Song of Duiske by John A. Ryan

Description

In south Kilkenny, where Duiske stream joins the river Barrow at Graiguenamanagh, lies one of Ireland's many Norman-Cistercian abbeys. Song of Duiske is a novella set amongst this monastic community in the year 1304, a century after the abbey's foundation. It evokes the textures and rhythms of a medieval religious settlement, its peaceful routines as well as occasional trials, and celebrates with quiet lyricism the seasons and their solaces, 'the open sky, the fields and the woods'. 'A show more little bouquet of beauty ... every page throws up a gem' - Vincent Lawrence, Sunday Press 'Vision-like in its effect, to be savoured rather than gulped ... a small classic of Irish literature' - Seán Dunne, The Cork Examiner 'A tiny masterpiece ... like a miniature painting. If I were forced to live on a desert island, the little book I would want with me would be Song of Duiske' - Pat Donlon, RTE's 'First Edition' show less

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siriaeve 2,439 reviews

A lovely little novella which is part recounting of a year in the life of a Cistercian abbey in the Middle Ages, part love letter to the landscape of the Barrow valley in Kilkenny. Nothing much happens, just the rhythms of daily life, but you really feel like you get to know the brothers of Duiske.

½

Aug 4, 2025

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