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Shannon Audiobook

Shannon: A Novel

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Publisher's Summary

In the summer of 1922, Robert Shannon, a young American hero of the Great War, lands in Ireland. A Marine chaplain, he was present at the frightful Battle of Belleau Wood, and he still suffers from shell shock. His mentor hopes that a journey Robert had always wanted to make - to find his family roots - will restore his equilibrium and his vocation. Unbeknownst to Robert, a safety net has been spread beneath him: All along the banks of the river that bears his family name, a chain of support has been put into place - to guide him, nurture him, and protect him. But there is more to the story: On his return from the war, Robert Shannon witnessed startling and lethal corruption in the Archdiocese of Boston. As a consequence, he has also been sent to Ireland to secure his silence - permanently.

At dawn one morning, Robert steps ashore from a freighter in the river's estuary and is thrust headlong into the maelstrom of Irish politics, with the country now roiling from the civil war that followed the 1921 Treaty with Britain. While Robert faces the dangers of a strife-torn nation and is pursued by the venom of true evil, Ireland's myths and people, its beliefs and traditions, its humor and wit, unfurl healingly before his feet every step of the way. And the River Shannon, her beauty, her legends, and her lore, give comfort to the young man, who is inspired by the words of his mentor: "Find your soul and you'll live."

Driven by his eloquent passion for his country and its spirit, Frank Delaney, the acclaimed author of Ireland and Tipperary, returns once more to his home terrain with a beautifully written, meticulously researched, and expertly paced novel. Shannon is a timeless and unforgettable account of salvation, belief, duty - and the healing power of discovering one's roots. In these pages, faith, commitment, the benign quirks of Irish myth, and the menace of Irish history all coalesce into an epic narrative of one young America...

©2009 Frank Delaney; (P)2009 Random House

What Members Say

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Performance


There are no listener reviews for this title yet.

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  • Brian
    Chelmsford, MA, United States
    4/03/14
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    "Masterpiece"
    Where does Shannon rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

    It is near the top and the best of Delaney's books. There is a mystery slowly unfolding on many levels and the author brings us along the twisting river of love, danger, history, politics, religion, psychology, war, and murder. From Boston to Limerick


    What did you like best about this story?

    Frank Delaney and the varied and interesting characters we encounter.


    Have you listened to any of Frank Delaney’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

    He is at the top of his game! I could listen to him read the phone book!


    Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

    Laughed and Cried a number times


    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • Greg
    minnetonka, MN, United States
    17/08/09
    Overall
    "Marvelous Tale"

    This is only the 2nd "5" I've given. Frank Delaney has both of them. Brilliant writer (story teller). Great narrator (story teller).

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • Rosemary
    Alexandria, VA, United States
    22/09/14
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    "A Feast for Soul, Heart -- and Ear"
    What did you love best about Shannon?

    I can't remember when I've enjoyed a book this much. I had read Delaney's "Ireland" on Kindle and much enjoyed that, too. The fact that Delaney himself narrates this book enlivens and enhances it. No fake Irish accent here. Delaney's vocal switches with each character are subtle, never overdone, and suit the style of the book well. The characters are richly drawn, the plot is suspenseful and treats history respectfully, and the descriptions of the land and river are keenly vivid.


    What other book might you compare Shannon to and why?

    Ireland, also by Delaney. I'm trying to think of books that give The Great War and its effects such depth within a fictional work. How I wish it had been "the war to end all wars" - but Delaney recounts its horrors in a way far more compelling than a straight historical account.


    Which character – as performed by Frank Delaney – was your favorite?

    Besides Robert? (which is a given), I'd have to say Ellie Kennedy. Her strength, skill, intelligence, initiative, and humor will stay with me. I wish I had a friend like her.


    Who was the most memorable character of Shannon and why?

    Besides Robert? I'd have to say Vincent Patrick Ryan. Although he's the "villain," Delaney skillfully gives us enough back story that he becomes, if not sympathetic, at least complex. Without him, the story would have been much flatter.


    Any additional comments?

    I'll be looking for more in the same vein.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Humboldt Blue
    Eureka, CA
    9/01/15
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    "Heartfelt"
    What did you love best about Shannon?

    The relationship between the hero and his nurse.


    What was one of the most memorable moments of Shannon?

    The ending: without giving it away, did he or didn't he? From what Delaney told us, could a priest with secrets really escape the Vatican?


    What about Frank Delaney’s performance did you like?

    He's easy to listen to, with an entertaining style.


    Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

    The details of the love story.


    Any additional comments?

    A most enjoyable experience, including revelations about the priesthood that are usually kept secret.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Barbara
    LEXINGTON, KY, United States
    6/06/13
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    "Mildly entertaining"
    What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

    This book was difficult to get into. I had to start over because I was not following the thread of the story. The second time I managed to finish it, but still wanted it to be over so many times! The second half of the book was much more interesting than the first half, and I wished I had a hard copy book to be able to flip back to the beginning and try to figure out who all those people were that he had met prior to ending up at Nurse Kennedy's house.


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • james griffin
    16/03/09
    Overall
    "shannon"

    I kept waiting for some substance. The plot is weak with nothing to keep the listener engaged.

    0 of 4 people found this review helpful

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