Reviews

The Red-Haired Girl from the Bog: The Landscape of Celtic Myth and Spirit by Patricia Monaghan

thelibraryskeeper's review

4.0

"I have news for you: spring comes everywhere with sweetness and hope. Summer's fullness becomes harvest, then the world sleeps through a dark time. This is only truth: that just as Ireland is sacred, so all land is sacred, as we are all sacred. This is my news."

I have never read anything by Monaghan before, and I picked this book up on a total whim. The title caught my eye at my local library and I have been reading a lot about Norse mythology and Celtic traditions. I can't even begin to describe how amazing the writing is in this book. It feels like I'm sitting at a table hearing these stories over dinner and drinks. Its so laid back while being incredibly informative. I love that this is more a journey about finding her history than discussing history and myth.

I highly recommend this read for anything interested in the myths and environment of Ireland. The beautiful landscape and stories so deeply rooted in the land.

haexelhasel's review against another edition

informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

5.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual assault

jafeyrer's review against another edition

5.0

This book invokes Ireland and the Irish - it's people, it's places, it's really good beer which I never fully appreciated first time around - so strongly for me that reading it gives me an almost painful longing to return.

ciannait76's review against another edition

3.0

I have mixed feelings about this book, I liked it but at the same time hated it. I just can't figure out why. There are some beautifully made concepts in it but at times I just wanted to say yeah yeah yeah and then what. Maybe I need to read it again later...

meg510's review against another edition

informative mysterious reflective slow-paced

4.0

A bit slow for me to get into but ultimately fascinating.