This wasn’t the first of my growing collection of Ireland related books that I started, but it was an easy first across the finish line. Part personal history, part Irish history, and part travelogue, Frank Gannon’s book Midlife Irish is a tremendously enjoyable read that I recommend to anyone interested in Ireland. Gannon was a 40-something, first-generation Irish American, who after both of his parents passed away set out to learn more about his own ‘Irishness’ and his parent’s seldom spoken about homeland.
This was really an ideal read for me, as I find myself in a similar place as Gannon did. My own Irish history is much more distant that his, I’m the fourth-generation since my Great Great Grandfather Michael Casey immigrated to Chicago from County Limerick, and happily my parents are still with us. But like Gannon I’m also recently curious about my family history, and planning my first trip to Ireland with hopes of exploring my ‘Irishness’ and touring a country that has intrigued me my whole life. The book offered many humorous insights into the Irish character, useful history that explains this unique character, and thoughtful reflection on family and personal history.
You don’t have to be Midlife Irish or even planning a trip to Ireland to enjoy this book. But if you are, it’s certainly a must read.