8 Comments

Love his name, and the story behind the name. And the description of this loner who finds a place to belong. And bring the beauty of another culture back to Ireland.

I got wrapped in the discussion.

Expand full comment

So delighted to read this. I ‘ran away’ myself to Japan for several years, and married ( thus my surname). I always miss it, but it’s strange to read his thoughts on ending his days there, for it was precisely the same contemplation that made me realise I couldn’t stay for good.

Expand full comment

I’m descended on both sides of my family from Irish who came to England in the mid 19th century, so it’s back here I found myself over 20 years ago.

Thanks to you, I’m now yearning to visit the gardens in Tramore - a quite wonderful fusion of my life and my heritage!

Oh, in the meantime I’ve ordered Kwaidan...

Tanoshimi!

Expand full comment
author

If you do come to visit Valerie pls let me know - I live just half an hour from there.

Coincidentally I spotted this post on X/twitter just now, surely a sign 😉 - https://x.com/lafcadiohearn1/status/1718876016838688908?s=46&t=r9m2CPoIHSNCFANXl6X67w

Expand full comment
Nov 2, 2023Liked by Margaret O'Brien

Thanks Margaret- I enjoyed this a lot. Will reread it. You insight opens worlds geographically and personally.

Expand full comment