Tipperary takes us to Ireland at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, where a revolution is beginning to stir. It is the story of Charles O'Brien, a wandering healer, and his pursuit of a woman and a dream. We hear Charles' story in his own words, and in the words of a modern-day narrator, who interrupts Charles' story with bits of history about the characters and the times.
The parts of the book in Charles' voice were an interesting read. I found myself rooting for the simple, naive man as he tried over and over to win the heart of his true love. Many times, the other narrator felt more like a history text and less like a work of fiction. It wasn't until the last third of the book that his part in the story started to become clear. Perhaps the story would have worked better for me in a different format - one third of the book in Charles' voice, one third in the other narrator's voice, and the last third with the two combined. Ultimately, I don't think this book will persuade me to seek out more by Delaney, but I did appreciate the chance to give him a try.
Finished: 8/8/07
Rating: 5/10
Source: LibraryThing Early Reviewers program
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