This book described the life of St. Brigid, a Patron Saint of Ireland. St. Brigid was born in 451 AD, and was a contemporary of St. Patrick. Brigid’s father Dubhtach was a chieftain, but her mother Brocca was a slave. This meant Brigid was a slave also.
Right from the start, there was something special about Brigid. Like her mother, Brigid was a Christian. However, her father was a pagan. Throughout her life, Brigid helped the poor and sick. Her father wanted her to marry a rich man, but Brigid defied him and instead followed the religious life. Brigid performed many miracles during her life. Brigid died aged 75 years. Her Feast Day is February 1st.
I enjoyed reading this book. I had never read a full book about St. Brigid before, but I had learned bits and pieces about her. It was nice to read a book that brought her whole life together for me. I was fascinated by how Brigid’s father was a pagan chieftain, yet Brigid became a Christian Saint, cured so many sick, helped so many poor and was such an inspirational figure. I was inspired by her courage and bravery and her faith in God. Although I knew about St. Brigid’s Cross, I hadn’t learned its history.
I also never knew that there was a Book of Kildare that St. Brigid was involved in creating. It is such a pity that it was lost. I was interested in how St. Brigid’s body was first buried in her abbey, then exhumed and brought to Downpatrick to rest beside St Patrick and St Columcille, and finally her skull was brought to Lisbon! What St. Brigid did in her life was inspirational and if everyone was like she was, I believe our world would be a far better place.
This book was written in a simple, understandable fashion for children. As well as being simple and understandable, the book told its story well. However, I feel it might be a little bit too simple for 6th class children. I think it would be a suitable book for younger children. It is short and clear and could be read to children on St. Brigid’s Day. At the back of the book there were simple instructions on how to make a St. Brigid’s Cross. We learned how to do this in school recently, but these instructions are very useful.
There were black and white illustrations on every page of the book. These were quite funny and added to my enjoyment of the read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn’t know much about St. Brigid and who likes books on Irish myths and history. I think this book would be suitable for anyone eight and up. This book deserves an eight out of ten for me.
By Patrick, Rang VI, Ransboro NS, Sligo
“Saint Brigid the Fearless” by Ann Carroll, published by Poolbeg , is now available to purchase for €4.99
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher, Poolbeg, free of charge to Seomra Ranga for the purposes of this review
