King Of The Blind: A toast to music, mirth, storytelling and whiskey by Caiseal Mór
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Turlough O’Carolan is a famous harpist and composer. He is also blind, yet he did not start life this way. When he was young, he chafed against the expectations put upon him by his father, the blacksmith who wished for him to follow in his footsteps. Turlough instead wished to be a musician and travel the lands. He makes a heartfelt wish one night in a special place and his wish is granted to him, however, not in the way he imagined. For every gift there must be a price and for him it was his eyesight. He ended up becoming one of Irelands most famous musicians and poets despite his blindness.
What reads as a fairytale is purportedly based upon real events. A cursory search for Turlough O’Carolan shows that much in this book is what is written down in the biography pages online. However, the book is a much more pleasant read, I think. The writing flowed well, and the pacing was steady throughout. I enjoyed the story which is what is most important.


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