The Corncrake's Welcome: Memoirs of a Northern Irish Diplomat

The Corncrake's Welcome is a memoirs that spans a hundred years, delving into the birth of Northern Ireland, wartime Belfast, and the 1960s, when Hanna was growing up in Windsor Manse. It follows Hanna's coming-of-age journey, from Ireland to Scotland, Switzerland, and France, and his diplomatic career in Dublin and Brussels.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2023
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

The Corncrake's Welcome, a captivating sequel to Voyages with my Grandfather, takes readers on a sweeping journey spanning a century, delving into the tumultuous birth of Northern Ireland, the vibrant wartime Belfast, and the transformative 1960s, when William Hanna's life unfolded in the picturesque Windsor Manse, nestled beside the Presbyterian Church where his father served as Minister.

From his early days, captivated by the colorful orange sashes of Belfast and the iconic green rugby jerseys of Dublin, to his teenage years grappling with the Troubles, questioning his religious and national heritage, and embarking on a transformative coming-of-age journey that took him from Ireland to Scotland, Switzerland, and France, The Corncrake's Welcome follows Hanna's life with vivid detail and emotional depth.

As he embarks on a diplomatic career in Dublin and Brussels, sharing both his joys and sorrows upon his return to Ireland after years of service as the EU Ambassador around the world, Hanna reflects on 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 has been abundant, with critics hailing it as "beautifully written" and "very moving" (Alexander McCall Smith). It offers an "extraordinary insight into life of Northern Ireland Presbyterians" (Gail Walker, Belfast Telegraph), and is described as a "remarkable family story very well told" (Sir Jonathan Faull).

The Corncrake's Welcome is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the ability of a family to transcend time and geography, leaving a lasting legacy that resonates with readers far and wide.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805141778