughly recommended. -- (Belfast Telegraph,December 17, 2004)
This is the ultimate travel-to-Ireland book. -- (Irish American News, February 1, 2005)
Were they heartless? Selfish? Brave? These are the questions that haunt (the Monagans) in this charming, poignant and humorous tale. -- (New York Daily News, January 2, 2005)
"…these smart and exhaustively researched guides have become the gold standard for serious, independent travelers." --San Francisco Chronicle
Amazon.com: Reader Reviews
Lonely Plant: Press Release
Google Books : Reader Reviews
About.com: Travel Writing : Ireland
ForeWord Magazine: Reviews: Karen McCarthy
How To Buy
Lonely Planet : Jaywalking with the Irish by David Monagan
Amazon.com: Jaywalking with the Irish by David Monagan
