Thomas J. Rice

Rice's memoir is about growing up in rural Ireland on a poor, rocky farm that barely sustained his family. He tells about the community spirit, neighbors coming together to help each other. About the poor schooling, running up and down the mountainsides with his friends, playing Gaelic football, working with his neighbor's fabulous Arabian horses, passion for music and dance, etc. Being the only son and sole child remaining at home when his older sisters all emigrated, he quit school at an early age to help his mother on the farm (his father being mostly absent). But eventually he realized that there wasn't much future on such poor land, and convinced his mother to sell everything so they could move to America. After seeing how tightly knit their community was, and how much pride they took in working the land, it was heartbreaking to see them pull up their roots and leave it all behind. Their first stop in Sheffield, England where one of his sisters had a boarding house, was much more difficult than they'd imagined, but young Rice (only seventeen) and his mother persisted in following their dream against all obstacles.

The book is about more than just his family and experiences growing up. There's also quite a lot of Irish history, which I pretty much unfamiliar with, so the first few chapters were a bit difficult to get through. But eventually I came to see how all the legends, heroes and tales kept alive in ballads and oral memories were an integral part of the people's character, and shaped what they were even though the events were several generations past. Rice's own mother was involved in the Irish Civil War of 1922 and quite the local hero; everyone looked up to her and she really was an amazing woman. I really enjoyed reading this memoir. It was thoughtful, colorful, poignant and humorous at times. Full of unforgettable characters and wonderful tales. I'm anxious to see if Rice writes another book about his experiences in America someday...

from the Dogear Diary… (altro)

To say I loved this memoir would not be enough to express my feelings as I read this book. I am third generation Irish and I had knowledge on what living conditions were in Ireland found this story fascinating. He tells of his absent father who only came around every so often,and how his mother Maggie O'Toole, who was an amazing woman in her own right, held the family together with love and also discipline. Thomas becomes the man at an early age and helps out on the farm, plowing,seeding,harvesting, raising and selling sheep and his ability to work with horses. Thomas's goal is to sell the farm and move to America taking his mother along. That goal is a long time coming.

The story takes place in rural Ireland in the 50's and is a coming of age story of the author and the good times and the bad times that he and his family and neighbors endured to survive. In spite of the hard times the story portrayed how strong and prideful the Irish are of their customs and beliefs. Despite the lack of obtainable education,the poverty, and lack of jobs, these families persevered and did the best with what they had with pride and dignity.

The characters that Thomas writes about are interesting, funny and a joy to read about. The way Thomas wrote his story was so easy to read, I almost could smell the turf burning in the fireplace, or the cold seeping through the cracks in the house in the bleak winters. I felt like I was in the same room as Thomas described the craic( music and entertainment). This is his life, sometimes funny and sometimes sad and very down to earth. I highly recommend this book...Irish storytelling at it's best!!!

About the Author

Thomas J. Rice grew up in Ireland. On July 4th, 2009, he celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his arrival in New York City. He was granted a scholarship to Cornell University, earned a doctorate, and became a college professor and social activist. He lives with his wife in Andover, Massachusetts.

I received this book from Lauren Pires, Book Publicist, Jane Wesman Public Relations, Inc. for review. I was not compensated monetarily for my honest review.… (altro)