Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show
Frank Delaney
2010
427 pages
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Hello FTC, I’m so glad you stopped by. I received this book from the author, because I’m participating in a TLC tour.
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Let’s start with the bad, because it’s so minor, it really isn’t even a bad. The only thing I didn’t like about this novel is the title (okay, and the cover). In fact, I almost didn’t accept Lisa’s invitation to participate in this tour because of the title and the cover. Because while I love to read about Ireland, I’m not real enamored of show bizzy stories. And by show bizzy I mean anything pertaining to acting, movies, theater, Hollywood or tv. So I’ll confess to being a little apprehensive about this book.
Lucky for me, this book isn’t show bizzy at all, and it’s a marvelous story. Well, there is the traveling show, and some dramatic characters, but that just serves to set the stage. The traveling show doesn’t have a huge presence (although it does have a huge impact), and the show’s content is often more literary and political. So I never felt like I was reading about something that usually bores me to tears.
Our narrator also sets the stage quite early in the novel:
“I ask your forgiveness in advance. We Irish do this digression stunt. We’re so damn pleased with our ability to talk hind legs off donkeys, that we assume people like to listen.” -p. 11
Ben MacCarthy’s (Ben being our narrator) father becomes obsessed with the actress Venetia Kelly. As a result, Ben becomes caught up in the lives of the Kelly family. His father runs away from his family and farm to take up with the Kelly’s traveling show, and Ben’s mother orders him to “Stay near him. Follow wherever he goes. And don’t come home without him.” That’s easier said then done, since Ben’s father seems to have developed some elusive qualities. And as Ben chases after his father, he also becomes entranced by both Venetia and her beautiful mother Sarah.
Yet there’s something more going on, as Ben slowly discovers. The story is set in the 1930s, a turbulent time for Irish politics, and the MacCarthy’s are about to be drawn unawares into it all. Years later, after all of the drama and politics and machinations have played out, Ben searches out many of the players and tries to piece together the Kelly family history. The novel ends up telling the story of both Ben’s family and Venetia’s, and everything that transpires as a result of the folly of Ben’s father.
And yes, there are many digressions. Ben tells the story in mostly a linear fashion, but he also interjects some observances from the present, so while you know something is going to happen you’re never quite sure what. I ended up being surprised at how it all played out, and the true nature of many of the characters. Of course, this means it’s a bit difficult to give a true synopsis of the story without ruining it all.
A final note about the characters…they are so vividly drawn. I could picture Ben and his parents having breakfast, and Venetia on stage with Blarney, and even King Kelly himself sweet talking his way across America. The characters definitely made the book for me, although I did like the story, as well, because of the unexpected surprises along the way. I’m not sure how I’ve managed to overlook Frank Delaney’s books (sorry Mr. Delaney) in the past, but I’m now a fan.
Many thanks to Mr. Delaney and TLC Book tours for introducing me to a new (to me) author and a wonderful book. You can check out TLC Book Tours for more info and the rest of the tour stops.
That’s an interesting bias. I don’t even put theatre and movies/hollywood/tv in the same category. I like books about live stage (either with people or puppets/marionettes), but don’t like them about movies-etc. Interesting…
(ps – that cover doesn’t appeal to me at all either)
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Sunday Salon – Simplifying =-.
Something about this book seems so charming. I think I may need to get my hands on a copy. I am actually really drawn to the cover!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..The Sunday Salon =-.
Sounds like a great read & it’s funny, but I think the cover is pretty cool, but I like that vintage circus poster kinda feel.
.-= Caitlin´s last blog ..Mailbox Monday =-.
I like how zany this one sounds. You’re right that I wouldn’t be drawn to it based on the cover or the title, but that’s why it’s good to keep an open mind! I like that it manages to be a family saga, while also talking about politics in Ireland, AND a crazy entertainer story too! What more could you want?!?
.-= Steph´s last blog ..Steph & Tony turn 3! =-.
And it goes places you wouldn’t expect…I really like that in a book.
The cover doesn’t bother me (nor does it wow me) but I agree on the somewhat clunky title.. glad you decided to give it a whirl anyway!! My late father in law (100% Irish) used to say he could talk the hind legs off a donkey! I thought it was an expression he made up, as he used a lot of colorful phrases. I love the premise of the story, with the son being instructed to follow his elusive father around-
Thanks so much for being on the tour! I’m glad you enjoyed the book and really appreciate the time you invested in reading/writing about Venetia Kelly.
See ya next weekend at FoB!!
.-= Lisamm´s last blog ..Review: Impatient With Desire by Gabrielle Burton =-.
I am not that fond of show bizzy tales either – so its good to know that this book isn’t show bizzy at all. Loved your review and think it sounds like a great read.
.-= Louise´s last blog ..Been away =-.
I had the same initial reaction to this book: the cover did not attract me, and the title didn’t do much for me either. After hearing Frank Delaney speak at the Empire State Book Festival, I added it to my list. I’m glad to hear you liked it!
.-= nomadreader (Carrie)´s last blog ..dinner and a movie: The Runaways =-.
I’m listening to the audio version of this right now and I have to tell you Frank Delaney has a wonderful voice for audio books.
I feel bad that I’m like the only person who didn’t like this. But I loved a different Delaney novel, Ireland! I say that to make me feel beter. lol
.-= Eva´s last blog ..Sunday Salon: the April Showers Post =-.
This sounds like a really different read, and one I think I would enjoy on many levels; thanks Jill.
.-= diane´s last blog ..OMG… =-.
Oh my — I turned this book down for much of the same reasons. But I love an Irish setting and now I see I’ll have to track this down and put it on the TBR pile. Actually, I just read Kathy’s comment and I think I’ll do this in audio instead of print.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Readalong 2: The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien =-.
Not that you’re keeping track — but I am downloading this from the library right now. And I see that the author is a broadcast journalist — no wonder he does a great job narrating. AND he has a bunch of other Ireland book and they are available in audio as digital downloads from the the library. Thanks so much for introducing me to him!
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Readalong 2: The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien =-.
But I am keeping track…have you started it yet? Well, have you?
Love that quote! My husband has Irish blood–this explains his tendency to make a short story long.
.-= Lisa´s last blog .."Comfort Living: A Back-to-Basics Guide To a More Balanced Lifestyle" by Christine Eisner =-.
I used to work with someone who would say that…too make a short story long. It cracked me up every time. And it was true!
I’m so glad you loved this as much as I did. I couldn’t mention Blarney in my post because I feared giving anything away, but I loved him. I agree with the title. It was a little cumbersome.
Poor Blarney. He’s overlooked…but for a good cause!
Ha, it’s funny that you were turned off of the cover. In my frantic attempt to catch up on posts in my Reader (yeah, it’s still staying 1000+, so I’m not doing too well), I kept seeing this title pop up. And I love the cover! I think I’m gonna have to add it to my list just based on that (and your fabulous review, obvi).
.-= Kari´s last blog ..Review: An eternity of unrequited love =-.
The cover is pretty terrible.
.-= heidenkind´s last blog ..Hex Hall Discussion =-.
Hah…and you have an art history degree. I rest my case.
Poor Blarney. He’s overlooked…but for a good cause!
Poor Blarney. He’s overlooked…but for a good cause!
Ha, it’s funny that you were turned off of the cover. In my frantic attempt to catch up on posts in my Reader (yeah, it’s still staying 1000+, so I’m not doing too well), I kept seeing this title pop up. And I love the cover! I think I’m gonna have to add it to my list just based on that (and your fabulous review, obvi).
.-= Kari´s last blog ..Review: An eternity of unrequited love =-.