Patrick: Son of Ireland

From Publishers Weekly
Devotees of prolific historical novelist Lawton (The Iron Lance) will enjoy this picaresque, which follows the legendary eponymous Irish saint through the "lost years" between his escape from slavery and his missionary work in Ireland. Though Succat, the hero, does not receive his more familiar name until late in the story and doesn't encounter even a single snake, he blazes a thrilling-and meticulously researched-trail across the Holy Roman Empire. Succat, the son of a Christian family of well-to-do fifth-century Britons, is captured by Irish raiders and sent to Ireland as a slave. After years of brutal conditions, he manages to escape. Having lost his faith in the Christian God while a slave, Succat studies druid theology and lives in a home with other druids, who give him the name "Patrick," Celtic for nobleman. He eventually returns to Britain; serves for a while as an assistant to Bishop Cornelius, who helps him find his faith again; studies in Gaul; and goes on to Rome, where he becomes a city official, marries and has a daughter. Yet Patrick is haunted by his memories of Ireland and comes to believe that he has a special mission there: to convert the Irish people to Christianity. His triumphant return changes the history of Eire. Lawhead wisely keeps the fantasy and folklore to a minimum and never grants Succat superhuman qualities. Patrick is unfailingly sympathetic and believable, and his story of losing and finding faith will resonate with a wide spectrum of readers. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
*Starred Review* Presumably the first installment of another of his fine medieval trilogies, Lawhead's Patrick portrays the famous saint's youth, beginning with his privileged, reckless young manhood in Wales. Patrick is captured by pirates and spends seven painful years as a slave to an Irish chieftain. At last he escapes, in some ways betraying the woman he loves, and makes his way to Gaul. He becomes a soldier, rises in the ranks, and marries a Roman noblewoman. This may be the novel's weakest point, for the reader knows Patrick's wife has to die, or he'll never return to Ireland for his true life's work. In any case, Patrick is well-researched, earthy, and full of action--about all one could desire in a historical novel. John Mort
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Book Description

Slave, soldier, lover, hero, saint, -- his life mirrored the cataclysmic world into which he was born. His memory will outlast the ages.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A magnificent historical novel about the early life of the man who would one day be known as St. Patrick

In the summer of the year AD 405, Irish raiders under the command of King Eochaid attack the western coast of Wales, setting fire to towns and farms, stealing cattle and grain, and carving a fiery swathe through the peaceful countryside. Many of those who survive the attack are rounded up and carried back to Ireland.

Among the survivors is a 16-year-old boy named Succat--the impulsive and willful young scion of a British noble family--who is sold in the slave market to a merciless ruler. When Succat is gravely punished after a foiled attempt to escape, he comes to the attention of Cormac, a novice Druid eager to practice his healing skills. Succat learns to respect the Druid's lore and love of learning and is given a new name, Patrick, the Celtic word for nobleman.

What follows is the story of Patrick's "missing years"--years of calamity, defeat, and crushing disappointment that form him into a bard and advisor to the High King of Ireland, and lead to the mission for which his name will be remembered throughout history.

Author Biography: Stephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. His works include the first two books of the Celtic Crusades, The Iron Lance and The Black Rood; Byzantium; the Pendragon Cycle; the Song of Albion and Dragon King trilogies; and the science fiction novels Empyrion I and II and Dream Thief.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Devotees of prolific historical novelist Lawton (The Iron Lance) will enjoy this picaresque, which follows the legendary eponymous Irish saint through the "lost years" between his escape from slavery and his missionary work in Ireland. Though Succat, the hero, does not receive his more familiar name until late in the story and doesn't encounter even a single snake, he blazes a thrilling-and meticulously researched-trail across the Holy Roman Empire. Succat, the son of a Christian family of well-to-do fifth-century Britons, is captured by Irish raiders and sent to Ireland as a slave. After years of brutal conditions, he manages to escape. Having lost his faith in the Christian God while a slave, Succat studies druid theology and lives in a home with other druids, who give him the name "Patrick," Celtic for nobleman. He eventually returns to Britain; serves for a while as an assistant to Bishop Cornelius, who helps him find his faith again; studies in Gaul; and goes on to Rome, where he becomes a city official, marries and has a daughter. Yet Patrick is haunted by his memories of Ireland and comes to believe that he has a special mission there: to convert the Irish people to Christianity. His triumphant return changes the history of Eire. Lawhead wisely keeps the fantasy and folklore to a minimum and never grants Succat superhuman qualities. Patrick is unfailingly sympathetic and believable, and his story of losing and finding faith will resonate with a wide spectrum of readers. (Feb.) Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.

VOYA - Heather Hepler

Lawhead attempts to reclaim the lost years of the legendary Saint Patrick's life, from his escape from slavery to his life in the dwindling Holy Roman Empire and his eventual return to Ireland. Born Maewyn Succat, Patrick has a good life as the son of a fifth-century noble Briton. When captured by marauding Irish raiders, he is forced into slavery in Eire, and he must endure a brutal life. His ultimate escape finds him a broken man, devoid of faith. He finds shelter first with the Druids and then with Bishop Cornelius in Britain. Between the two, he ultimately regains his faith and finds his way back to his birthright of Christianity. His subsequent life in Rome, where he marries and has a daughter, finds him haunted by dreams of Ireland, and he braves a rough journey to return and find his place back in the community of Eire and ultimately into the history books. Devoid of supernatural happenings and the snakes that Patrick is credited with driving out of Ireland, Lawhead's novel paints a compassionate and believable tale about a man regaining his faith. Filled with rich realism and believable characters, this first-person narrative will engage readers interested in the legend of Saint Patrick as well as those simply attracted to novels that investigate medieval culture. The few weak points can be forgiven as necessary for the character's development. Engaging action scenes and gripping dialogue keep the story flowing, while the novel's quiet themes maintain its depth. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P S A/YA (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult and Young Adult). 2003, HarperCollins, 454p,

Kirkus Reviews