Castles & Ruins
Unraveling Family Mysteries and Literary Legacy in the Irish Countryside

Prepare to be transported through the vibrant landscapes of Ireland as Rue Matthiessen unravels a captivating tale in her memoir, "Castles & Ruins." This enchanting narrative goes beyond the ordinary, immersing readers in a world where the past and present converge in a lyrical dance of memories, fa......more

"Castles & Ruins" defies easy categorization, seamlessly blending memoir and travelogue into a literary symphony celebrating artistic triumphs while fearlessly delving into the complexities of personal sacrifice. . The memoir takes an unexpected turn as the Author Rue Matthiessen unearths a treasure t......more

"Castles & Ruins" is a masterpiece, a must-read for anyone who sees beauty in the broken, finds solace in the unraveled, and believes that stories, like ancient stones, hold the power to illuminate the paths of the present. . "Castles & Ruins" unfolds as a lyrical dance between past and present, with......more

Rue Matthiessen's "Castles & Ruins" is a symphony sculpted from memory, grief, and the windswept chords of Ireland's ancient soul. Within the echoing halls of Annaghkeen Castle, she doesn't simply revisit her childhood; she conducts an orchestra of ghosts, their melodies tangled with the ghosts of h......more

It took me a while to adapt to the author's style. I initially thought I was about to ready a travel type book. It was a bit into the book before I realized I was reading an account of what was, in effect, a pilgrimage. The author decided to taker her son to Ireland when he was the age that she was......more