The
dilemmas of writing a book review...what does one do when reviewing the work of
a friend? It is impossible for me to act
like I don’t know Kay Thomas, but I believe my readers will trust me when I say
she has a lovely gift for writing.
Last
summer, Kay Thomas took her first trip without a traveling companion and was a
bit nervous about it. Since returning,
many friends have asked her to write about her trip to Ireland. Imagine, writing by popular demand, that is
not an easy task. So why does A Smidgen of Irish Luck: A Woman’s Musings
on her Travels to Ireland read like it flowed off the pen effortlessly?
The
first thing that struck me while reading this travel memoir was her concern
over traveling alone. As someone who
usually travels solo, I have more problems adapting to a traveling
companion. But Kay has always struck me
as a strong and independent woman, so it was odd to read: “On top of it all, there is a constant
nagging sensation about going it alone.
I use a mantra that will be invaluable through out. Whenever I get panicky about a trip on which
I have paid out hundreds of dollars, I say it over to myself. ‘You can do it’”
(11). And she did; in fact, she has
planned another solo trip for this year.
One
of the first essays in this collection is “Marking Time in 26D.” I really enjoyed her ability to become a seat
number on the flight over. “A half look
from busy flight attendants greets me at the open plane door…26D will be served
two meals and occasional water service. That’s
their obligation. No more. No less”
(13). What an enlightened way to
travel. Why set yourself up for
disappointment with expectations and a heightened sense of self? Excellent.
Reading
of her travels, I found myself wanting to be with her or perhaps, feeling I was
with her. It surprised me that when visiting
the grave of W.B. Yeats:
I have the spot to myself and pay my respects while
the tumbling clouds of rain play tricks back and forth between the streaks of
sunlight. Such a life in Ireland, and it
permeates into the soulful truths of the great thinkers.
Cast a
cold Eye
On Life,
on Death
Horseman,
pass by!. – W.B.Yeats (51)
Whether
looking for a four-leaf clover or deciding against kissing the Blarney Stone,
Kay Thomas’ trip around Ireland has a place in my heart. Perhaps it is the booklover in both of us,
but I was thrilled to read how she lingered in the library of Trinity
College. Perhaps you will savor tipping
a pint or walking along and looking in the shops. Whatever your interest in Ireland, it will
appear in the pages of this book.
Thomas,
Kay. A
Smidgen of Irish Luck: A Woman’s Musings on her Travels to Ireland. 2014.
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