Recent Reads {Patrick: Son of Ireland}

Patrick: Son of Ireland by Stephen R Lawhead - This is at least the fifth time I've read this book. At least. But Lawhead is one of my favorite authors, and I haven't yet grown weary of re-reading his work. As should be obvious from the title, this is a novel based on the life of St Patrick of Ireland. Lawhead takes the details known about Patrick's life and weaves a rich and adventurous storyline around them, adding cultural and historical detail and some more mythical elements as well. The story begins with Succat as a rather dissolute young man in Britain, and his capture by Irish raiders. He spends his years in Ireland as a slave, always scheming how he can escape, even after he has made a commitment to studying with the druids and to marry an Irish woman he cares deeply about. He finally makes good his escape, but his return to his homeland is full of disappointment. He eventually heads to Gaul as a soldier, and from there goes to Rome as the guest of an influential politician. While in Rome, Patrick finds some happiness with a wife and child, and is building his own political career, when plague comes to the city and he is struck by tragedy once again. Finally, he receives his calling to return to Ireland.

Lawhead blends fantasy, mysticism, and history into a fascinating novel. While it definitely presents St Patrick as more human than saintly, it also glosses over some of the distinctly Christian influence and teaching associated with Patrick's bringing the gospel to Ireland. This story effectively ends with Patrick's arrival back in Ireland and the beginning of his ministry there, but the "Christianity" presented in this novel is still a bit ambiguous, and some readers may not appreciate the treatment of ancient druidism or mystical practices as being completely compatible with Christian beliefs. 

My comments from a previous read: Patrick

By the same author: The Skin Map; The Pendragon Cycle: Taliesin, Merlin, Arthur, Pendragon, Grail

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