Star of the Sea

By: Joseph O'Connor

Narrated by: Peter Marinker

Winter 1847, the Star of the Sea sets sail from Ireland for New York. Among the refugees are a maidservant, bankrupt Lord Merridith, an aspiring novelist and a maker of revolutionary ballads. Each is connected more deeply than they know.

©2002 Joseph O'Connor (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

A slow start but ends well

A story centred around the characters on an ocean crossing starting with separate stories which were steadily woven together. It was tough to get into the story but after persevering I eventually got into it and the ending which brought all the stories together was worth hanging in for but not enough for me to go searching out other titles by this author.

Quite Good

A bit overly striving to be politically correct, but quite entertaining. I may have to read another by this author, at some point.

A Good Listen

For me. the ending was a bit anti-climactic but I still enjoyed. We'll written and we'll read.

Excellent story and important historical setting

I’ve read several books, fiction and non-fiction, about the emigration from Ireland, the famines, the British control of the land, etc. I also visited Dublin and visited the Jeanie Johnston replica ship that had an amazing captain who took care of his passengers (look it up) and the EPIC museum about the Irish emigration (worth a visit). So I appreciated the historical background in this story immensely. In addition to providing this important historical setting, there is an excellent plot with some interesting twists and very well-defined characters. O’Connor’s writing is excellent and the narrator does a fine job.

Engrossing

I loved this book, most especially due to the superb narration. I liked how the plot unfolded in a variety of ways—letters, ship notes, the different POV of the characters. The sequel gets very mixed reviews but I will probably try it given how much I liked this book, my first from this author.

Excellent, but why is the important Preface missing from the recording?

I am a fan of Joseph O'Connor's work, and greatly enjoyed this rendition of Star of the Sea. HOWEVER, when I came to read the printed version of the novel, I discovered that there is a Preface that precedes Chapter One that is not in the Audible version. The Preface introduces the important character we come to know of as Pius Mulvey, as well as the idea of his having a murderous intent.

I thought it would never end

It certainly passes the time if you need to listen to tales of never ending misery, though I don’t think I could stomach it in print form. I dozed off somewhere toward the middle so am somewhat confused. Did Mary nearly marry her half brother, and was she the same Mary whose husband and child were killed by the murderer? If so, seeing as her husband was the brother of the priest, how come she had earlier married this priest and was the brother/priest Nicholas one and the same as the Nicholas who died in a mad episode of self harm outside their family cottage?

A rollicking yarn or a melodrama? Both I guess, though I think it could be much improved by leaving off the last three chapters.

Engrossing

As a descendant of those who fled the famine from Cork in the 1840's I was deeply interested in the story. My grandparents were too far removed to have any tales to tell so I fantasized my family was on this ship. The plot is good with interesting historical details. The narration is first rate and adds immensely to the enjoyment.

An evocative epic

The Star of the Sea on 2nd consumption having previously read these same pages 10 years earlier was as engrossing and fulfilling as before. It is beautifully narrated here capturing the time and bringing to life the depths of its fascinating characters of which there are many.

Excellent and thoughtful

I actually bought this book in honor of the author’s sister, Sinead. I will read Joseph O’Connor’s other books because he is a great writer.