Cheryl's Book Nook

Tribune: How strong is the pulse of literary fiction, criticism and serious examination of literature in the 21st century? Who are today's shining literary lights? Frank Delaney: "Great question! People have been saying for generations, “Oh, the novel is dead.” Well, it ain't – nor is that wonderful American invention, creative nonfiction, nor is biography, nor is political writing. And as well as the books, the commentariat is alive and well. In fact, there's an argument to be made that it's healthier than ever, because we now have this wonderful new creature, the Literary Blogger. I'm a massive fan of this gorgeous animal, with all its fur and feathers – for a number of reasons. My main complaint about the general direction of literary criticism over the last century has been – and Joyce is a case in point – that it tended, in its lofty tone and often impenetrable language (not to mention occasional vendetta behavior), to be antidemocratic, to keep certain a...

Venetia has traveled back to Ireland. She is joined by her new husband. A man that is cruel and nothing like Ben. No matter where Venetia is, Ben always has her on his mind. Ben would go to the ends of the Earth for her. That is why; Ben goes on his last trip to reclaim Venetia as his forever. The Last Storyteller is the last book about couple, Ben MacCarthy and his true love, Venetia Kelly. I have enjoyed reading these books. I instantly fell in love with Ben, Venetia and author, Delaney, when I picked up and read Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show. One of the things I enjoyed the most about these books was that Mr. Delaney was not only a great story teller but he had kind of a poetic way about him. He just brought all of the characters alive. The second book, The Matchmaker of Kenmare, I found to be a bit lacking but still a good book. This book made up for it. As I read these books, I am instantly transported back in time and it is like I am walking in Ben’s shoes. Ben may be soft spoke...

Kate Begley came from a line of matchmakers. It takes some skill to be a matchmaker and Kate is a natural. Kate is known as the Matchmaker of Kenmare. Kate is a little flighty but she has lots of personality and people just become drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Ben McCarthy from Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show has returned as the narrator in this book. When Ben first met Kate, he had come to write a story about matchmaking. Ben worked for the Folklore Commission. As Ben gets to know Kate, he becomes intrigued by her. They soon form a friendship. When Kate meets the dashing, Charles Miller, an American solider in the Army, she and Charles share feelings towards each other. They marry. Charles role in the Army takes him all over Europe. Kate worries about Charles and convinces Ben to travel with her to find Charles. You could read The Matchmaker of Kenmare as a stand alone novel, but to really appreciate this book and the characters, I would suggest reading Venetia Kelly’s Traveling...

The year was 1932. Ben MacCarthy and his father were heading out to watch the circus that had come to town. It was called the Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show. Ben can remember sitting in the stands, watching the show…his father laughing really hard at the talking ventriloquist, Blarney. As the show was ending, Ben’s father turns to him and tells him that he won’t be returning home with him. He is going to stay on with the circus. Ben returns home alone. His mother tasks Ben with tracking down and bringing his father home. Ben travels all over the country side, following the circus. Will Ben be successful at his mission? Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show is one of those books that only comes along every once in a while. When it does and you ha better make sure you have the pleasure of reading it. I finished this book in one afternoon. I found myself instantly transported back in time with Ben. It was like I was walking in his shoes. All of the characters featured in this book had lots of de...