I have to start out by saying that I love Morgan Llywelyn’s historical novels about Ireland. She’s really in her element here. So, my expectations are pretty high for any of her works of this type. I’ve had a soft spot for Brendan the Navigator for a long time, so was happy to learn that Llywelyn had taken on this subject. For these reasons, I’m not sure my expectations could have been met, and, though I enjoyed the read, they generally weren’t met.

This is a fine work, and provides a lot of insight into the worlds (natural and supernatural) that St. Brendan lived in, but I can’t say the work is ever gripping in the way her ‘Irish Century’ novels are. This is somewhat the subject matter, but also she seemed unable or unwilling to present the impact Brendan’s mystical experiences must have had on Brendan himself.

Again, my expectations were high, and I would recommend this work. It is enjoyable and insightful - Just not a page turner.

Os. ( )