ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., April 13, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xlibris is proud to announce the release of Fado, a new book by Irish-American author Kevin O'Donnell.
Fado (pronounced f'doe), Irish for "long ago," offers readers an immersive odyssey that chronicles the surprising confluence of two distinct cultures: one in Ireland, the other in the American heartland. Generations of family heritage, immigration, triumph and tragedy, reveal fascinating ties to a much bigger world. Resonating throughout is the story of a boy eager to please his father and prove his worth.
O'Donnell captures the essence of the unique Irish culture of his ancestors on the remote and desperately poor island of Arranmore in County Donegal -- "a place," the author notes, "where pagan superstitions can still be found and traditions begun by medieval kings have survived the centuries."
Well-documented accounts of Irish Penal Laws, the Great Famine, and everyday island life in western Ireland during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th century provide vivid tales of the hardship that are at the root of his family's survival and the world into which the author's father was born.
Simultaneously explored are the events of a fledgling settlement on the blue-stem prairie of northern Illinois. The transformation of the dairy-farming village to one of the world's greatest seats of Catholic learning is meticulously traced as the town evolves. This is the author's hometown -- Mundelein. O'Donnell cleverly ties historical events, both big and small, in the context of family experience and personal insight, comparing life on the prairie to that on Arranmore Island, while offering us a generous slice of 1960's and 1970's Americana. His tales move effortlessly from innocent, to heartbreaking, to disturbing, to tragic.
Dramatic and richly-layered, Fado is a personal invitation to anyone wishing to explore the depth and truth of one's own heritage -- part memoir, part history, affectionately told in exquisite detail.
For more information, please visit www.Xlibris.com or call (888) 795-4274 today.
About the Author
Kevin O'Donnell was born on Mother's Day 1955, in Bayonne, NJ. His family moved to Mundelein, IL, in 1959. His formative years were comprised of a staunch Catholic education, a deep-seated interest in his heritage, an addiction to music, and a passion for history -- each left an indelible impression. Historical themes, conversational storytelling, and strong visual images are his hallmark -- skills he learned from his Irish immigrant father which he has since parlayed into careers as musician, actor, singer-songwriter, columnist, and now, author. Never wandering far from his mid-west sensibilities, O'Donnell currently makes his home in Arlington Heights, IL, and can be reached at fadoauthor@gmail.com.
Fado * by Kevin O'Donnell
Publication Date: March 11, 2009
Trade Paperback; $19.99; 319 pages; 978-1-4363-9122-1
Cloth Hardback; $29.99; 319 pages; 978-1-4363-9123-8
To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7876.
For more information, contact Xlibris at (888) 795-4274 or on the web at www.Xlibris.com.