Dancing to an Irish Reel by Claire Fullerton – A book review
Oh to be twenty-something again, but this time with the same intuitive sensibility as Hailey Crossan, the heroine of this fictional story.
That thought crossed my mind many times while reading Claire Fullerton’s novel, Dancing to an Irish Reel. I had the pre-decided notion that I would relate personally to Hailey’s experience being that, like her, I’m an American woman involved with an Irish gentleman. Relate I did, but not where I expected to. Our relationships are as different as our personalities and the same goes for the men in our lives. So I reread the book with no expectation or comparison and it won my heart over.
What I most connected with were the references to western Ireland geography, weather, language, and societal mores — they are impeccable. I could nearly hear the distinct Connemara blas when natives spoke. Ms. Fullerton nailed the vernacular, evidence she had spent time in the setting either researching the book or being 
inspired to write it. How fortunate for her because the west of Ireland is a spectacular place to be.
Another appealing part of this book for me is the use of genuine locations. One pub in particular made me smile each time it was mentioned. My husband and I celebrated there with friends and family days before our wedding and returned again on the day following our wedding. I’ve eaten, drank, danced, shopped, and wandered in many of the places that are written about. And the places I was less familiar with, I found myself drawn to explore.
The story reads more like a true narrative rather than one of fiction. As Hailey keenly observes the nuances of Irish life, her confusion about her swain, Liam Hennessy, begins to make sense and she gains knowledge about the realities of life with an Irish man whose first loves are music and family. While all this is happening she remains remarkably level-headed and generous with her time and affections for friends, co-workers, and neighbours. In their own unique way, they provide insights that may or may not relieve some of her uncertainty; if not, they at least help to take her mind off the wonders of her heart while also enhancing the storyline.
Hailey and Liam’s relationship is not an uncommon scenario here in Ireland. Bittersweet at times, there’s an innocence and naivety to their love story that had me reading between the lines of their dialogue right up to the end of the book. I’ll admit, the ending was unexpected but not surprising. I could easily see a sequel to this book and would welcome it with open arms.
Would I recommend the book? Absolutely. Who would I recommend it to? Anyone living apart from Ireland who wants to get a sense of its people and intrinsic nature. Anyone who is living in or has visited Ireland and wants a reminder of how unique a culture it is. Readers who are interested in real life relationships, full of complications and void of fairy tale scenarios would also find this story appealing. If you enjoy a really good piece of fictional writing, then Dancing to an Irish Reel is for you.
Dancing to an Irish Reel – Google+ page
Dancing to an Irish Reel – Facebook page:
Follow Claire on Twitter: @cfullerton3
About the Reviewer:
Melissa Gillan “The Aran Artisan” is an Amercan lady who married her Irishman and moved to Ireland on love and a prayer. She and her husband work the land, raise their children, and do everything the Irish way. Her Blog, “The Aran Artisan“ is a favorite stop for many who love her style of sharing the Irish way of life in an American voice. She was chosen specifically for this review to deem how authentic and how successful Claire Fullerton had made Dancing to an Irish Reel. Living in the area of the setting for the book, she would know.
Lit World Interviews 
Reblogged this on The Aran Artisan and commented:
I’m very grateful for the opportunity to share my book review on Lit World Interviews.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a book I have to read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And you should. I think you’d find it very relatable Monique for similar reasons to me.
LikeLike
Thank you so much for articulating your insightful review of “Dancing to an Irish Ree!!” To think of you, as an American living in the Aran Islands, reading this book and pronouncing it accurate is a dream come true! Now I’m curious as to which pub in the book made you smile! And I absolutely love your blog. Every time I see a post, I want to come knock on your door for a cup of Barry’s Irish Gold splashed with a bit of Oranmore milk. Slainte, Melissa!
LikeLiked by 2 people
The pub is Taaffes Claire. The owners are good friends of Johnny’s family. Wonderful place and the Lally family are gorgeous people. Barry’s Gold it is with a fresh baked scone as well. Hope you don’t mind goat’s milk 😉
I so enjoyed reading and reviewing your brilliant book. Seeing it posted here is very exciting also. Ronovan is the best encourager and teacher. I am in such good company!! It is both an honour and a thrill.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Claire Fullerton was a guest on the Sunday Lunch show this week and here is a terrific review of her book Dancing to an Irish Reel by Melissa Gillan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your Sunday Lunch show was a great read Sally. You too are amazing at supporting fellow writers. Thank you for reblogging this. I’d love as many people as possible to hear about Claire’s book. Xx
LikeLike
Sally, you’re the gift that keeps on giving; just like my supportive friend, Ronovan Hester.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s great when a novel finds the perfect reader and reviewer. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
This is exactly it! Thank you, Olga!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I rock, right? 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂 When I read the book I had to hook these two up. I recognized the places in the book from places Melissa had mentioned. I was blown away. Both complimented the enjoyment of the other. And they are two of my favorite enjoyments in their areas.
LikeLike
Yes, Ronovan, you rock! Not only do you have the coolest name of all times, but you are generous of spirit and put in a lot of hard work to champion writers. So impressed with you, and so very grateful!
LikeLike
It really felt like a perfect match and I was thrilled to read it.
LikeLike
And you do rock Ronovan! Xx
LikeLike
It’s on my tbr pile after reading another excellent review. Looking forward to reading it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Brilliant to hear that it’s made your list. You won’t regret it for it’s a beautiful read. Enjoy!
LikeLiked by 2 people
A wonderful match of book and reviewer – without going into great detail, the reader knows exactly what to expect! I think I have to read this one!
LikeLiked by 3 people
If I were to review another book, I would hope it would be a similar match, Irish based in some way or another. It keeps with the tone of my other writings. It was more of a gift than a duty, so pleasurable to read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an absolutely amazing review! I loved it! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I must read this book! ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ah Colleen, you’re the best! Thanks for your positivity and encouragement. Do read and enjoy!! Hugs Xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is a terrific review. I’m intrigued and the cover is appealing as well. 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, the cover is stunning isn’t it? Suits the story so well too — the free spirit of the protagonist and the beauty of Ireland and the great Atlantic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you both like the cover. It was important to me that Hailey was standing looking seaward by herself, because it is her story!
LikeLike
Ireland always sounds like a magical place, made for a free spirit protagonist.<3
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes it is! It’s the kind of place where it’s best to roam around without a plan; this is when the magic happens!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly my feeling. 🙂
LikeLike
This is a wonderful book review I have just ordered it and its predecessor and look forward to reading it soon. Thank you for the suggestion. 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Enjoy them both and thank you for your kind words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person