As a Daniel and an Irishman, I feel a deep connection to the song, but there just isn't a lot of information about its genesis. So McCourt uses a lot of filler to draw things out and the book meanders around Irish history for a bit. This subject probably would have been better suited for an article than a book.

A bad term paper. Too wide margins and space between the lines. Mostly other people's writings compiled here in a terrible amateurish way. Shame on the publisher for capitalizing on the McCourt name.

I don't want to rate it because I didn't pay much attention to the description before downloading it. It's possibly a delightful read if you know the song or have an interest in it. I thought it was going to be McCourt storytime. Nope. Not interested.

Went from 'meh' to 'why am I reading this?' with the turn of a page.

Informative, but nothing I couldn't have gotten from a well-written article, and I could have gone with a less artificially-imposed structure. Just watch this, really: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCbuRA...

DNF

I love "Danny Boy" so naturally, I was interested in picking this one up. While the book itself was informative and well-meaning, the writing was a bit dull. After a little bit, it was almost difficult to remain fascinated with the story and I honestly grew bored. It was an okay book overall.

Very interesting and informative.

Malachy McCourt tries to parse out the truth between all the legends and lore surrounding the popular ballad "Danny Boy". I confess that I was drawn to the book because it is a signed edition, I liked his previous work, and I have fond memories of a special old dear who won many karaoke contests with his rendition of the song. Finding out the lyrics were likely penned by an English barrister would have probably broke my friend's Irish heart. Much discussion about the possible meaning of the lyrics s covered but I don't think we will ever know for certain...perhaps it does not matter much. The ballad remains powerful for many.

One hundred pages seems like a lot to basically say: "We know who wrote the lyrics, but not who wrote the tune." However, McCourt's writing style is engaging and the various snippets of Irish history are interesting. The book is accompanied by a list of various recordings of the song and a somewhat random timeline, which includes the claim that the Irish were sent as slaves to the Indes. I wonder if McCourt is aware that this false equivalence of indentured servitude to chattel slavery is used by white supremacists to justify their worldview?

I have always loved the song Danny Boy and used to enjoy the wonderful performances of Malachy McCourt on several of my favorite soap operas. When I ran across this book at a flea market several years ago, I had to take it home. I really enjoyed it and read it over several times. I loved the information about the song that McCourt supplied but also enjoyed the little tidbits of history he supplied.

Several years later I included the book in a care package I sent to soldiers stationed in Kuwait. I got word from several of them how much they enjoyed the book also. Lately I have been thinking of picking up another copy.

Highly recommend it for anyone who loves the song, Danny Boy.

Very difficult to follow. Font was distracting and I really didn't learn much.