The Coming of Cuculain by Standish O'Grady

This book tells us the colorful childhood days and the coming of age of the Celtic race's greatest hero.

The book is divided into sixteen chapters. Each one is about the important events in Sentanta's life, who later on became known as Cuchulain, that marked the important influences and the people that shaped his life. There is also a chapter about Deirdre, whose life and misadventures indirectly influences the events the next events.

Readers who are not familiar with this myth will not find this book difficult to understand. The uncommon words that are used are explained. The introduction will also provide additional information to the reader.

The book tells only the story up to Cuchulain's coming of age after he was knighted. This will serve as a good introduction to the Ultonian cycle. If the reader wants to know what happens next to Cuchulain, I recommend Myths of the Norsemen by H.A. Guerber and Red Branch by Morgan Llywelyn.

O'Grady's narrative is smooth and engaging. I had to finish this book in one night because it's well-written. I'm giving this a 10 out of 10 rating.