New from Charles Foran, the award-winning author of The Last House of Ulster is Carolan’’s Farewell. 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.
Charles Foran is the acclaimed author of three novels, including House on Fire and Butterfly Lovers, and three non-fiction works, including The Story of My Life (so far) and the Governor General’s Award finalist The Last House of Ulster. An award winning author and journalist, Foran also produces radio documentaries for CBC’s Ideas. Born and raised in Toronto, he received an M.A. in Irish literature from University College, Dublin. Charles Foran lives in Peterborough,Ontario.
Both scholarly and powerfully human, Carolan’s Farewell is as much about Ireland itself as it is about its two central characters, and that country’s God-sodden excesses have rarely been so vividly portrayed.” — Georgia Strait
This book is about many things, but primarily, ultimately, about the twin powers of art and friendship. It’s a deeply satisfying read.” — Quill & Quire
On sale September 8, everywhere books are sold, or from McNally Robinson
