Walking With Ghosts: A Memoir

Born to working-class parents, Gabriel Byrne had a childhood desire to become a priest. He was expelled from an English seminary and returned to Dublin, where he took odd jobs and visited the cinema. A friend suggested he join an amateur drama group, which changed his life and launched him on an extraordinary forty-year career in film and theatre. Walking With Ghosts is a lyrical homage to the people and landscapes that shape our destinies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2021
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Born to working-class parents and the eldest of six children, Gabriel Byrne harboured a childhood desire to become a priest. Four years later, Byrne had been expelled from an English seminary and he quickly returned to his native Dublin. There he took odd jobs as a messenger boy and a factory labourer to get by. In his spare time he visited the cinema, where he could be alone and yet part of a crowd. It was here that he could begin to imagine a life beyond the grey world of 60s Ireland.

It was a friend who suggested Byrne join an amateur drama group, a decision that would change his life forever and launch him on an extraordinary forty-year career in film and theatre. Moving between sensual recollection of childhood in a now almost vanished Ireland and reflections on stardom in Hollywood and on Broadway, often through the lens of addiction. Hilarious and heartbreaking, "Walking With Ghosts" is a lyrical homage to the people and landscapes that ultimately shape our destinies.

Byrne's journey is a testament to the power of determination and the resilience of the human spirit. Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, he never lost sight of his dream and worked tirelessly to pursue his passion for acting. His performances on stage and screen have been praised for their depth and authenticity, and he has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.

In addition to his acting career, Byrne is also a passionate advocate for social justice and human rights. He has been involved in numerous charitable organizations and has used his platform to raise awareness about issues such as poverty, homelessness, and climate change. Byrne's commitment to making a positive impact on the world is evident in all of his work, and he is a true inspiration to many.

In conclusion, Gabriel Byrne is a remarkable actor and human being. His journey from a working-class upbringing to stardom in Hollywood and Broadway is a testament to the power of determination and the resilience of the human spirit. Byrne's performances on stage and screen have been praised for their depth and authenticity, and he has used his platform to make a positive impact on the world. He is a true inspiration to many and a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

Weight: 154g
Dimension: 133 x 196 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529027457