Sadhbh

Sadhbh: 80 pp; hardcover; ISBN 978-1-913814-57-1

The story of Sadhbh is one of the most beloved stories from ancient literature. This picture book is a retelling for adult readers of the old tale Ceasacht Iníon Ghuile, a clever and humorous story about a young woman who gets to turn the tables on the men — and on the King of Munster in particular.

The young woman who outwits the men

The story is notable because it features a key figure from history, Féilimí mac Criomhthainn King of Munster (+847). Féilimí plays the role of the wise king and Sadhbh is the young woman who challenges him and receives the king’s blessing at the end of the story.

A great rabelaisian yarn

Not only does Sadhbh get the better of the wise old king, but she also gets the better of the men who would abuse her, which is depicted in a Rabelaisian scene at the beginning of the story.

This new version of the story by Darach Ó Scolaí is beautifully illustrated by artist Alé Mercado.

“Tá na léaráidí sa leabhar seo dochreidte! … tá filíocht agus ceol i ngach uile shiolla.” — Áine Ní Ghlinn, Tús Áite, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta,

“Leabhairín gleoite …. tá an scéal go hiontach, thar a bheith fileata. Tá spraoi ann, agus an-ghreann!” E— oin P. Ó Murchú, YouTube

Book of the Month, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta

Listen to the review of the book on Tús Áite

Read the review by Máire Ní Fhinneadha on Tuairisc.ie

Read the interview with the author on RTÉ