Alice Taylor (1) (1938–)

Alice Taylor recalls a childhood in rural Ireland where family is the foundation of life; where religion is a keystone; where neighbors, even eccentric ones, came through when they were needed; and children were free to roam and discover when their chores were done. Short chapters depict haymaking, the walk to and from school, Christmas, individual characters or relatives, sad events and joyous occasions. The style is simple and straightforward but evocative. Several colloquial terms had me show more checking the dictionary and looking for pictures online to understand a process or item that is no longer in use. This is the first of 3 books Taylor wrote about her childhood and I will be looking for the others. show less

I tend to romanticize certain things citydwellers are ignorant about, like milking cows and village life. But Alice Taylor describes how tough farm work can be and how petty village life can be while still giving it all a wistful and comforting sense. This author was recommended to me by someone in a position to confirm that she really does write with accuracy about her subjects. This novel centers around a family that undergoes some tragedies, with highlighting of the importance of the role show more of the woman of the house. In the end, it wasn't the woman I was expecting. Everything wraps up tidily but I imagine in a small community, being forced to actually be a community, this isn't unusual. show less

This short collection of stories is a feel good reminiscing of growing up in the Irish countryside. Alice Taylor recalls her childhood, her marriage, her neighbors, her children, and her faith in often times hilarious and insightful clarity and the reader is stuck wishing that they too lived in a quaint little village in Ireland. At least that's how I felt. When I finished listening to the audiobook, I wanted to pack up my suitcase and head over. Such a serene sounding life, beautiful and show more filled with wonder. Listening to the audiobook was also nice because the narrator had such a wonderful voice (anyone with an Irish accent has a nice voice, but that's beside the point).

This is a must read or listen for anyone obsessed with the Irish countryside or small village life. It's a quick read (only a 4 hour audiobook, so I can only imagine how short the actual book is), easy to put down, because each chapter is a short essay or remembrance. show less

The second of four memoirs of rural life in a large family in Ireland covers the authors years in secondary school. Included are tales of home life, local characters, and the changing lifestyle in the mid-twentieth century. Tales are beautifully written, that get to the heart of a character, event or way of life. Thoroughly enjoyed.