Green Shadows, White Whale by Ray Bradbury

In 1953, Ray Bradbury finds himself in Ireland at the behest of the formidable director John Huston, tasked with turning the epic Moby Dick into a screenplay. This isn't just a creative challenge, but a cultural odyssey as Bradbury encounters a cast of charming and eccentric characters, from IRA terrorists to poetic priests and lively pub regulars. The story is a vibrant tapestry of Irish life, where myth and reality blend seamlessly, and every misfortune is met with laughter and celebration. /n/n Bradbury's adventure is as much about the people he meets as it is about the screenplay he's writing. The book is a love letter to Ireland, filled with the author's enthusiasm and wonder, making it a grand tour of the country's spirit and soul. It's a unique blend of literary history, personal memoir, and travelogue, offering a glimpse into the creative process and the cultural richness of Ireland.

Reviews

Swan River Press · 2020-08-22

enchanting 4.00

The book is a captivating semi-autobiographical account that transports readers to Ireland, offering a unique blend of personal experience and vivid storytelling. It's a journey that is both nostalgic and enlightening.

This semi-autobiographical novel is a captivating journey through Ireland, as seen through the eyes of the author. The narrative is rich with personal experiences and vivid descriptions, making it a compelling read. The author's love for Ireland shines through, creating a sense of nostalgia and enchantment. The book is not just a story; it's a reverie, a dreamlike exploration of a place and its people. It's a journey that is both nostalgic and enlightening, offering readers a unique perspective on the author's time in Ireland. The prose is beautiful, and the storytelling is engaging, making it a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Quick quotes

It wasn't until university that I read Green Shadows, White Whale (1992), Bradbury's semi-autobiographical reverie of Ireland.

The narrative is rich with personal experiences and vivid descriptions.

The author's love for Ireland shines through, creating a sense of nostalgia and enchantment.

Paper Kingdom · 2017-11-09

thought-provoking 3.50

The book is a poignant exploration of loss and rediscovery, blending the old and new in a way that feels both sad and happy. It offers a unique perspective on the Irish experience and the complexities of life.

This novel is a beautiful blend of emotions, offering a bittersweet journey through loss and rediscovery. The author weaves together the old and the new, creating a narrative that is both sad and happy, much like life itself. The book provides a unique lens through which to view the Irish experience, capturing the essence of a culture rich in history and tradition. It's a story that lingers, making you ponder the intricacies of life and the enigmas that surround us. The author's portrayal of Ireland is both enchanting and thought-provoking, inviting readers to delve deeper into the heart of the country and its people.

Quick quotes

It's a sad ending, a happy ending, a mingling of the old and new, loss and rediscovery.

It seems to be all the answers to the Irish enigma.

The book offers a unique perspective on the complexities of life.

From the Heart of Europe · nwhyte · 2004-04-11

engaging 3.00

The book offers a unique blend of personal experiences and cultural insights, providing a fresh perspective on Ireland and its people. The author's portrayal is both irritating and insightful, offering a complex view of a fascinating culture.

This novel is a unique blend of personal experiences and cultural insights, offering a fresh perspective on Ireland and its people. The author's portrayal of Ireland and the Irish is initially irritating, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a deep and insightful understanding of the culture. The narrative is complex, weaving together the author's personal journey with the rich tapestry of Irish life. It's a book that challenges and engages, inviting readers to delve deeper into the heart of Ireland. The author's unique perspective offers a fascinating look at a culture that is both familiar and foreign. The prose is engaging, and the storytelling is compelling, making it a book that will leave a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

I found Bradbury's portrayal of Ireland and the Irish irritating at first and then I realised that he was doing nothing more than writing in his own unique style.

The narrative is complex, weaving together the author's personal journey with the rich tapestry of Irish life.

The author's unique perspective offers a fascinating look at a culture that is both familiar and foreign.

Appears in Lists

The 10 Best Ray Bradbury Books