The Shamrock -- A Literary Signpost
Symbol of Iconic Irish Romance, Allure, Mystery and Fantasy
Mar 11, 2009
Following are some book titles that use the word shamrock as a literary signpost leading to the revelation of many facets of the Irish identity, as well as to ages-old and universal themes surrounding things poetic, mystical and romantic.
Books for Adults
Shamrock Green, by Jessica Stirling (2002)--The marriage of Sylvie and Gowry McCulloch was not made in heaven and has gone through difficult times. Settled now in Dublin, they have a daughter, Maeve, whom they both love dearly. Sylvie presides over the respectable Shamrock Hotel while Gowry is a driver for Flanagan's bus company.
Shamrock Tea, by Ciaran Carson (2001)—A brew of folklore, myth, anecdote and tall tale, written with a colorful, poetic flare that ignites a world beyond imagination. One reviewer called this book the literary equivalent of a Rubik’s cube that soon seduces the reader.
Shamrock and Sword, by John K. Mahon (1989)--This non-fiction work is a compelling account of activities of the Saint Patrick’s Battalion in the U. S.-Mexican War (1846-1848).
Blood on the Shamrock, by Cathal Liam (2006)--Fictional hero Aran Roe O’Neill continues his struggle for Irish independence amid a complex network of loyalties and treachery. Although the sequel to Consumed in Freedom’s Flame, it stands on its own as a fine historical novel about Ireland’s Civil War in the 1920s.
Books for Young People
Shamrock Shenanigans, by Diana G. Gallagher (1999)--Sabrina wins the Other Realm spelling competition and the prize of a reality cheque. It may be cashed at any time to experience one instance of reality with no dire consequences. But what should she use it for? (This is number 19 in the Sabrina, the teenage witch, series.)
The Great Shamrock Disaster, by Patricia Reilly Giff (1993)--When the uniforms borrowed for the St. Patrick's Day Parade turn out to be too old and too big, Michelle Swoop tries to find a way to save the day for the Lincoln Lions Band. (Children & young adult series)
The Shamrock Scare, by Duendes Del Sur (2004)—This is No. 19 in the Scooby-Doo! Picture Clue Book series. .Scooby and the gang are going to a St. Patrick's Day party. But someone took the shamrocks! Was it a leprechaun? Looks like there's a new mystery to solve. (For ages 4-8). The Picture Clue books are based on the traditional "rebus Reader", using a picture as a tool for learning a word. This gives a young reader a sense of pride that she is "reading" the story. All pictures and vocabulary are on flashcards at the end of the book
All of these titles are available online in both new and used editions
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