Clonmac's Bridge
Jeffrey Perren, 2014
ClioStory Publishing
428 pp.
ISBN-13: 9781496179913
Summary
Inspired by a real discovery, Clonmac’s Bridge revolves around the effort to raise Ireland’s earliest major span. But, far from a naturalistic depiction of a maritime archaeology project, it is a dramatic exploration: the story of two men who struggle against envy and mediocrity—a millennium apart.
One is Griffin Clonmac, archaeologist and professor at the University of Virginia. For 14 years he has researched a medieval bridge near Clonmacnoise Monastery in Ireland, supposed to lie beneath the River Shannon. Yet, he soon discovers the bridge is perfectly intact—after 12 centuries underwater.
What could account for this astounding longevity? And why are his colleagues, the Church, and the Irish government so desperate to prevent him finding out? Drawing the reader back to the early 9th century—and the life of the original builder—provides important clues. Moving between these two periods, the reader is immersed in the conflicts—then and now—between creators and the envious mediocrities who want to stop them at all costs. Fortunately, each man had his allies.
In the 9th century, architect Riordan finds a few willing to help him realize his vision. At the monastery, a wise friend; in the nearby town, a dashing giant as eager to build as the medieval monk himself. When the Abbot is called away on Church business to the court of Carolus Magnus—Charlemagne—Riordan and his friends will have their chance. In the 21st century, Griffin Clonmac is first saddled with an assistant—Peruvian archaeologist Mari Quispe—intended to hinder him at every turn. Being impossible to work with is, after all, her reputation on a dig. But the scheming academics who foist her on him at the price of supporting the project have a surprise in store. Not only has she admired Dr. Clonmac for years, she very quickly finds herself willing to help him raise more than a 9th century platform.
What happens next enmeshes the reader in everything from down-and-dirty academic politics to Machiavellian corporate machinations to the headlines of contemporary Irish social controversy. Flashing back to Dark Ages Ireland shows that, in many ways, very little has changed in the past 1,200 years. (From the publisher.)
Author Bio
• Birth—N/A
• Where—Independence, Missouri, USA
• Education—B.A., Univerisity of California, Los Angeles
• Currently—Sandpoint, Idaho
Jeffrey Perren is an American novelist, educated in philosophy at UCLA and in physics at UC Irvine. He wrote his first short story at age 12 and went on to win the Bank of America Fine Arts award at age 17. Since then he has published at award-winning sites and magazines from the U.S. to New Zealand. He has had short stories published at the award-winning sites Apollo's Lyre and Mystericale.
His debut novel was Cossacks In Paris, an historical adventure set in Napoleonic Europe, inspired by a real soldier of the Battle of Paris in 1814. His second, Death is Overrated, a romantic mystery, had its genesis in an old film called DOA. The protagonist is poisoned and has 48 hours before dying to discover who gave him the fatal dose. His third is Clonmac's Bridge, an archaeological thriller and historical mystery set in contemporary and 9th century Ireland.
He was born in Independence, Missouri, right around the corner from Harry Truman's house. But then, at the time, everything there was right around the corner from Harry Truman's house. He now lives in Sandpoint, Idaho with his wife, an economist. (From the author.)
Visit the author's blog.
Check out the book on Facebook.
Book Reviews
An excellent and engrossing historical tale. Seamlessly told through the eyes of those in the 9th century and modern day, it was a real pleasure to read. The style of writing really grabbed me from the first few pages to the end. This is a long novel but my personal view is that not a word is wasted. Really, really good.
Bodicia, A Woman's Wisdom Blog
A wonderful archaeological fiction that grabs your attention and keeps it. Shows a lot about archaeological digs as well as being a great piece of fiction.
Jamie, Goodreads
Jeffrey Perren has created some fine, odious villains for his protagonists to contend with. The result is a tale of suspense and romance that will appeal to a range of readers as a good page turner.
James Ellsworth, Vine Voice, Amazon
Discussion Questions
1. What was life like in a 9th century Irish monastery and how did it differ from, say, the 14th century?
2. Why, with so many monasteries in Ireland, was it intellectually behind compared with much of Europe?
3. How did Riordan and Griffin Clonmac face similar situations?
4. Did you find the main characters clearly holding values you consider important? Or, did you find someone with no clear definition of his/her inner self?
5. What do you think of Franken Twissle and Prof. Daley Garvey? Is there any supporting character you found charming, enigmatic, boring, dreadful? Who and why?
6. Mari Quispe is a female archaeologist from Peru. What special challenges did she face there? Do you think females in Latin-america have to strive the way she did to get a career? The patriarchal model is stronger there than, say, in Europe or America. Can be that considered as a mark of a different culture?
7. Did she differ from the Latin type presented in movies, TV shows or popular culture trends? If yes, in what way? Did you enjoy her personality?
8. How do you characterize Leslie Armandson? What would be your reaction if you met a woman like her?
9. With the election of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church seems to have a boost in popularity. What do you think of Father Yadiel, from Puerto Rico?
10. Did the novel spark some interest in archaeology? Is there any one aspect you found particularly interesting?
(Questions courtesy of the author.)