Let Me Die in Ireland: The True Story of Patrick

by David W. Bercot

Book Overview

This work cuts through all of the myths about St. Patrick and presents the authentic, stirring account of one of the greatest missionaries who ever lived. Patrick gave up a comfortable life as an... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0924722088
• ISBN13: 9780924722080
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Scroll Publishing Company
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Creative retelling of the true history of St. Patrick

One of my all-time favorite books! Carefully researched, skillfully written, this is a biography that reads like a novel. Contrary to popular misconception, Patrick was neither Irish, nor Catholic--yet he did more to shape the face of Ireland and even the entire continent of Europe than any extra-biblical saint! See how surrendering his life to God and persisting in prayer against all odds yielded powerful, nation-changing results. It'll bolster your faith and inspire readers to see what God might be calling them to accomplish through Him! Great end notes and appendixes. Outline of Irish history in the back is very revealing. For you sanctified Celtic souls out there, this is a must read!

Cuts To The Chase

A sixteen year old boy - Patric - from a prosperous family belonging to the autonomous Celtic church is taken captive, along with some of his family's servants. Patric is portrayed as whiny and snobbish, which provides more depth and drama as he learns to survive in a strange, savage land where he is kept as a slave. The only thing that turned me off was the way people spoke in modern English. Bercot didn't need to make them use "thees" and "thous" - but he fubbed up in using "Don't kid yourself". Through the help of an elderly slave, Cedd, who is also a British captive, Patric finds faith, and purpose, and meaning in life. After God has decided his time of trial in Ireland is over, He helps Patric escape. This suspensful journey is the a real heart-throbber. Then comes the tear-jerker, as Patric, who is now a grown man, is finally reunited with his parents. When it looks as though his life was about normal, Patric has a dream where God tells him to return to Ireland. Oh no! Patric doesn't really want to go back, but knows he must, and faces ridicule and rejection as those around him respond with either condecension, or with jeers. A wise man advises him to wait until the church leaders send him, rather than going on his own, and years pass without them doing more than elevating him to the office of a deacon. Finally, after another church sends a missionary to Ireland, people realize that Patric's bright idea was more than an idea: It was a calling. Journey with Patric as he shares the light of the Gospel with those he has come to love, and receives the answer to his prayer, "Let me die in Ireland."

Convicting to the core!

I just grabbed this book for something to read on the bus and didn't have high expectations for it. Although I'm starting to get into the writings of early Christians, I didn't thnk Patrick would be that important. Was I wrong! His story is very interesting, but more important I was extremely inspired by his message and convictions. A couple of examples in particular are how he prayed like "the persistant widow" to get out of Ireland where he was taken to to be sold as a slave, and how when he did escape, God called him back to spread the good news. The seriousness of his commitment inspired me deeply. He did not hesitate to excommunicate anyone who wasn't living according to the Word and he preached that the decision to become a Christian is not something to be taken lightly. "...there is no turning back. It would be far better to never become a Christian than to become one and revert to your former ways." Also, just how he totally devoted himself to Christ, was willing to put up with hardship and make any sacrifice, had utmost integrity and forgave his betrayors. You can sense the struggles reading this book, but he persevered. The book is a quick read, and while the author admits using artistic license to recreate the dialogue, his main sources of information for the book are Patrick's "Testimony" and his letter of excommunication sent to the British king. I highly recommend this very inspiring book.

Simply Great!!!

Read this book; a truly astonishing and provocative tale

Truly Amazing

This book is great; an incredibly provocative tale about an unassuming. I was astonished to learn the truth about his life.