I Am of Irelaunde: A Novel of Patrick and Osian

by Juilene Osborne-McKnight

Book Overview

St. Patrick of Ireland has been enshrined in myth and history as a benign and beloved figure, a native Irish miracle worker who drove both the snakes and the Druids from his homeland and gently issued in the age of Christianity. Nothing could be further from the truth. Magonus Succatus Patricius ("Paidrig") was of Roman heritage; captured into slavery in Ireland at the age of sixteen, he escaped at the age of twenty-two. I Am of Irelaunde takes the...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312875673
• ISBN13: 9780312875671
• Release Date: February 2001
• Publisher: Forge
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.8" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Not in MY strength!

Magonus Succatus Patricius was a well-born Roman citizen, a baptized Christian, and a celibate priest of the Roman Church. Because he is sincere in his commitment to Christ, he has reluctantly resigned himself to return to the land of his former captivity. He could not deny the incessant demand of the messenger of Christ to return to Eire. But he was determined not to like it. Among other symbols of this reluctant duty is his refusal to acknowledge his Hibernian name, Padraig (Patrick). One of the themes in Osborne-Knight's complex tapestry is the slow realization by the protagonist that he is indeed "of Irelunde". Osian, poet-son of the great Finian leader Fionn Mac Cumhail, is sent by God to tell the ancient stories of Eire, and so aide in the transition from Succatus to Padraig. Osian is the representative of ancient Eire. The Eire which is passing away, to make room for the "One who comes", the Lord Christ. The book concludes with a spirited conversation between the dying Osian, and Patrick. "I will tell them that I have been with Magonus Succatus Patricius, druid of the White Christ". "Nay, tell them not that". "Then where shall I tell them I have been?" Tell them that you have been with...Padraig!". Osborne-Knight paints an Ireland that has been waiting for generations for the arrival of the "Three-in-One". Patrick is sent to deliver the message of the "light at the center of all", not because he is courageous, strong, educated, or charming. He is none of these as he tells the Victorianus. The messenger angel then assures Padraig that his courage and skill is not the issue. God's strength, God's wisdom, and Christ's utter attractiveness is determinative. In this sense, the story is quite theocentric. This is emphasized further by the narration of Padraig's triumph at Tara, the great hall of the high king of Eire. In circumstance of mortal danger, Padraig prays for Christ to shield him and his brother Christians. In response, he is given the great Hymn still known as "St. Patrick's Breastplate". Singing this powerful poem, Padraig and the brothers are preserved and given a great victory where it was least looked for. The scene brought wonder to my heart, especially since our church has recently learned the modern version of the hymn. I read this book as a committed Christian, an adherent of the reformed faith. I am somewhat skeptical of the implied universality of the Christian message. However, I am not SURE that such a message is actually there. I give the story 5 stars for the depth (both of character and of plot) and for the ripping good tale that it is.

Heroes, Passion, Humanity, Tragedy, Love ---IRELAND!---

Reading this book is time well spent. Osborne-Knight's Patrick is a conflicted soul searching to rise and become the man he desired to be. Her Osian comes to Patrick not knowing the purpose of his visit, but perceptive of Patrick's need of his wisdom. Patrick is reserved, angry and unsure of his own talents, yet compelled to fulfill his destiny. Osian is a warm-hearted, warrior of Ireland's past dedicated to teaching an unwilling pupil how to become the man that he was destined to be. Despite their many differences, these two characters bring one another to an understanding about themselves and their place in Ireland. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book, I must confess that Osian's storytelling, compelled me to read this book in one day. I found myself to be like the Brothers at the monastery, hanging on the words of Osian, never ready for them to end.

A new look at the human nature of our legends

I was so happy with this book..It was well written with joy, happiness, drama, and critical eyes. It looked to Patrick not as a saint but as a human with flaws. But did not demonize him, instead it made him human, he cares but is flawed. Comparisions between Patrick and the Fenians (particularly Fionn) and between Christ and the Fenians were wonderful way to bring him to life. It also provided through the stories of Osian a glance back at the old realities and how they continue to color the nature of Ireland and its peoples

Enchanting! I couldn't put it down...

If you are at all interested the history of Ireland or the life of Saint Patrick, you will love this book! The author takes the few facts that are actually known about St. Patrick and the Irish legend Finn Mac Cool and from them weaves a lyrical, engaging story. The characters of Patrick and Osian are completely believable and the stories they tell are inspiring and meaningful. The book revisits all the old Irish mythology (like the story of Dhiarmaid & Grainne) and makes it very human and believable. It then adds the struggle of St. Patrick to understand the natives of Ireland and teach them about his God. The stories tie together perfectly, and the book resonates with meaning. I had tears in my eyes at the end of this novel. It's an incredible read.

Woven Enchantment

In the interests of full disclosure, I should say that I am a friend of the author, Juilene Osborne-McKnight. As a writer myself, I'm also green with envy at her achievement. She has woven the very human story of a saint, Patrick, into the ancient myths of Ireland. And vice versa. Osian tells these magical legends to Patrick not just for their own sake: they serve a crucial function. Stories, in this book's world, have life-changing power. What I love about this book is the way it conveys a sense of a person's individual destiny, of the meaning behind even the most apparently incongruous events in Patrick's life. But this is all done with a light touch, through the power of story combined with a strong vein of humor: Patrick, a wonderful, irascible character, does not go willingly towards his life's purpose. In this he's thoroughly human and he tells his own story in a unique, even curmudgeonly voice. In this book Patrick and the ancient legends of Ireland are brought together--and brought to life. It's a wonderful read.