Helpful Score: 2
This book was originally written in Irish, and the translators tried to keep as much of the flavor of the language as possible. They admit that a lot is lost in the translation. The story itself was interesting enough, but the language is what makes or breaks the book as a whole. If you want to catch the rhythm and speech patterns of the Irish language, you will probably enjoy this book. A lot of Gaelic terms are left in, with a footnote of their translation the first time we encounter it. If it bothers you that every single time someone speaks, they begin with, "The devil to you," or that a five-year-old says phrases like, "Let it be so," you will probably not enjoy this book. Getting through the phrasing makes this slim book a bit of a heavy read, but an interest in Irish history and language make it worth the time.
