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Fallen
Spring, 1915: Katie Crilly gets the news she her beloved twin brother, Liam, has been killed on the Western Front. A year later, when her home city of Dublin is suddenly engulfed by the violence of the Easter Rising, Katie finds herself torn by conflicting emotions and loyalties. Taking refuge in the home of a friend, she meets Hubie Wilson, a friend of Liam's from the Front. There unfolds a remarkable encounter between two young people, both wounded and both trying to imagine a new life.
280 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 18, 2014
Thank-you to Goodreads First and Penguin Ireland for supplying me with this luminous new novel to review before publication.
"Grief made fools of us all."
Lia Mills has written an evocative novel, her sentences as delicate as lace. Rarely do I read what is considered an historical novel that is written with such intimacy, and with a voice that is both individual and universal. Katie Crilly lives in Dublin with her large family. Her twin brother, Liam, forgoes medical school to fight in the Great War, and is killed at the Front in August, 1915. (This happens at the start of the novel, and isn’t a spoiler). A year after his death, Dublin is consumed by the Easter Rising, a six-day armed insurrection, enacted by members of the Irish Republic.
The bulk of Mills’s novel takes place during the Rebellion, and the pall on humanity caused by violence and loss in Katie's own city intensifies her contemplation of Liam’s battles in Flanders. Seeing the horrors in Dublin brings her closer to comprehending Liam’s experiences, both personally, and through a former comrade of Liam’s, Hubie Wilson. However, this is neither a political or war novel; it is about finding your life amid grief, destruction, and death.
Katie is devastated by Liam’s death, and turns to his wartime letters to her for comfort. Many of them she keeps from the rest of the family, as he shared some of his wartime perspective that would appall her parents. Her mother is especially conventional, forbidding Katie to go to graduate school—she very reluctantly allowed her to get her undergraduate degree in history. Her mother also considers the suffragettes insufferable, and keeps Katie oppressed with her thoroughly un-modern views. Katie’s only consolation, other than Liam’s letters, is assisting a progressive female scholar who is writing a history of the sculptures in Dublin’s public squares, parks, and streets. I would not be surprised if Dote (the scholar) is based on a true biological figure.
Through Katie’s association and blossoming friendship with Dote (and Dote’s roommate and friend, Mary), Katie eventually meets Hubie, who was wounded in the war and lost most of his right hand from shrapnel. Through Hubie, and her encounters in the Easter Rising, which occur simultaneously, Katie matures and is, ultimately, transformed. Her independent mind emerges more as the days pass. This isn’t brought about by epiphany or via deus ex machina, but rather through subtle storytelling.
I recommend this for literature lovers who appreciate beauty in prose and nuanced characterizations. The plot is not the thing here; it is the theme, and the character of Katie, that kept me turning the pages. I look forward to Lia Mills’ next novel.
“…fell. I’d come to loathe that word; the newspapers were full of it. It masked the truth, that men were shot to pieces every day, for no good reason that I could see…that sly little word, fell.”
"Grief made fools of us all."
Lia Mills has written an evocative novel, her sentences as delicate as lace. Rarely do I read what is considered an historical novel that is written with such intimacy, and with a voice that is both individual and universal. Katie Crilly lives in Dublin with her large family. Her twin brother, Liam, forgoes medical school to fight in the Great War, and is killed at the Front in August, 1915. (This happens at the start of the novel, and isn’t a spoiler). A year after his death, Dublin is consumed by the Easter Rising, a six-day armed insurrection, enacted by members of the Irish Republic.
The bulk of Mills’s novel takes place during the Rebellion, and the pall on humanity caused by violence and loss in Katie's own city intensifies her contemplation of Liam’s battles in Flanders. Seeing the horrors in Dublin brings her closer to comprehending Liam’s experiences, both personally, and through a former comrade of Liam’s, Hubie Wilson. However, this is neither a political or war novel; it is about finding your life amid grief, destruction, and death.
Katie is devastated by Liam’s death, and turns to his wartime letters to her for comfort. Many of them she keeps from the rest of the family, as he shared some of his wartime perspective that would appall her parents. Her mother is especially conventional, forbidding Katie to go to graduate school—she very reluctantly allowed her to get her undergraduate degree in history. Her mother also considers the suffragettes insufferable, and keeps Katie oppressed with her thoroughly un-modern views. Katie’s only consolation, other than Liam’s letters, is assisting a progressive female scholar who is writing a history of the sculptures in Dublin’s public squares, parks, and streets. I would not be surprised if Dote (the scholar) is based on a true biological figure.
Through Katie’s association and blossoming friendship with Dote (and Dote’s roommate and friend, Mary), Katie eventually meets Hubie, who was wounded in the war and lost most of his right hand from shrapnel. Through Hubie, and her encounters in the Easter Rising, which occur simultaneously, Katie matures and is, ultimately, transformed. Her independent mind emerges more as the days pass. This isn’t brought about by epiphany or via deus ex machina, but rather through subtle storytelling.
I recommend this for literature lovers who appreciate beauty in prose and nuanced characterizations. The plot is not the thing here; it is the theme, and the character of Katie, that kept me turning the pages. I look forward to Lia Mills’ next novel.
“…fell. I’d come to loathe that word; the newspapers were full of it. It masked the truth, that men were shot to pieces every day, for no good reason that I could see…that sly little word, fell.”
June 9, 2016
Fallen by Lia Mills was our May read in my book club. It was a fitting choice as 2016 marks the centenary anniversary of the 1916 rising and the Irish struggle for independence. Further information at http://www.irishtimes.com/1916
It's also the Dublin: One City One Book choice for 2016 http://www.dublinonecityonebook.ie
Unfortunately I was very disappointed with this book, which was a real shame because initially I was so eager to read it based very much on my interest in both historical events to which the story was linked, the events of the 1916 Easter Rising and World War 1.
It started off well but it wasn't long before I was finding it a real slog to get through. I just found it boring, the plot was bland, I couldn't warm to the characters, I got fed up with the main character Katie walking around Dublin City, I don't understand what the monkey was about at all, I wanted more details on the rising which I didn't get. I understand that detailed information on the Rising was never what the book was about but still I would have liked more. On the plus side the writing was polished and a good insight was shown to how life was for women at the time. Overall this book just didn't work for me and maybe my expectations of what this book was going to be about was just very different to what it ended up being.
It's also the Dublin: One City One Book choice for 2016 http://www.dublinonecityonebook.ie
Unfortunately I was very disappointed with this book, which was a real shame because initially I was so eager to read it based very much on my interest in both historical events to which the story was linked, the events of the 1916 Easter Rising and World War 1.
It started off well but it wasn't long before I was finding it a real slog to get through. I just found it boring, the plot was bland, I couldn't warm to the characters, I got fed up with the main character Katie walking around Dublin City, I don't understand what the monkey was about at all, I wanted more details on the rising which I didn't get. I understand that detailed information on the Rising was never what the book was about but still I would have liked more. On the plus side the writing was polished and a good insight was shown to how life was for women at the time. Overall this book just didn't work for me and maybe my expectations of what this book was going to be about was just very different to what it ended up being.
November 16, 2014
I think that it may have been me rather than the book, but despite my interest in this period of Irish history, and counting books like Strumpet City and At Swim Two Boys, which are set in the same period as this one, among my all time favourite Irish novels, I found myself struggling with this book.
I couldn't empathise with the main character, Katie Crilly, and found it hard to warm to either her or any of the other characters. Her 'adventures' during the Rising were, to my find, improbable and certainly irrational, and while the Rising did provide the backdrop, I was disappointed that there wasn't any more development of the reasons for was actually happening through the characters' experiences. And as for the 'adult' scenes...
Don't let my experience of the novel put you off-perhaps the female perspective in this case just wasn't one that I could get-but I'll not be rushing to buy any of Mills' future novels.
I couldn't empathise with the main character, Katie Crilly, and found it hard to warm to either her or any of the other characters. Her 'adventures' during the Rising were, to my find, improbable and certainly irrational, and while the Rising did provide the backdrop, I was disappointed that there wasn't any more development of the reasons for was actually happening through the characters' experiences. And as for the 'adult' scenes...
Don't let my experience of the novel put you off-perhaps the female perspective in this case just wasn't one that I could get-but I'll not be rushing to buy any of Mills' future novels.
September 1, 2014
This book was a very interesting read. Set during the first world war, in a view of a by-stander, you would somewhat understand how people live during war. Also, because she is a woman, you would know how women during those times were treated, like in education.
July 21, 2014
This review was originally posted on Between My Lines
This is book that brings history to life. It immersed me into the 1916 Dublin Easter Rising and I came away not only having really enjoyed the book but also feeling liked I gained some fresh perspective on the events. Plus there is a love story but it’s not the usual fairytale love story instead it’s more like an anti-fairytale. It’s gritty, contradictory and complicated as life so often is.
First Line of Fallen by Lia Mills:
My Thoughts on Fallen by Lia Mills :
The themes of war and grief are central to this book and both are explored and vividly portrayed. The main character Katie is from an affluent area of Dublin and has just finished her degree in college. Her parents have put their foot down about her continuing on to further studies as they don’t see the need for it and she is drifting along with no sense of purpose to her life.
Meanwhile her twin brother Liam is fighting on the Western Front in World War 1 and even though both are in very different circumstances, both are feeling the same sense of hopelessness about their lives. Most of Liam’s story is told though his letters to his sister and through them we get glimpses of a man whose spirit is being broken day by day by what he has to see and do. And then Dublin is plunged into the Rising between the Irish Rebels and the British troops who were occupying Ireland.
I really appreciated that the book was told through the perspective of someone not directly involved in the Rising. This way you got to see what the events felt like for the majority of Dublin’s residents. The first that Katie knew about the rising was when she was walking in St Stephens Green with her niece to feed the ducks. Such an ordinary event and something I have often done myself in the exact same location so I could just feel her shock and confusion when she was approached by a gunman and told to exit the part as it was being seized by the rebels.
Because I could picture the scene so vividly, it brought the past to life for me and I couldn’t help but imagine the chaos and turmoil in all the surrounding buildings and streets. And what followed just seemed to be mass confusion, with people not taking it seriously at first (even watching from hotels) until the inevitable bloodshed starts.
As you might expect this is not a light book as the topics covered are ones to make you think about war and death. However at the same time, it remains very easy to read and never really gets into the political side of things. It shows the events through a young woman’s eyes and her ponderings to try and make sense of the volatile world that she inhabits. In the midst of all this she is also having her first experiences with love which adds a slightly lighter element.
A huge highlight of the book is the writing. It flows really well and is poetic in places. I found that the writing and the ideas expressed were ones that really stopped me in my tracks at times and made me reflect further on what the author was getting at. It is a book that doesn’t hand you any answers (even at the end of the book) but challenges you to think for yourself.
Overall, I enjoyed this and I came away feeling that I had learned something new about the Rising. I did find the pace lulling a little at the end but overall impression is still a really favourable one and it is one the most unique books I have read this year.
Who should read Fallen by Lia Mills?
I’d recommend this to fans of historical fiction especially if you like to see serious themes examined (in particular war and grief), to anyone who wants to know more about the 1916 Rising in Dublin (good to refresh your memory in advance of the 2016 centenary commemorations!) and to those who are tired of sappy romances and want something gritty to sink their teeth into. Fans of Louisa Young should also enjoy this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
This is book that brings history to life. It immersed me into the 1916 Dublin Easter Rising and I came away not only having really enjoyed the book but also feeling liked I gained some fresh perspective on the events. Plus there is a love story but it’s not the usual fairytale love story instead it’s more like an anti-fairytale. It’s gritty, contradictory and complicated as life so often is.
First Line of Fallen by Lia Mills:
That August was unnatural
My Thoughts on Fallen by Lia Mills :
The themes of war and grief are central to this book and both are explored and vividly portrayed. The main character Katie is from an affluent area of Dublin and has just finished her degree in college. Her parents have put their foot down about her continuing on to further studies as they don’t see the need for it and she is drifting along with no sense of purpose to her life.
Meanwhile her twin brother Liam is fighting on the Western Front in World War 1 and even though both are in very different circumstances, both are feeling the same sense of hopelessness about their lives. Most of Liam’s story is told though his letters to his sister and through them we get glimpses of a man whose spirit is being broken day by day by what he has to see and do. And then Dublin is plunged into the Rising between the Irish Rebels and the British troops who were occupying Ireland.
I really appreciated that the book was told through the perspective of someone not directly involved in the Rising. This way you got to see what the events felt like for the majority of Dublin’s residents. The first that Katie knew about the rising was when she was walking in St Stephens Green with her niece to feed the ducks. Such an ordinary event and something I have often done myself in the exact same location so I could just feel her shock and confusion when she was approached by a gunman and told to exit the part as it was being seized by the rebels.
Because I could picture the scene so vividly, it brought the past to life for me and I couldn’t help but imagine the chaos and turmoil in all the surrounding buildings and streets. And what followed just seemed to be mass confusion, with people not taking it seriously at first (even watching from hotels) until the inevitable bloodshed starts.
As you might expect this is not a light book as the topics covered are ones to make you think about war and death. However at the same time, it remains very easy to read and never really gets into the political side of things. It shows the events through a young woman’s eyes and her ponderings to try and make sense of the volatile world that she inhabits. In the midst of all this she is also having her first experiences with love which adds a slightly lighter element.
A huge highlight of the book is the writing. It flows really well and is poetic in places. I found that the writing and the ideas expressed were ones that really stopped me in my tracks at times and made me reflect further on what the author was getting at. It is a book that doesn’t hand you any answers (even at the end of the book) but challenges you to think for yourself.
Overall, I enjoyed this and I came away feeling that I had learned something new about the Rising. I did find the pace lulling a little at the end but overall impression is still a really favourable one and it is one the most unique books I have read this year.
Who should read Fallen by Lia Mills?
I’d recommend this to fans of historical fiction especially if you like to see serious themes examined (in particular war and grief), to anyone who wants to know more about the 1916 Rising in Dublin (good to refresh your memory in advance of the 2016 centenary commemorations!) and to those who are tired of sappy romances and want something gritty to sink their teeth into. Fans of Louisa Young should also enjoy this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
July 25, 2015
Thanks to Penguin Ireland for the review copy of this book........
Dublin 1915. Katie Crilly is at a crossroads in her life. Finished university and undecided about her future, she takes on a job with an elderly academic who needs some help documenting her work. Here she finds friendship and shelter away from the tension of her own family home. Her twin brother, Liam, has signed up to fight on the Western Front and she is heartbroken. She fears for his safety and struggles to wish him well. Bad news arrives not long after his departure and she spends more and more time away from home, in her workplace.
Her employer's nephew, Hubie, returns from the Front, badly injured, and she is full of questions for him about the war, and what it is really like for the men fighting over there. At the same time, the 1916 Easter Rising is in full swing and the chaos on the streets of Dublin is increasing all around them. Katie wants to do something to help, despite having no allegiance , and places herself in perilous situations, against Hubie's wishes. The two lost souls are drawn together under unusual circumstances and while death and carnage continue in Dublin City Centre, they find themselves embracing the solitude and discovering each other.
A story of loneliness, uncertainty and unsettled war time, Fallen is not an epic tale of historical fiction. It is more a look at what life was like for the unseen, the middle classes who lived close to the action and mayhem that was The 1916 Rising. Not the stories that are mostly told, of the volunteers, the IRA or the state of the nation as a whole. More a glimpse into the world of one woman and her limited view on the events unfolding before her very eyes. Lia Mills has written a warm narrative, not needing to resort to shock tactics to bring the reader into the troubled times. The passages where Hubie describes what it was really like in France are intense and very real. It is worth remembering that the limited news relayed back to the rest of Europe would have been censored and very vague. To hear from someone that was actually there, and were prepared to talk honestly about their experiences, would have been rare.
When we look at the documents from this period of time, and see the footage of Sackville Street, Dublin, we tend to see only the Rebels, the British Soldiers and a few civilians. We forget about the thousands who were barricaded into their own homes, the hundreds of medical staff and volunteers who were assisting under very difficult circumstances and with limited supplies, and the families who had no idea of the location of their children, husbands, brothers and sisters. This novel very cleverly address these issues and uses fantastic description of old Dublin and its famous landmarks.
There is no doubt that this novel is wonderful, especially to Irish readers who have a good knowledge of the History of our fight for Independence. I just hope that non-nationals will give the book a chance and see it for what it is. A well written account of love and hope in times of great trouble.
Dublin 1915. Katie Crilly is at a crossroads in her life. Finished university and undecided about her future, she takes on a job with an elderly academic who needs some help documenting her work. Here she finds friendship and shelter away from the tension of her own family home. Her twin brother, Liam, has signed up to fight on the Western Front and she is heartbroken. She fears for his safety and struggles to wish him well. Bad news arrives not long after his departure and she spends more and more time away from home, in her workplace.
Her employer's nephew, Hubie, returns from the Front, badly injured, and she is full of questions for him about the war, and what it is really like for the men fighting over there. At the same time, the 1916 Easter Rising is in full swing and the chaos on the streets of Dublin is increasing all around them. Katie wants to do something to help, despite having no allegiance , and places herself in perilous situations, against Hubie's wishes. The two lost souls are drawn together under unusual circumstances and while death and carnage continue in Dublin City Centre, they find themselves embracing the solitude and discovering each other.
A story of loneliness, uncertainty and unsettled war time, Fallen is not an epic tale of historical fiction. It is more a look at what life was like for the unseen, the middle classes who lived close to the action and mayhem that was The 1916 Rising. Not the stories that are mostly told, of the volunteers, the IRA or the state of the nation as a whole. More a glimpse into the world of one woman and her limited view on the events unfolding before her very eyes. Lia Mills has written a warm narrative, not needing to resort to shock tactics to bring the reader into the troubled times. The passages where Hubie describes what it was really like in France are intense and very real. It is worth remembering that the limited news relayed back to the rest of Europe would have been censored and very vague. To hear from someone that was actually there, and were prepared to talk honestly about their experiences, would have been rare.
When we look at the documents from this period of time, and see the footage of Sackville Street, Dublin, we tend to see only the Rebels, the British Soldiers and a few civilians. We forget about the thousands who were barricaded into their own homes, the hundreds of medical staff and volunteers who were assisting under very difficult circumstances and with limited supplies, and the families who had no idea of the location of their children, husbands, brothers and sisters. This novel very cleverly address these issues and uses fantastic description of old Dublin and its famous landmarks.
There is no doubt that this novel is wonderful, especially to Irish readers who have a good knowledge of the History of our fight for Independence. I just hope that non-nationals will give the book a chance and see it for what it is. A well written account of love and hope in times of great trouble.
February 18, 2017
This book was between 3 and 4 stars. It is set in 1916 Dublin, and much of the story takes place during the Easter Uprising. This book takes a view I've not come across before in telling the story of the uprising. Ordinary citizens didn't know initially what was happening, and in this novel, as historical records tell us, most were not supportive of the revolt. They were trapped in their homes, or fled at great risk to their safety. They had little food, and their homes were damaged or destroyed.
This segment from Wikipedia provides statistics on deaths:
"85 people were killed in the Easter Rising. About 54% were civilians, 30% were British military and police, and 16% were Irish rebels. More than 2,600 were wounded. Many of the civilians were killed as a result of the British using artillery and heavy machine guns, or mistaking civilians for rebels. Others were caught in the crossfire in a crowded city. The shelling and the fires it caused left parts of inner city Dublin in ruins." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_...
The heroine of the novel is Katie Crilly, a woman in her early 20's. Her twin brother joins the army to fight in World War I , a move that was not universally popular in Ireland. She has completed four years of university but her mother is opposed to her getting more education. For me this novel fell flat because I never warmed to this character. She had a lot of potential but it was never realized.
On the other hand, the descriptions of Dublin of the time, and the experiences of its citizens during the Easter Uprising pulled me in. Mills produces some beautiful and vivid descriptions. I wish the book had included a map as Katie makes her way through and around the fighting.
This is a very worthwhile read for those interested in Dublin, as well as the 1916 Uprising.
This segment from Wikipedia provides statistics on deaths:
"85 people were killed in the Easter Rising. About 54% were civilians, 30% were British military and police, and 16% were Irish rebels. More than 2,600 were wounded. Many of the civilians were killed as a result of the British using artillery and heavy machine guns, or mistaking civilians for rebels. Others were caught in the crossfire in a crowded city. The shelling and the fires it caused left parts of inner city Dublin in ruins." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_...
The heroine of the novel is Katie Crilly, a woman in her early 20's. Her twin brother joins the army to fight in World War I , a move that was not universally popular in Ireland. She has completed four years of university but her mother is opposed to her getting more education. For me this novel fell flat because I never warmed to this character. She had a lot of potential but it was never realized.
On the other hand, the descriptions of Dublin of the time, and the experiences of its citizens during the Easter Uprising pulled me in. Mills produces some beautiful and vivid descriptions. I wish the book had included a map as Katie makes her way through and around the fighting.
This is a very worthwhile read for those interested in Dublin, as well as the 1916 Uprising.
February 29, 2016
I hadn't read any books by this author before but when I saw the content I thought I'd give it a go. For anyone interested in history, the Irish Rising of 1916, ( we're celebrating it's centenary this month), and the Irish who fought in WW1 then this is a read for you.
It's nothing about the leaders of the Rising or battles or any of that. It's a bout an ordinary girl, Katie, who lives through this momentous week and we see it all through her eyes. It's about feelings and living without someone who was your world. It tells how the public really felt about the Rising and how they comported themselves at this time.
I enjoyed it. Mills writing is almost lyrical at times. There were passages that really grabbed me when reading.
Example:' The light was glorious. Given one last chance to show off their finery before it was put away for winter, the trees took full advantage and blazed, bronze, crimson and copper, under a high blue vault of sky'.
There's a lot more like this. Beautiful.
The reason for the four stars is that it had an open ending and I'm not too fond of these. I like things tied up and to know where the characters are going when I leave them on the last page.
I'd recommend this book.
It's nothing about the leaders of the Rising or battles or any of that. It's a bout an ordinary girl, Katie, who lives through this momentous week and we see it all through her eyes. It's about feelings and living without someone who was your world. It tells how the public really felt about the Rising and how they comported themselves at this time.
I enjoyed it. Mills writing is almost lyrical at times. There were passages that really grabbed me when reading.
Example:' The light was glorious. Given one last chance to show off their finery before it was put away for winter, the trees took full advantage and blazed, bronze, crimson and copper, under a high blue vault of sky'.
There's a lot more like this. Beautiful.
The reason for the four stars is that it had an open ending and I'm not too fond of these. I like things tied up and to know where the characters are going when I leave them on the last page.
I'd recommend this book.
June 2, 2014
I really enjoyed this story. It is a historical novel set in Dublin during the Easter Rising. It was very interesting. The story is told from the perspective of a bystander that is not directly involved in the conflict itself, but finds ways to help others. She often puts the safety of others before herself. Ireland wants its independence from the British Empire, but what costs are they willing to pay for that freedom? The comparison made between the rising and the Great War are also rather enlightening. I felt this was a well written and very compelling story.
June 7, 2017
I received a free copy of this book.
I guess normally I wouldn't go for this kind of book as I usually avoid books that deal with the two world wars. I needed to read a lot of them for school and I didn't really wanted to pick them up again. However, this book really surprised me and the intriguing story might make me reconsider my position.
The book is about a family in Dublin and how they deal with the impact the First World War has on them. They have to deal with a family member's death as well as with the Easter Rising. The book is told from Katie's point of view. This leads to a quite interesting insight in her thoughts about women of her time, earning a living and education.
I believe she was a great choice as the protagonist and it was pretty easy to follow her lead into the story.
The supporting characters were also interesting although it was sometimes difficult for me to grasp why they act in a certain way. But this didn't really stopped me from enjoying the story.
A big plus of the book was the writing. I really love the author's style of writing from page one and it made it that much easier to surround myself with the setting of the book. The author was able to integrate descriptions in the story without making it boring to read. It was quite easy to imagine the place where the story took place.
In the end, this was a pretty good read. I learned a lot about the Easter Rising about which I hardly know more than the historical dates of before reading the book. The romance was well-told without being too overwhelming. For me the book is more of a historical fiction than a love story but I liked it.
I was a little let down by the ending as I wanted more information but I still would recommend it to a friend as a great read.
I guess normally I wouldn't go for this kind of book as I usually avoid books that deal with the two world wars. I needed to read a lot of them for school and I didn't really wanted to pick them up again. However, this book really surprised me and the intriguing story might make me reconsider my position.
The book is about a family in Dublin and how they deal with the impact the First World War has on them. They have to deal with a family member's death as well as with the Easter Rising. The book is told from Katie's point of view. This leads to a quite interesting insight in her thoughts about women of her time, earning a living and education.
I believe she was a great choice as the protagonist and it was pretty easy to follow her lead into the story.
The supporting characters were also interesting although it was sometimes difficult for me to grasp why they act in a certain way. But this didn't really stopped me from enjoying the story.
A big plus of the book was the writing. I really love the author's style of writing from page one and it made it that much easier to surround myself with the setting of the book. The author was able to integrate descriptions in the story without making it boring to read. It was quite easy to imagine the place where the story took place.
In the end, this was a pretty good read. I learned a lot about the Easter Rising about which I hardly know more than the historical dates of before reading the book. The romance was well-told without being too overwhelming. For me the book is more of a historical fiction than a love story but I liked it.
I was a little let down by the ending as I wanted more information but I still would recommend it to a friend as a great read.
October 28, 2016
Written with a rare grace and subtlety
Amidst the overflow of WW1 books, this revisits the conflict through the Easter Rising in Dublin in 1916. Like a miniature version of the Russian Revolution, the Irish struggle cannot be easily disentangled from the war and its overtones of imperialism, class and gender. Mills navigates her way skilfully through these concerns and never allows the book to fall into polemic or sentimentality.
The characterisation is rounded and diverse, and our main point-of-view character, Katie, isn’t one of those heroic wonder-women who so often inhabit fiction: she’s diffident and sometimes confused, accommodating rather than rebelling against the social and cultural strictures that defined femininity at the start of the twentieth century. Her awakening is a quiet one in lots of ways, yet feels all the more significant and authentic precisely for that reason.
This is a book written with a rare intelligence, grace and subtlety – highly recommended.
(This review is from an ARC courtesy of the publisher)
Amidst the overflow of WW1 books, this revisits the conflict through the Easter Rising in Dublin in 1916. Like a miniature version of the Russian Revolution, the Irish struggle cannot be easily disentangled from the war and its overtones of imperialism, class and gender. Mills navigates her way skilfully through these concerns and never allows the book to fall into polemic or sentimentality.
The characterisation is rounded and diverse, and our main point-of-view character, Katie, isn’t one of those heroic wonder-women who so often inhabit fiction: she’s diffident and sometimes confused, accommodating rather than rebelling against the social and cultural strictures that defined femininity at the start of the twentieth century. Her awakening is a quiet one in lots of ways, yet feels all the more significant and authentic precisely for that reason.
This is a book written with a rare intelligence, grace and subtlety – highly recommended.
(This review is from an ARC courtesy of the publisher)
February 2, 2025
The monkey was the best part of this book
Also I hate not endings of books like finish the stories Jesus
Also I hate not endings of books like finish the stories Jesus
August 6, 2014
Fallen by Lia Mills was published on 5 June by Penguin Ireland - looking at Amazon here in the UK, I see it's already available for Kindle, but that the paperback isn't due for release until February 2015. So my timing for this review might be a little off, but there's never really such a thing as bad timing when you're making everyone aware of a book that's so compelling and superbly written.
This is the story of Katie, living in Dublin at the start of the First World War, educated to degree level only because the same opportunity was available to her twin brother Liam, prevented from continuing any further by her traditionalist parents, trying to find something challenging with which to fill her time. She secures a post helping a female scholar writing a book about the statues of Dublin, while waiting for news of Liam who has volunteered for the Western Front. This is a book that deals graphically with the horrors of the trenches - we share the letters from Liam that sometimes bring solace to Katie after his death, but sometimes raise questions she really can't answer, and also hear the unvarnished truth from Hubie who served with Liam at the Front.
But then the book takes a different turn - still struggling with Liam's death, Katie is turned away from a public park by the threat of violence, and we witness Dublin's Easter Rising through her eyes as an accidental observer. Initially a little naive, a product of her age and upbringing, her experiences help her reach an understanding of what Liam lived through, and see her achieving a remarkable transformation of her own.
There are the inevitable comparisons with Sebastian Faulks - certainly with the unflinching examination of the horror of war, and the beauty of the writing. There are images throughout this book that will long stay with me - the vivid descriptions of the suburban streets of 1916 Dublin taken over by the brutality of the insurrection, and the incongruity of the serene swans on the canal amid the ugliness. It's not a difficult read in any way - other than its subject matter at times - but the writing has a poetic quality that is quite both enchanting and very moving, and the development of the characters is quite mesmerising. Most definitely a book to look out for.
This is the story of Katie, living in Dublin at the start of the First World War, educated to degree level only because the same opportunity was available to her twin brother Liam, prevented from continuing any further by her traditionalist parents, trying to find something challenging with which to fill her time. She secures a post helping a female scholar writing a book about the statues of Dublin, while waiting for news of Liam who has volunteered for the Western Front. This is a book that deals graphically with the horrors of the trenches - we share the letters from Liam that sometimes bring solace to Katie after his death, but sometimes raise questions she really can't answer, and also hear the unvarnished truth from Hubie who served with Liam at the Front.
But then the book takes a different turn - still struggling with Liam's death, Katie is turned away from a public park by the threat of violence, and we witness Dublin's Easter Rising through her eyes as an accidental observer. Initially a little naive, a product of her age and upbringing, her experiences help her reach an understanding of what Liam lived through, and see her achieving a remarkable transformation of her own.
There are the inevitable comparisons with Sebastian Faulks - certainly with the unflinching examination of the horror of war, and the beauty of the writing. There are images throughout this book that will long stay with me - the vivid descriptions of the suburban streets of 1916 Dublin taken over by the brutality of the insurrection, and the incongruity of the serene swans on the canal amid the ugliness. It's not a difficult read in any way - other than its subject matter at times - but the writing has a poetic quality that is quite both enchanting and very moving, and the development of the characters is quite mesmerising. Most definitely a book to look out for.
June 22, 2014
NOTE: This book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this historical fiction novel. It took place in Ireland during the beginning of WWI. What made it even more interesting was the fact that the story contained a "war within a war" - the Easter Rising (a revolt that took place in Ireland at the same time). I had to do a little research because I don't know much about Irish history. This author blended fiction and history wonderfully and she even provides some information at the end of the book regarding the Easter Rising.
Katie is the main character and seems to be the narrator for most of the book. Her twin brother, Liam enlists in the army and shortly after he leaves, the area in which they live is taken over, first by the Irishmen that are revolting and then the army. Curfews are put into effect, no one can go out, rationing of food, gas, etc. Katie's family is separated. Katie refuses to "sit and wait" so she attempts to visit each of her family members and friends and while doing so becomes a volunteer in the hospital, drives with a red cross nurse to rescue those that can be rescued and is able to see the horror of war first hand. Her thoughts, emotions, fears are all heard and felt by the reader. The ending is a wonderful surprise - even though she has lived through war with all of its terrible things, she manages to find love!
I love historical fiction, but have never read anything like this. I would like to thank the publisher for introducing me to another part of history - it's great to learn something new!
I really enjoyed reading this historical fiction novel. It took place in Ireland during the beginning of WWI. What made it even more interesting was the fact that the story contained a "war within a war" - the Easter Rising (a revolt that took place in Ireland at the same time). I had to do a little research because I don't know much about Irish history. This author blended fiction and history wonderfully and she even provides some information at the end of the book regarding the Easter Rising.
Katie is the main character and seems to be the narrator for most of the book. Her twin brother, Liam enlists in the army and shortly after he leaves, the area in which they live is taken over, first by the Irishmen that are revolting and then the army. Curfews are put into effect, no one can go out, rationing of food, gas, etc. Katie's family is separated. Katie refuses to "sit and wait" so she attempts to visit each of her family members and friends and while doing so becomes a volunteer in the hospital, drives with a red cross nurse to rescue those that can be rescued and is able to see the horror of war first hand. Her thoughts, emotions, fears are all heard and felt by the reader. The ending is a wonderful surprise - even though she has lived through war with all of its terrible things, she manages to find love!
I love historical fiction, but have never read anything like this. I would like to thank the publisher for introducing me to another part of history - it's great to learn something new!
June 11, 2014
4.5 stars. This was a beautifully written book about a subject that I honestly didn't know much about and don't think there is an awful lot out there with the Easter Rebellion as the background.
The love story didn't come out until very far into the book, but when it happened, it was very sudden. Not insta-love, but close to it.
I loved the dynamics between Katie and her family members. I felt so sad for them and their loss, compounded by Eva's bad health and Matt's running away to live his life the way he wanted to live it.
That seemed to be a running theme throughout the book, societal and familial expectations, being either thwarted or embraced and accepted, though most of the siblings seemed to be running away, rather than accepting the status quo.
War is horrible. But it does throw everything into stark relief, making one realize what is important and what really isn't as important as what was once thought. I think this book shows that well, in a non-didactic way.
The characters were fantastically built, the background of the Easter Rebellion was brought to life, everything breathed for me. The plot wasn't a huge driving factor, at least I didn't think so at first, but it was definitely a tale of growth for Katie. The plot seemed to meander, but it paralleled her growth, her learning and eventually, her breaking free of her family and into herself.
Beautiful book, I recommend it. My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books Ireland for the eARC to read and review.
The love story didn't come out until very far into the book, but when it happened, it was very sudden. Not insta-love, but close to it.
I loved the dynamics between Katie and her family members. I felt so sad for them and their loss, compounded by Eva's bad health and Matt's running away to live his life the way he wanted to live it.
That seemed to be a running theme throughout the book, societal and familial expectations, being either thwarted or embraced and accepted, though most of the siblings seemed to be running away, rather than accepting the status quo.
War is horrible. But it does throw everything into stark relief, making one realize what is important and what really isn't as important as what was once thought. I think this book shows that well, in a non-didactic way.
The characters were fantastically built, the background of the Easter Rebellion was brought to life, everything breathed for me. The plot wasn't a huge driving factor, at least I didn't think so at first, but it was definitely a tale of growth for Katie. The plot seemed to meander, but it paralleled her growth, her learning and eventually, her breaking free of her family and into herself.
Beautiful book, I recommend it. My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books Ireland for the eARC to read and review.
April 7, 2016
It is 1915 and Katie Crilly and her twin brother have finished their degrees in history. Liam takes up a position in the family firm of solicitors, but then makes a decision to join the British army and is killed in action at Verdun.
One year later, still overcome with grief and unable to reconcile the loss of her brother, Katie witnesses at first hand the carnage on the streets of Dublin during the 1916 rebellion. During this troubled week she meets Hubie, a career officer, who served alongside her brother and is now home having been maimed in action.
Put off perhaps by the book cover, I was expecting just a love story written against the backdrop of the 1916 Easter Rising. But was I ever wrong. This is a careful and studied description of grief and loss as well as love. The horrors of WWI unfold, as seen both from Liam’s letters to his sister in the period leading up to his death and Hubie’s blunt descriptions of the action. At the same time we get a feel for the confusion, fear and destruction on the Dublin streets during the stand-off. This is such a balanced book, both in the telling and in the tempering of the darkness by the colourful and interesting characters and the wonderfully descriptive writing, but mostly by the hope which emerges.
This is an excellent ‘Two cities, one book’ choice for 2016 by Dublin and Belfast, and definitely worth a read.
One year later, still overcome with grief and unable to reconcile the loss of her brother, Katie witnesses at first hand the carnage on the streets of Dublin during the 1916 rebellion. During this troubled week she meets Hubie, a career officer, who served alongside her brother and is now home having been maimed in action.
Put off perhaps by the book cover, I was expecting just a love story written against the backdrop of the 1916 Easter Rising. But was I ever wrong. This is a careful and studied description of grief and loss as well as love. The horrors of WWI unfold, as seen both from Liam’s letters to his sister in the period leading up to his death and Hubie’s blunt descriptions of the action. At the same time we get a feel for the confusion, fear and destruction on the Dublin streets during the stand-off. This is such a balanced book, both in the telling and in the tempering of the darkness by the colourful and interesting characters and the wonderfully descriptive writing, but mostly by the hope which emerges.
This is an excellent ‘Two cities, one book’ choice for 2016 by Dublin and Belfast, and definitely worth a read.
September 28, 2014
I won this book as a part of the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program. The story is about Katie Crilly a twin who has lost her brother in Verdun during WWI. On the anniversary of his death, Dublin is faced with the Easter Rising. This story is about how Katie traverses this event, as well as her grief for her brother, both of which has her caught in the middle. During this time she meets Hubie, and these two broken souls grow and rise together beyond the ugliness of war and loss.
I like the book, it was something very different than most of the historical fiction I read. As a non-Irish reader, I found this was much more an inner-monologue style than informative. I wish I had some more background information about the Easter Rising than what was presented in the novel, even a map showing the city layout!
All in all it was a good read, and I would recommend it to my friends who like books detailing European or Modern History.
I like the book, it was something very different than most of the historical fiction I read. As a non-Irish reader, I found this was much more an inner-monologue style than informative. I wish I had some more background information about the Easter Rising than what was presented in the novel, even a map showing the city layout!
All in all it was a good read, and I would recommend it to my friends who like books detailing European or Modern History.
June 12, 2014
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway - thanks very much to Penguin Ireland and Goodreads.
I'm a huge fan of novels set during World Wars I and II - Timothy Findley's The Wars and Sebastian Faulks' Birdsong are favourites. As it is set during the Easter Rising of 1916 in Dublin, I was very keen to read Fallen and was not disappointed. I loved Katie - I found her very genuine and was so touched by her strong desire to guard the privacy of her dead brother's returned letters. Lia Mills is a beautiful writer - I'll definitely have to read her previous works.
I'm a huge fan of novels set during World Wars I and II - Timothy Findley's The Wars and Sebastian Faulks' Birdsong are favourites. As it is set during the Easter Rising of 1916 in Dublin, I was very keen to read Fallen and was not disappointed. I loved Katie - I found her very genuine and was so touched by her strong desire to guard the privacy of her dead brother's returned letters. Lia Mills is a beautiful writer - I'll definitely have to read her previous works.
July 28, 2014
My litmus test for a successful historical fiction is that it makes me want to further research the time period. As I was reading Fallen, I kept looking at World War I websites for photos, stories and descriptions of this time period. So according to my test, Fallen is a resounding success. Read my full review at: http://thebookbindersdaughter.com/201...
June 27, 2014
This is a page turner
I'm so happy that I paid attention to the ad for this book. I couldn't put it down. It was a very well written story about a very hard topic to bring alive. But bring it to life the author did. I highly recommend this book.
I'm so happy that I paid attention to the ad for this book. I couldn't put it down. It was a very well written story about a very hard topic to bring alive. But bring it to life the author did. I highly recommend this book.
Want to read
May 20, 2014After reading only a few sentences about the book im already on the edge of my seat to read it! Thank god theres a giveaway!
June 4, 2019
This is a beautifully written story about a relationship that evolves during the Easter Uprising in Dublin in August of 1916. It is the story of a young seventeen year old woman growing up under the stringent expectations of an overbearing mother, struggling to find a place in the world and decide what she will do with her life besides fill society’s expectations that she marry and have a family. Her mother Mildred is making life difficult for her, keeping a close rein on her behavior and trying to steer her in a direction that would be suitable for a solicitor’s daughter. Mildred feels she has already failed her eldest daughter Eva, who married Bartley a Protestant surgeon despite all of her efforts to deter her. Eva and Bartley have a young daughter Alanna, although they have not been able to expand their family further with Eva’s poor health contributing to her many miscarriages. But Mildred has hopes for her other daughter Florrie, six years older than Katie who is presently dating Eugene Sheeham, a man who earns a living selling religious artifacts. Matt her youngest son is failing at university, has no interest in joining his father’s law business and is only interested in the theater and acting. Liam is Katie’s twin and before he enlisted to fight for Britain in their war overseas, was studying law and economics and working as a junior traninee in his father’s law office.
Liam headed off to war in 1914 leaving his family and his fiancée Isabel behind. Katie and Liam had always been very close and Katy was devastated when he chose to enlist with the Royal Dublin Regiment without even discussing it with her. She worries every day about his safety and the letters he writes home to her are very different from those he writes his parents. They describe a man broken every day by what he has seen and what he must do on the battlefield.
The family all support the idea of a free Ireland but do not believe it was worth bloodshed, preferring a gradual planned parliamentary process to establish their freedom from British rule. Others felt strongly that the Irish should fight for their independence and that a peaceful solution is only a hopeful fantasy, angry that young Irishmen are shedding blood fighting for the British in a foreign war when those same lives were needed to fight for independence in their homeland. Katie hates all the talk. She is sick of people telling others what to think, what to believe and which side to take.
Katie is still reeling by her parent’s decision not to allow her to continue her education. She had been offered a position in the history department at the university studying for an advanced degree with Professor Hayden but was forced to decline the opportunity. Katy loves learning simply for its own sake, it was what she wanted to do. The decision had nothing to do with money but by her mother’s belief that it would be an absolute waste of money. Katie is angry that her twin Liam was able to choose a path in life despite his parent’s objections, while she is denied her own choices. Their decision has left Katie with no purpose in life, enduring her mother’s attempts to keep her busy. The two are beginning to grate on each other’s nerves and Katie goes on long aimless walks to escape the tension in the house. Her mother, always concerned about what others will think, objects to these walks, fearful it could cause a scandal. She believes it is no way for a solicitor’s daughter to act.
Matters improve when Katy is offered a position as an assistant to Miss Dorothy (Dote) Colcough, an unconventional woman, a recognized scholar, radical and suffragette, writing a book on the monuments in the city. Dote needs someone to do research and Katie with her degree in history would be a perfect fit. Dote lives with her friend May Wilson whose nephew Hubie also signed up for the war and is now in France, a fact which helps nurture a close kinship between the three women. Katie proves a very competent assistant, enjoys the work she is doing and time passes quickly although she often wonders about Liam and worries about his safety.
In April of 1915 Katie’s world comes crashing down when she learns Liam has been killed on the Western Front. Seeking solace she finds it with Con Buckley, Liam’s childhood friend from boarding school whose parents were in Africa and who often stayed at their home during school holidays. He is handsome, has good manners and is Catholic, a young man her parents approve of, but Katie soon becomes aware there are rumours about Con’s behavior with women.
When Miss Colcough’s book is finished Katie is offered a positon with Mr. Briscoe who owns a shop and is preparing for his next auction. He would like Katie to type the catalogue and is prepared to send her to London for the required training. Katie is considering the offer knowing her mother would not take kindly to the idea of her working in a shop let alone allow her to go to London.
Her future is interrupted by the events that occur suddenly on April 24th 1916, a year after Liam’s death. Dublin erupts in a violent and bloody conflict that plays out over several days as Irish rebels try to throw off the British troops occupying their country and the Republican Army takes over Dublin. Windows are smashed, furniture is piled in the streets to block the roads and gunshots can be heard. Public buildings are overrun by men with guns. The police are nowhere to be found, having vanished at the first signs of trouble. Some families have been forced from their homes and the gunmen, calling themselves the Brotherhood, have barricaded themselves inside and installed themselves at the windows. Mobs are entering shops through the smashed windows and hauling away whatever they can grab. There is no one to stop them. Sporadic fires are set and smoke fills the air. It is dangerous to be out in the streets and difficult to get anywhere. Families are separated and as Katie tries to connect with her family and friends she runs a dangerous gauntlet through the dangerous city streets.
May Wilson’s nephew Captain Hubie Wilson has just recently arrived home after being discharged with wounds from a military hospital. He has lost most of one of his hands, an injury which will be difficult for him to bear since he was a practical man and always good with his hands. Katie criss-crosses the city, trying to locate her family and ensure they are safe and spends several days with Hubie, who knew her brother Liam. She is anxious to hear about their experiences in the trenches, to understand what it was really like and Hubie, traumatized by what he has experienced needs someone to listen. He describes the confusion and the noise, the screams of men and beasts injured and dying in the mud, the excruciatingly ugly death from the gas and how the men were vastly outnumbered by the enemy with their field guns while they only had rifles. The two spend hours talking deep into the night as the rebels remain holed up in the buildings along the street, the fires, the looting and the gunshots continue and more days pass. Katie becomes caught up in the terrifying conflict as she tries to help her friends and family. The streets are a confusing mess. The revolutionaries appear to be armed to the teeth and at times it is difficult to tell who is on which side.
These sections of the book contain Mill’s best writing, so well done with the sound of distant shooting in the background while Katie and Hubie are locked in the house trying to stay safe. Hubie’s dialogue is raw and honest. He is not afraid to say how frightened he was on the battlefield and how he handled his fear.
When the violence finally ends, martial law is declared, a curfew is put in place and Katie helps out at the hospital. It is bedlam with hundreds of wounded, few supplies and weary volunteers struggling to help in whatever way they can. The experience affects Kate in many ways, helping her set a course for her future. She now has a clearer idea of what she wants in life.
Kudos to Lia Mills for this effort which strikes the critical but delicate balance of historical setting, compelling story and rich characters. There are many historical details but they serve beautifully as the background to the story rather than competing with the narrative for attention. Mills has followed the basic principle of good fiction. She shows instead of tells. We learn about the horrors in the trenches through Liam’s letters and Katie and Hubie’s long conversations. We learn about Dublin’s Easter Rising through the eyes of Katie and Hubie as they hear the sounds of violence form her friend’s home, see the confusion when they peer outside the windows, and hear stories from neighbours. Katie smells the smoke from the fires and smells it in the air when she ventures outside. And through all the ugly noise, the mass confusion and the brutality on the streets, Mills gives readers the stark contrast of the beautiful swans gliding serenely on the canal in the city, seemingly oblivious to the tumultuous events around them.
Although the story highlights an evolving relationship between two people, it is not a “sticky romance” but instead describes the complicated way two people connect under difficult circumstances as their lives pass through some critical moments during this violent conflict.
This is a very good piece of work, although quite honestly I could have done without Paschal the chimp!
Liam headed off to war in 1914 leaving his family and his fiancée Isabel behind. Katie and Liam had always been very close and Katy was devastated when he chose to enlist with the Royal Dublin Regiment without even discussing it with her. She worries every day about his safety and the letters he writes home to her are very different from those he writes his parents. They describe a man broken every day by what he has seen and what he must do on the battlefield.
The family all support the idea of a free Ireland but do not believe it was worth bloodshed, preferring a gradual planned parliamentary process to establish their freedom from British rule. Others felt strongly that the Irish should fight for their independence and that a peaceful solution is only a hopeful fantasy, angry that young Irishmen are shedding blood fighting for the British in a foreign war when those same lives were needed to fight for independence in their homeland. Katie hates all the talk. She is sick of people telling others what to think, what to believe and which side to take.
Katie is still reeling by her parent’s decision not to allow her to continue her education. She had been offered a position in the history department at the university studying for an advanced degree with Professor Hayden but was forced to decline the opportunity. Katy loves learning simply for its own sake, it was what she wanted to do. The decision had nothing to do with money but by her mother’s belief that it would be an absolute waste of money. Katie is angry that her twin Liam was able to choose a path in life despite his parent’s objections, while she is denied her own choices. Their decision has left Katie with no purpose in life, enduring her mother’s attempts to keep her busy. The two are beginning to grate on each other’s nerves and Katie goes on long aimless walks to escape the tension in the house. Her mother, always concerned about what others will think, objects to these walks, fearful it could cause a scandal. She believes it is no way for a solicitor’s daughter to act.
Matters improve when Katy is offered a position as an assistant to Miss Dorothy (Dote) Colcough, an unconventional woman, a recognized scholar, radical and suffragette, writing a book on the monuments in the city. Dote needs someone to do research and Katie with her degree in history would be a perfect fit. Dote lives with her friend May Wilson whose nephew Hubie also signed up for the war and is now in France, a fact which helps nurture a close kinship between the three women. Katie proves a very competent assistant, enjoys the work she is doing and time passes quickly although she often wonders about Liam and worries about his safety.
In April of 1915 Katie’s world comes crashing down when she learns Liam has been killed on the Western Front. Seeking solace she finds it with Con Buckley, Liam’s childhood friend from boarding school whose parents were in Africa and who often stayed at their home during school holidays. He is handsome, has good manners and is Catholic, a young man her parents approve of, but Katie soon becomes aware there are rumours about Con’s behavior with women.
When Miss Colcough’s book is finished Katie is offered a positon with Mr. Briscoe who owns a shop and is preparing for his next auction. He would like Katie to type the catalogue and is prepared to send her to London for the required training. Katie is considering the offer knowing her mother would not take kindly to the idea of her working in a shop let alone allow her to go to London.
Her future is interrupted by the events that occur suddenly on April 24th 1916, a year after Liam’s death. Dublin erupts in a violent and bloody conflict that plays out over several days as Irish rebels try to throw off the British troops occupying their country and the Republican Army takes over Dublin. Windows are smashed, furniture is piled in the streets to block the roads and gunshots can be heard. Public buildings are overrun by men with guns. The police are nowhere to be found, having vanished at the first signs of trouble. Some families have been forced from their homes and the gunmen, calling themselves the Brotherhood, have barricaded themselves inside and installed themselves at the windows. Mobs are entering shops through the smashed windows and hauling away whatever they can grab. There is no one to stop them. Sporadic fires are set and smoke fills the air. It is dangerous to be out in the streets and difficult to get anywhere. Families are separated and as Katie tries to connect with her family and friends she runs a dangerous gauntlet through the dangerous city streets.
May Wilson’s nephew Captain Hubie Wilson has just recently arrived home after being discharged with wounds from a military hospital. He has lost most of one of his hands, an injury which will be difficult for him to bear since he was a practical man and always good with his hands. Katie criss-crosses the city, trying to locate her family and ensure they are safe and spends several days with Hubie, who knew her brother Liam. She is anxious to hear about their experiences in the trenches, to understand what it was really like and Hubie, traumatized by what he has experienced needs someone to listen. He describes the confusion and the noise, the screams of men and beasts injured and dying in the mud, the excruciatingly ugly death from the gas and how the men were vastly outnumbered by the enemy with their field guns while they only had rifles. The two spend hours talking deep into the night as the rebels remain holed up in the buildings along the street, the fires, the looting and the gunshots continue and more days pass. Katie becomes caught up in the terrifying conflict as she tries to help her friends and family. The streets are a confusing mess. The revolutionaries appear to be armed to the teeth and at times it is difficult to tell who is on which side.
These sections of the book contain Mill’s best writing, so well done with the sound of distant shooting in the background while Katie and Hubie are locked in the house trying to stay safe. Hubie’s dialogue is raw and honest. He is not afraid to say how frightened he was on the battlefield and how he handled his fear.
When the violence finally ends, martial law is declared, a curfew is put in place and Katie helps out at the hospital. It is bedlam with hundreds of wounded, few supplies and weary volunteers struggling to help in whatever way they can. The experience affects Kate in many ways, helping her set a course for her future. She now has a clearer idea of what she wants in life.
Kudos to Lia Mills for this effort which strikes the critical but delicate balance of historical setting, compelling story and rich characters. There are many historical details but they serve beautifully as the background to the story rather than competing with the narrative for attention. Mills has followed the basic principle of good fiction. She shows instead of tells. We learn about the horrors in the trenches through Liam’s letters and Katie and Hubie’s long conversations. We learn about Dublin’s Easter Rising through the eyes of Katie and Hubie as they hear the sounds of violence form her friend’s home, see the confusion when they peer outside the windows, and hear stories from neighbours. Katie smells the smoke from the fires and smells it in the air when she ventures outside. And through all the ugly noise, the mass confusion and the brutality on the streets, Mills gives readers the stark contrast of the beautiful swans gliding serenely on the canal in the city, seemingly oblivious to the tumultuous events around them.
Although the story highlights an evolving relationship between two people, it is not a “sticky romance” but instead describes the complicated way two people connect under difficult circumstances as their lives pass through some critical moments during this violent conflict.
This is a very good piece of work, although quite honestly I could have done without Paschal the chimp!
August 31, 2016
*copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I want mooooore! Though probably not for the reasons you’re imagining. There’s only one reason, really. The Katie-Hubie love-line is just what I need in my life right now. I think I might be going through withdrawals as I’m writing this review, actually.
I’m not a history enthusiast, and I don’t know much about early 20th century Ireland (yes, I am ashamed of myself), and for this reason I can’t even dare to comment on the history aspect of it all, so I’ll just stick to the story.
Virginia Woolf would be proud with all this stream of consciousness going around (and there’s a lot of it going around, trust me).
Everything is presented through the main character’s eyes, Katie, who is suffering from a severe case of over-parenting, especially from her mother, who’d rather see her barefoot and pregnant rather than make a career for herself, like the smart woman she is. Oh, the horror of having an intelligent and independent daughter! The shame!
Anyway, like I said, stream of consciousness = lengthy descriptions. And I do mean lengthy. Also extremely well written, if you’ve got the time and patience for it and if you’re into that sort of thing.
For me, it varies. I think I was going through a phase when I didn’t have it in me to go into so much detail about every single thing, so it took me a while to finish it because I kept picking up other books to read to keep me from going stark mad at how slowly things seemed to be moving.
Then came Hubie. Ah. Dear lovely Hubie, I fell in love with him from the moment I read about him. I loved their first kiss (his and Katie’s) so much that I actually read that part about five times. And their sexy romantic scenes…let’s just say things got all tingly inside my little black heart. I’m not one to shy away from anything explicit, but the love scenes here are presented with such elegance and simplicity and grace and I really wouldn’t have it any other way.
There are no words to say how much I love Hubie’s character, he’s just the type of candy I look for in the books I read, I want mooore!
And that’s why I’m disappointed with this book, with its ending to be more precise. Just when it was getting good (at least for me), we get the rug pulled out from under us.
I have this emptiness inside of me where a happy ending should be. Or any kind of ending, really. The book really left me hanging, with loose ends and unanswered questions
I want mooooore! Though probably not for the reasons you’re imagining. There’s only one reason, really. The Katie-Hubie love-line is just what I need in my life right now. I think I might be going through withdrawals as I’m writing this review, actually.
I’m not a history enthusiast, and I don’t know much about early 20th century Ireland (yes, I am ashamed of myself), and for this reason I can’t even dare to comment on the history aspect of it all, so I’ll just stick to the story.
Virginia Woolf would be proud with all this stream of consciousness going around (and there’s a lot of it going around, trust me).
Everything is presented through the main character’s eyes, Katie, who is suffering from a severe case of over-parenting, especially from her mother, who’d rather see her barefoot and pregnant rather than make a career for herself, like the smart woman she is. Oh, the horror of having an intelligent and independent daughter! The shame!
Anyway, like I said, stream of consciousness = lengthy descriptions. And I do mean lengthy. Also extremely well written, if you’ve got the time and patience for it and if you’re into that sort of thing.
For me, it varies. I think I was going through a phase when I didn’t have it in me to go into so much detail about every single thing, so it took me a while to finish it because I kept picking up other books to read to keep me from going stark mad at how slowly things seemed to be moving.
Then came Hubie. Ah. Dear lovely Hubie, I fell in love with him from the moment I read about him. I loved their first kiss (his and Katie’s) so much that I actually read that part about five times. And their sexy romantic scenes…let’s just say things got all tingly inside my little black heart. I’m not one to shy away from anything explicit, but the love scenes here are presented with such elegance and simplicity and grace and I really wouldn’t have it any other way.
There are no words to say how much I love Hubie’s character, he’s just the type of candy I look for in the books I read, I want mooore!
And that’s why I’m disappointed with this book, with its ending to be more precise. Just when it was getting good (at least for me), we get the rug pulled out from under us.
I have this emptiness inside of me where a happy ending should be. Or any kind of ending, really. The book really left me hanging, with loose ends and unanswered questions
February 9, 2017
This was a giveaway from Goodreads First Reads - thanks Penguin Ireland and Goodreads.
The best thing about this novel is the quality of the writing. The reader is taken deep into the thoughts of the protagonist - grief, fatigue, irritation and love are all revealed gradually, like peeling layers away to see the real depth of the person within. This produces a realistic characterisation, while allowing some aspects of the story to remain ambiguous or unclear, even as Katie gains her own self-awareness.
The plot itself centres around Katie's coming to terms with the death of her brother, and how people and events open up her understanding of a wider world outside her narrow privileged environment. The setting of Dublin is skilfully evoked, there are lyrical passages describing the river and the buildings, but at the same time not shirking from the smells and sights of poverty, war and sickness. The historical events of the First World War and Irish participation in it, along with the skirmishes of the Easter Uprising, provide context and background. However, the reader never feels very close to these actual events, we see them as one step removed, through the things Katie sees and hears as she moves about the city. This helps maintain the very personal feel of the narrative but can occasionally be frustrating as threads are left partially unresolved.
This is a book that will appeal to those who enjoy reading about the impact of historical events on ordinary people, rather than detail of the events themselves.
The best thing about this novel is the quality of the writing. The reader is taken deep into the thoughts of the protagonist - grief, fatigue, irritation and love are all revealed gradually, like peeling layers away to see the real depth of the person within. This produces a realistic characterisation, while allowing some aspects of the story to remain ambiguous or unclear, even as Katie gains her own self-awareness.
The plot itself centres around Katie's coming to terms with the death of her brother, and how people and events open up her understanding of a wider world outside her narrow privileged environment. The setting of Dublin is skilfully evoked, there are lyrical passages describing the river and the buildings, but at the same time not shirking from the smells and sights of poverty, war and sickness. The historical events of the First World War and Irish participation in it, along with the skirmishes of the Easter Uprising, provide context and background. However, the reader never feels very close to these actual events, we see them as one step removed, through the things Katie sees and hears as she moves about the city. This helps maintain the very personal feel of the narrative but can occasionally be frustrating as threads are left partially unresolved.
This is a book that will appeal to those who enjoy reading about the impact of historical events on ordinary people, rather than detail of the events themselves.
July 15, 2014
Starts at its own pace, but once I got into it I found it utterly absorbing. Set in the period 1914-1916, it follows the life of Kate Crilly, a young girl whose brother Liam has just gone to war. His death in battle (not a spoiler, it’s on the blurb!) haunts her so badly that she wears his long coat all over Dublin, while her termagant of a mother harasses Liam’s fiancee, Isabel, to give back her engagement ring. This loss, which is beautifully described, binds Kate to Liam’s comrade in arms, Hubie Wilson, with whom she has a fateful meeting. Meanwhile the tensions of the Rising are at boiling point and Dublin is turned to a battleground as Kate doubles back and across the River Liffey checking on her family, her friends and her desperately ill sister. One thing Mills does very well is encapsulate the nature of grief and how one lives with it, rather than dwelling on the immediate impact of the loss per se. The part where Kate observes she has all this love for her brother and nowhere to put it, is heartbreaking. (I didn’t quite get a purchase on Liam’s other friend, Con the dodgy doctor, though this might have been intentional.) Beautiful, limpid prose and imagery, really enjoyed.
September 11, 2014
My thanks goes to Penguin Ireland for the ARC inviation via NetGalley.
I'll start off with a confession - I'm not at all big on romances, but the historical element always helps make the book more appealing than it would otherwise be, and that historical element is handled to great satisfaction here.
It's impressive how thorough the author's research appears to have been, for the setting and atmosphere are immensely credible from the very start, so much so that I was honestly pulled in before I knew it.
After he died, I went on writing to him in my mind, asking questions that fell like stones into black water and sank out of sight. What is that silence like, Liam? Is it like knives, or a dark net?
I'd say the relationship between the brother and sister dominates the novel with its radiance, warmth and importance. The themes of loss, grief, chaos, choosing one's own path, the flippancy of time and history, are developed in a very real and human way that's pleasurable to follow, the characters are far from flat and lifeless.
There are didactic and emotional moments well worth exploring, so I definitely recommend it to fans of historical fiction, who are bound to enjoy it even more than I did.
I'll start off with a confession - I'm not at all big on romances, but the historical element always helps make the book more appealing than it would otherwise be, and that historical element is handled to great satisfaction here.
It's impressive how thorough the author's research appears to have been, for the setting and atmosphere are immensely credible from the very start, so much so that I was honestly pulled in before I knew it.
After he died, I went on writing to him in my mind, asking questions that fell like stones into black water and sank out of sight. What is that silence like, Liam? Is it like knives, or a dark net?
I'd say the relationship between the brother and sister dominates the novel with its radiance, warmth and importance. The themes of loss, grief, chaos, choosing one's own path, the flippancy of time and history, are developed in a very real and human way that's pleasurable to follow, the characters are far from flat and lifeless.
There are didactic and emotional moments well worth exploring, so I definitely recommend it to fans of historical fiction, who are bound to enjoy it even more than I did.
May 21, 2016
Dublin is one of my favorite cities and the Easter Rising is high on my list of adored historical topics, (in fact I purchased Fallen while in Dublin for the Easter Rising Centenary when I saw it was chosen for the Two Cities, One Book campaign) so I was quite looking forward to this book. Yet, what greeted me was so thin in terms of character development that I twice found myself forgetting the narrator's name. Katie had absolutely no personality and the characters around her fared just as poorly. Almost every question posed about a secondary character goes unanswered or gets brushed over and the book's ending was both predictable and unsatisfying.
I did appreciate the author's understanding of the map of Dublin, but knowing what street Katie walked on is not as important as actually connecting to her. While I understood the author did not seek to write a book about someone who was a part of the Rising, this made it incredibly difficult to justify the reasons Katie kept traipsing around the city and her movements made very little sense.
Sadly, this was a flat, thin, disappointment.
I did appreciate the author's understanding of the map of Dublin, but knowing what street Katie walked on is not as important as actually connecting to her. While I understood the author did not seek to write a book about someone who was a part of the Rising, this made it incredibly difficult to justify the reasons Katie kept traipsing around the city and her movements made very little sense.
Sadly, this was a flat, thin, disappointment.
July 22, 2014
I won this book in a first reads giveaway.
Set in Dublin during the First World War, Lia Mills’ Fallen follows the story of Katie Crilly who lost her twin brother to the war. The novel deals with social constraints in a changing world, the affect the war had on the home front and the Easter Uprising.
I really enjoyed this book and read through it pretty fast, it had interesting characters with complicated relationships but mostly I enjoyed it so much because I learned something new. Growing up in Canada I had never heard about the Easter Uprising in Ireland (even though I have taken University classes about the First World War). The end did leave me hanging a bit, I would have liked to know what happened to the characters after the uprising.
Set in Dublin during the First World War, Lia Mills’ Fallen follows the story of Katie Crilly who lost her twin brother to the war. The novel deals with social constraints in a changing world, the affect the war had on the home front and the Easter Uprising.
I really enjoyed this book and read through it pretty fast, it had interesting characters with complicated relationships but mostly I enjoyed it so much because I learned something new. Growing up in Canada I had never heard about the Easter Uprising in Ireland (even though I have taken University classes about the First World War). The end did leave me hanging a bit, I would have liked to know what happened to the characters after the uprising.
June 30, 2017
War stories have always been a topic of interest to me, but WWI is new territory. What makes this story so enjoyable is that it interests you in a way that you want to learn more of the subject. The historical elements are touched upon in the novel, but the focus of the novel was the characters. It is being told from Katie’s perspective, a normal person who was merely a spectator. It relays to us, the feelings of uncertainty and fear that the people felt, the ones who might not have been fully aware of what is going on around them. It’s for this reason that I liked this novel a whole lot!
For the full review, visit The Book Musings
For the full review, visit The Book Musings
November 5, 2015
Katie Crilly lost her twin brother to the first world war in 1915, living on Rutland Square (now Parnell Square) and trying to find a place for herself in the world. Her mother has forbidden further study but that's where she finds the most joy. She finds a research post with a woman who is doing research on the statues of Dublin; there she meets with an injured comrade of her brother's.
Then a year after she loses her brother to the war chaos breaks out in the 1916 rising. Living just beside Sackville Street (now O'Connell Street) her family is thrown into chaos with the events.
Interesting read, the end left me wanting more.
In 2016 it's going to be the Two Cities One Book book for Dublin & Belfast .
Then a year after she loses her brother to the war chaos breaks out in the 1916 rising. Living just beside Sackville Street (now O'Connell Street) her family is thrown into chaos with the events.
Interesting read, the end left me wanting more.
In 2016 it's going to be the Two Cities One Book book for Dublin & Belfast .
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