Autobiography
The Corncrake's Welcome continues the story of William Hanna’s family, introduced in Voyages with my Grandfather.
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The Corncrake's Welcome continues the story of William Hanna’s family, introduced in Voyages with my Grandfather. Spanning a hundred years, these memoirs delve into the turbulent birth of Northern Ireland, wartime Belfast, and the 1960s, when Hanna was growing up in Windsor Manse, next to the Presbyterian Church where his father was the Minister.
Join the young boy, enthralled by both the orange sashes of Belfast and the green rugby jerseys of Dublin. See the teenager confronted by the Troubles, beginning to question his religious and national inheritance. Follow Hanna’s coming-of-age journey, from Ireland to Scotland, Switzerland, and France, and watch him set out on a diplomatic career in Dublin and in Brussels.
Share his joy and sorrow when he returns to Ireland, after many years serving as EU Ambassador around the world; recalls his father’s historic meeting with Pope John Paul II; and makes poignant discoveries about events a century ago.
Praise for Voyages with my Grandfather:
‘Beautifully written. Very moving’ Alexander McCall Smith
‘Extraordinary insight into life of Northern Ireland Presbyterians’ Gail Walker, Belfast Telegraph
‘Wonderful book. A remarkable family story very well told’ Sir Jonathan Faull
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
A rich and inspiring reservoir of memoirs Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 January 2025 Such a rich reservoir. It is full of decency, sense, breadth, warmth and experience. Qualities that are now in short supply. I grew up with a similar background to the author and can identify with so many of the experiences and sentiments. We need to remember, celebrate and document genuine people of substance who live lives that often keep our society from going into the abyss. Beautifully written.
I couldn't put it down. It's another great book. I really enjoyed it. This family story is important and refreshing for the perspective it brings, inter alia, confronting the reality of what it means to have different and complementary identities as Irish, British or both. With all the current talk of a united Ireland referendum, airing stories such as this is very timely, to say the least.
A lovely book. Well-written and easy-to-read stories of a Presbyterian Minister’s family in the North of Ireland during the 20th century, including what it was like for a boy growing up during the Troubles. Recommended reading for anyone who wants to get beyond stereotypes towards a better understanding of the complexities of Northern Ireland.
A touching account of growing up in Northern Ireland during the troubles. Told with great clarity and sensitivity, the author offers both his experience and that of his family to tell both his story and that of his country. A deeply engaging read I finished in two sittings ! Highly recommended.
The author has an easy, fluid style and contrasts a close, stable family life when growing up, against the backdrop of a society that seemed to be falling apart. He writes beautifully about his love for his parents, brother and sister and the impact their lives and deaths have had on him. The author reflects without judgement on the changes that, since leaving Belfast in the mid 1970s, he has observed in himself and the place he still regards as home. A very moving and enjoyable read.
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