Becoming St. Patrick

I've always heard of St. Patrick but never really heard of the history of him. This was a wonderfully done historical novel about this Saint. I was invested in what was going on and loved the way Eric Foster wrote this. It worked so well as a historical novel and a biblical story. I'm excited to read more from Eric Foster and thought this was what I was hoping for. "You have your deal,' called the farmer to Cormac who then moved the rams to a pen. Patrick placed the chosen lambs in the cart. Cormac and his customer affected to be unhappy with the business. The posturing was obvious to Patrick, and entertaining, as both men played their part seriously; the buyer who had been persuaded to pay too much, and the seller who had sold too cheaply. Later in the evening after gathering the sheep, Cormac said to Patrick, ‘You should enjoy some roasted meat and ale at the fayre. I suggest you watch the show too. You will learn some Irish legend."

Becoming St. Patrick by Eric Foster is the fictionalized story of Patricius journey into slavery and self-discovery in Ireland after being kidnapped by raiders. He found that the structure of Ireland was much different than Roman Britain. It was much more egalitarian. He had the good luck to be purchased by a good and fair king, King Miliuce, who noticed him limping on the journey from the sea to his kingdom and allowed, now Patrick, to ride. A huge boon to a new slave. Patrick was assigned to a man called Cormac who was to teach him to tend the flock of sheep. A huge step down from Patricius' life as a noble in Britain. Cormac was a good teacher and a gentle soul, along with the sheep dog, Soldier, who was at their side at all times. After a season, Cormac left Patrick to tend the sheep on his own and he had learned well. About this time, he met a woman named Bride, the daughter of a “tailor” in the village. They were immediately attracted to one another but in just another couple of days, Patrick returned to his sheep. It wasn't always easy: there were predators, both human and animal, and occasionally he lost a sheep or lamb. Life went on and he grew to know the sheep and, in his solitary life, to know God. At some point, years after his capture, God told him it was time to leave. So he did. I have always been curious about St. Patrick and can only hope Foster writes a sequel about the years after he returned home and eventually became St. Patrick. It was an easy read, exemplar of historical fiction, and yet, held the right tone. Patrick/Patricius made sacrifices to live his life as he saw fit and it shone through the words. He met people on his journey home, some good, some bad, who helped him on his way. It was said that no foreign slave ever escaped Ireland. He did. It was well-written and as far as I can tell, well-researched. It was a book worth reading if you have any interest. Even if you don't. I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Becoming St. Patrick by Matador, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Matador #EricFoster #BecomingStPatrick