Monday, 22 August 2011

Review: Daughters of Danu

As I've mentioned before, I don't often review fiction on my blog. I have far too big a pile of non-fiction books to read on pagan subjects and so I don't have much time to read fiction.

I actually asked to see a review copy of a new book by Piet Ceanadach - a Wiccan teacher who I admire a great deal - without realising that it was technically fiction.

The book is called The Daughters of Danu and the description given by publisher O Books said:
"The Daughters of Danu has been written to encourage people regardless of where they are on their chosen path, to excite and encourage the reader to deepen their knowledge by inwardly asking themselves such questions as; Who are these magical characters, and what do they represent? Most of the ancient teaching methods were done through metaphor, symbolism and even parable, why? Because they work. For any beginner starting out on a Pagan learning curve, the Pagan scene can be very confusing and even disheartening. The key is is that once you know what questions to ask, the answers will be all that much easier to find, and this book will give the reader the incentive to unearth those questions."
I guess I was expecting something like Women Who Run With The Wolves - a series of short folktales and fairy stories interspersed with discussions about what they mean as allegories, parables and fables that teach psychological truths through symbol and metaphor.

The Daughters of Danu is actually more of a straightforward fantasy story set in mythic Ireland - it doesn't offer explanations, analysis or interpretation alongside the tale it tells. What it does do is introduce the pagan gods and goddesses, villains and heroes, kings and druids of a past that may not be quite historically accurate, but is nevertheless enchanting and inspiring.

It is a book designed to make people want to find out more about pagan spirituality and the ancient gods of the Celtic lands. It could certainly appeal to young adult readers - although I am sure many adults would enjoy it too.

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1 comment:

randyman8 said...

Fantasia fantasmagora: eye candy for the soul.