Author: Emma Donoghue

Some time ago Pat and I watched a travel documentary on Ireland. One of the places that was talked about was Skellig Michael. This is a fictional account of the very first monks to settle on the island.

Three priests set out by boat from a well established monastery in search of a spot where they would be way from all of the worldly temptations. The island they came ashore on was remote and rugged – there was only one tree and the island was inhabited only by birds. The zealousness of the leader meant it was a very hard life for his two followers.

This is quite unlike any of the other books I’ve read by Donoghue. I didn’t know of the connection between the story and Skellig Michael until I read the author’s notes.

Goodreads Rating: * * * *