Carolan's Farewell
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Price:
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$29.95
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On Sale:
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25/08/2005
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Formats:
Hardcover
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Listen as author Charles Foran discusses the history and context behind the writing of Carolan's Farewell in this series of exclusive videos.
Based on the life of Terence Carolan, a legendary blind composer
and harper who travelled the 18th-century Irish countryside, Carolan’s
Farewell is gifted writer Charles Foran’s most luminous—and mischievous—novel
yet. It is 1737, and the ailing Carolan, having completed an arduous pilgrimage,
is returning home across a famine-ravaged Ireland. By his side is Owen Connor,
his faithful companion. Master and servant, they are like Don Quixote and Sancho
Panza, friends to the end. A tender, funny, sad and utterly delightful story
with priceless dialogue on every page, Carolan’s Farewell is a
note-perfect read.
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Author Extras
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Critical Praise for
Carolan's Farewell
"Carolan’s Farewell is a fine elegiac novel, evoking in luminous prose an 18th-century Ireland blighted by history and left to suffer. With great economy of means, Charles Foran creates a powerful portrait of the friendship between a blind composer and his faithful guide, in the process revealing much about the frustrations of a person too bright for his station, the degradations of those who have been robbed of their roles, and the misery of the uncared for poor. This is a novel about longing and loss, social decline, class tension and the power—as well as the limits—of art and its creator. And it is funny, very funny in places. Carolan’s Farewell is a pleasure to read."
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Yann Martel, author of Life of Pi
"The brilliance of this fine novel arises from the basic delights of the narrative. It is a wonderful story told with grace and wit, an erudite book, yet thoroughly juicy and often very funny. Considerable research has gone into its making. From political background to the nuances of everyday life, the facts have been woven into vivid dialogue and prose that is sumptious, yet rarely extravagant. ... Carolan's Farewell may well be Charles Foran's hello to the top ranks of contemporary fiction."
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The Montreal Gazette
"This is a beautiful, beautiful book. A book to live in for awhile."
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The Telegraph-Journal (St. John)
"Deft and moving, Carolan's Farewell achieves its greatest strength in the depiction of friendship between the blind harper and the foundling guide who inspires his master to make music, possibly his finest music."
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Calgary Herald
"Foran is a master of language and metaphor, and the structure of this novel allows him full range, particularly with his ear for clever, funny, very human dialogue. This book is about many things, but primarily, ultimately, about the twin powers of art and friendship. It's a deeply satisfying read."
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QUill & Quire
Reader Reviews from First Look
This is a fascinating tale of a blind harper and his friend in Ireland during the early 1700's. The theme of friendship and loyalty prevails during intriguing glimpses of life in the Irish countryside that's deeply affected by famine.
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Sheila (High River, AB)
This is a fascinating tale of a blind harper and his friend in Ireland during the early 1700's. The theme of friendship and loyalty prevails during intriguing glimpses of life in the Irish countryside that's deeply affected by famine.
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Sheila (High River, AB)
Charles Foran is a uniquely gifted writer. Richer in dialogue than almost any book I've ever read, Carolan's Farewell has characters so very believable you'll miss them when it's done. Despite being stripped bare, with the good and the ugly displayed as one, the characters are never revolting, because even at their worst you can recognize yourself in them.
A fantastic story for any musician or music-lover, this book is one that takes you on the often-discussed but rarely-found 'journey of the soul'.
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Andrea (Glasgow SCOTLAND United Kingdom, AK)
This book was a delightful surprise! At times heartbreaking, at times laugh out loud funny, it portrays the solid friendship of Terence and Owen. The banter between the two is especially priceless! I was quite happy to clop along side them on their journey!
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Maria (Toronto, ON)
At first, I had a hard time getting into this book, but it's worth the investment. It's a great rollicking story, and Charles Foran has a certain gift with dialogue. It reads almost like an Edward Rutherford novel, but with a much smaller, more intimate scope, which really works in the case of Carolan's Farewell. Owen Connor is a well-made, well-developed character whose faults and flaws endear him to the reader.
Carolan himself, blind, scarred, and withering in his old age, becomes the perfect bard, and the novel is as much about life after loss as it is about the impact of his music upon his life.
I would easily recommend this book to my friends.
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Deanna (Toronto, ON)
A poignant tale of the nuanced delicacies of a lifelong friendship.
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Fiona (Southampton, ON)
Great read. Really enjoyed it.
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Michael (Nelson, BC)
Carolan's Farewell is a "genuine" read. Charles Foran continues to create characters that are so real yet extraordinary and he is able to place you right inside these people, making you one with their story and their environment.
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Kirsty (Waterloo, ON)
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Carolan's Farewell
Luminous and mischievous, Carolan’s Farewell is the story of a journey home and of changing times. In 18th-century Ireland, the legendary harper Carolan and his faithful companion Owen Connor make a final ride across a countryside ravaged by famine and the collapse of old traditions, but...
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