NOW AVAILABLE IN AUDIO FORMAT...
THE WEE WILD ONE
STORIES OF BELFAST AND BEYOND
A poignant memoir that details Ruth's journey as she navigates her roots in the storied hills around Belfast.
Dive into the captivating insights of The Wee Wild One book, now available in audio format!
INTRODUCTION
The Wee Wild One is a poignant memoir that details Ruth's journey as she navigates her roots in the storied hills around Belfast, weaving together personal anecdotes with rich historical context. From the trials of the Troubles to the heartwarming tale of a bullock named Bob, Ruth's narrative explores the deep ties to her homeland, highlighting the power of language, identity, and storytelling to bridge divides and celebrate cultural heritage.
The Wee Wild One
In the midst of the Great War, a fiercely protective brother known as "the wee wild one" defends his sister and navigates the tumultuous landscape of early 20th-century Northern Ireland. This chapter paints a vivid portrait of familial bonds, societal hardships, and the earthy realities of rural life, all set against the backdrop of historical upheaval and personal resilience.
All In The April Evening
Ruth transports listeners back to her school days at Purdysburn Elementary School, vividly recounting the lively walks with neighborhood children, the eccentric yet endearing teacher with unforgettable boots, and the whimsical moments that defined her early years. With tales of turnip seeds mistaken for flowers and the rural community's unique characters, this heartwarming narrative offers a delightful slice of childhood in the Irish countryside.
The Actual Building
Ruth paints a lively portrait of days spent in a historic patrician house turned school. From strict lunchtime rituals and secret pranks to cherished assemblies and theatrical productions, this chapter immerses you in the unique, multifaceted experience of a bygone educational era.
The Teachers and What They Actually Taught
Ruth vividly recounts the community of female teachers who reshaped the girls' world through rigid conformity, relentless memorization, and radical independence from men. Embark on a journey through the corridors of a Northern Irish school, where the undercurrents of social class and historical biases weave through every lesson taught.
The Explosion
Immerse yourself in the whimsical yet poignant recollections of a schoolgirl navigating the labyrinth of science classes, where fear and fascination collide under the critical gaze of Mrs. Carr. From botanical dissections to the suspense of chemistry experiments, this chapter delivers a blend of humor, nostalgia, and the universal struggle of grappling with academia.
LaPorte Et Wat (The Gate at Wat)
Ruth vividly recounts the childhood experiences of growing up in the charming hills and valleys, with amusing cultural encounters with foreign visitors and the profound impact of a charismatic French teacher. This nostalgic narrative, enriched with humor and heartfelt insights, compellingly captures the charm and idiosyncrasies of rural life while seamlessly weaving in themes of identity and cultural exploration.
You Will Not Come Back
The story of Miss Crome, a passionate and unconventional language teacher at Princess Garden School Belfast who introduced her students to the complexities of French, German, and Latin literature. See the world through the eyes of her amazed pupils, discover her unique teaching methods, profound love for literature, and the lasting impact she had both in and out of the classroom.
No Luster Of Our Own
Listeners are transported to the nostalgic and ordered world of an all-girls school assembly, where the routine hymns, prayers, and the presence of stern prefects juxtapose moments of unexpected humanity and reflection. Lose one's self in the Recollections of school life, the impact of history's touchstones, and the profound, lingering influence of seemingly mundane rituals that reveal deeper truths.
When The Cows Go Out To The Spring Grass
Join Ruth as she recounts the vibrant, rustic rhythms of her childhood farm life in Ireland, contrasting it with the rural landscapes of Wisconsin. Through captivating anecdotes and rich descriptions, discover the charm and significance of springtime traditions and the unique personalities of Irish farmers and their beloved cattle.
Where The Mountains Of Mourne Sweep Down To The Sea
Ruth takes you on a heartwarming journey through her childhood summer holidays. Experience the freedom, eccentric family dynamics, and simple joys of escaping school, all set against the backdrop of Northern Ireland's landscapes and charming traditions. Listen now to relive a time when adventures waited around every corner.
Quare Craic
Embark on this Northern Irish tale where vibrant characters and witty banter bring to life the storied bus rides and bridge gatherings of Pardisburn. From the hilarity of local interactions to the depiction of community life, this chapter is a delightful snapshot of tradition and humor that promises to captivate your imagination.
Hard Men
We join Billy's tumultuous experiences during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, from harrowing prison days and forbidden family funerals to finding unexpected solace in pigeon racing. This chapter intertwines personal anecdotes, cultural critiques, and historical insight, offering a profound exploration of resilience amidst adversity.
France The Actual Country
Journey through the poignant exploration of France—from its initial surprising reality to the deep, emotional connections formed and historical revelations uncovered. The vivid recounting of personal experiences, intertwined with reflections on French culture and somber historical events, this chapter offers a rich tapestry that underscores the complexities of identity, memory, and belonging.
Elegy In A Jewish Graveyard
Ruth seamlessly merges personal and historical narratives as she explores a Jewish cemetery in Bavaria, revealing the profound legacy of its forgotten Jewish community. Through vivid storytelling and poignant reflections, listeners are drawn into a journey that bridges past and present, uncovering tales of resilience and the silent partnerships that honor lives lost to history.
Secure the audio series today!
