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A Soldier's Wife
An historical family saga of love, loss, loyalty and resilience, which examines the effects of war on an ordinary family. Ellen marries James, a sergeant in the Connaught Rangers and they travel to India. A tragedy occurs on the journey which almost destroys their idyll. They lead a glamorous, indolent life in India for seven years. They return in 1912 to a Dublin that is rife with civil and political unrest. James volunteers for WW1, leaving Ellen to bring up three children alone in a city that is becoming increasingly hostile. James returns home, traumatised, in 1919 to find Ellen has become a strong, independent woman. Her children are nationalists, creating conflict with James. Ellen finds herself torn between two loyalties. She gently encourages him back into his relationship with the family while they weather the devastation of the War of Independence and the Civil War. Together, they witness the final withdrawal of British troops. Her husband, his military medals worn proudly, watches as their son, a member of the Free State Army raises the Tricolour. The family have divided loyalties but are united by love.
A WINNER OF THE 2013 IRISH WRITERS CENTRE NOVEL FAIR.
A WINNER OF THE 2013 IRISH WRITERS CENTRE NOVEL FAIR.
278 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2014
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1176 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 16, 2018
This is a book that's packed with historical content. There is a wide spectrum of information here. It covers the Easter Rising in Dublin in 1916, the first World War and touches on The Civil War in Ireland. It also includes information on Irish soldiers in the British Army who served in India. This is all stuff I love in my reading.
The reason for the three stars is that most of the time it's like a recital of events. There's too much narration and not enough of the characters themselves. I would have preferred more interaction between characters and I think they could have been more fleshed out. In particular the time in India was sort of monotone for me. When they came back to Ireland it picked up and the second half of the book kept me interested enough to finish it.
I believe she's writing a sequel and yes I would read it as I'd like to know what happens to them all after the Civil War. Maybe it's because I know Ireland and a lot of this history and had family involved in the conflicts mentioned that I found this the most interesting part of the book. For anyone interested in this type of history it's worth a read.
The reason for the three stars is that most of the time it's like a recital of events. There's too much narration and not enough of the characters themselves. I would have preferred more interaction between characters and I think they could have been more fleshed out. In particular the time in India was sort of monotone for me. When they came back to Ireland it picked up and the second half of the book kept me interested enough to finish it.
I believe she's writing a sequel and yes I would read it as I'd like to know what happens to them all after the Civil War. Maybe it's because I know Ireland and a lot of this history and had family involved in the conflicts mentioned that I found this the most interesting part of the book. For anyone interested in this type of history it's worth a read.
May 19, 2014
Having met the author at a talk in Malahide Library (she's a lovely woman) I was keen to check out her work, particularly as this historic fiction was loosely based on the experiences of her Irish grandfather in the British Army around the time of the 1916 rising (something which applied to my own family too). Overall I enjoyed the book.
It's a period rife with drama as Ireland struggled to gain and then use independence from Britain, and the characters were engaging. After getting to know the grandfather's children during the story, I would have loved an author note at the end to indicate which branch of the family eventually became the author's own, but that's just my curiosity, I suppose.
The story covers the early married life of an Irish couple, mainly told from the mother's perspective. The father is in the British army and we follow them during seven years in India and then as they return to Ireland and civilian life. This is interrupted by the Great War when the father returns to the army while his sons get involved in Irish nationalist politics.
I would have liked to get a better insight into the struggles of a former British armyman settling into Civil War era Ireland and the discovery that he and his sons are ethically on opposing sides in Ireland - surely a good source of conflict and drama, but that was skimmed over, in my opinion. The use of omniscient narration grated at times.
The author is currently writing a sequel to this novel and I'd be happy to read it. If you have an interest in early 20th century Ireland and historical fiction, this one could be for you.
It's a period rife with drama as Ireland struggled to gain and then use independence from Britain, and the characters were engaging. After getting to know the grandfather's children during the story, I would have loved an author note at the end to indicate which branch of the family eventually became the author's own, but that's just my curiosity, I suppose.
The story covers the early married life of an Irish couple, mainly told from the mother's perspective. The father is in the British army and we follow them during seven years in India and then as they return to Ireland and civilian life. This is interrupted by the Great War when the father returns to the army while his sons get involved in Irish nationalist politics.
I would have liked to get a better insight into the struggles of a former British armyman settling into Civil War era Ireland and the discovery that he and his sons are ethically on opposing sides in Ireland - surely a good source of conflict and drama, but that was skimmed over, in my opinion. The use of omniscient narration grated at times.
The author is currently writing a sequel to this novel and I'd be happy to read it. If you have an interest in early 20th century Ireland and historical fiction, this one could be for you.
September 22, 2018
Firstly I would like to thank Poolbeg press for a free ebook arc in exchange for my honest review.
This book has an interesting premise and I did enjoy reading it.
Pros:
-I loved that it was set in Ireland and India. In fact I wish more of their lives were in India.
-The scenery was set very well I think.
-The time period the book is set in was one I was unfamiliar with so I enjoyed learning about this part of Ireland's history.
Cons:
-It was more plot based than character based to the point that I didn't connect enough to any character to cry over their hardships or root for their winnings.
-It was a little too fast paced for me. I would have enjoyed a more in depth look at some parts of their lives.
Overall I am glad that I read this book and give it a 3.5/5 stars.
This book has an interesting premise and I did enjoy reading it.
Pros:
-I loved that it was set in Ireland and India. In fact I wish more of their lives were in India.
-The scenery was set very well I think.
-The time period the book is set in was one I was unfamiliar with so I enjoyed learning about this part of Ireland's history.
Cons:
-It was more plot based than character based to the point that I didn't connect enough to any character to cry over their hardships or root for their winnings.
-It was a little too fast paced for me. I would have enjoyed a more in depth look at some parts of their lives.
Overall I am glad that I read this book and give it a 3.5/5 stars.
April 13, 2020
Really Moving
The moving story of a young woman who marries follows her husband to India for seven years then returns home to Ireland only to have the First World War start and her then demobbed husband join again to do what he does best. While he is in the trenches of France, Ireland’s war for freedom from England begins. So much history worth knowing.
The moving story of a young woman who marries follows her husband to India for seven years then returns home to Ireland only to have the First World War start and her then demobbed husband join again to do what he does best. While he is in the trenches of France, Ireland’s war for freedom from England begins. So much history worth knowing.
December 30, 2021
A Soldier’s Wife
1901 Castlebar -this book takes place before WW1 before Ireland was divided, and many Irish were in the British Army.
Ellen and her husband served in India for 7 years. In that time their lives changed quite a bit. They had their families and for Ellen she saw another lifestyle that was completely foreign to her own. Many differences, trials and concerns happened. When they returned back to Ireland, so much had changed drastically. They moved to Dublin which was a culture shock to the family. James was working in the Post Office which was steady but not challenging. While in Dublin WW1 started, and James joined his old army regiment immediately. Ellen’s sister joined the family as she was having a baby and left Castlebar as the parents didn’t want gossip around.
Ellen took care of her own children and her sisters baby, so her sister could study.
In the meantime during the War, many women where holding men’s jobs, and been very diligent and efficient.
This was a difficult time for people as they were still under British Rule, the war was on and a lot of Irish were fighting with the British, and there was trouble with Sinn Fein trying to commence home rule. Many felt torn as to where their loyalties lay. After the WWI things in Ireland took a turn for the worse, not only did the people have to adjust to the war ending and the return of those who lived but the uprising separated a lot of families.
This is a story of separation, love, loss, and fight for independence.
1901 Castlebar -this book takes place before WW1 before Ireland was divided, and many Irish were in the British Army.
Ellen and her husband served in India for 7 years. In that time their lives changed quite a bit. They had their families and for Ellen she saw another lifestyle that was completely foreign to her own. Many differences, trials and concerns happened. When they returned back to Ireland, so much had changed drastically. They moved to Dublin which was a culture shock to the family. James was working in the Post Office which was steady but not challenging. While in Dublin WW1 started, and James joined his old army regiment immediately. Ellen’s sister joined the family as she was having a baby and left Castlebar as the parents didn’t want gossip around.
Ellen took care of her own children and her sisters baby, so her sister could study.
In the meantime during the War, many women where holding men’s jobs, and been very diligent and efficient.
This was a difficult time for people as they were still under British Rule, the war was on and a lot of Irish were fighting with the British, and there was trouble with Sinn Fein trying to commence home rule. Many felt torn as to where their loyalties lay. After the WWI things in Ireland took a turn for the worse, not only did the people have to adjust to the war ending and the return of those who lived but the uprising separated a lot of families.
This is a story of separation, love, loss, and fight for independence.
November 6, 2015
A Soldier’s Wife is a warm, simple portrait of the lives of an Irish family during the early years of the twentieth century, seen through the eyes of Ellen, the woman of the house, wife and mother. Despite the simple narrative, the novel captures the complexity of the political situation, juxtaposing the father’s beliefs and experiences as a British soldier with his sons’ growing nationalistic ideals. It is a perceptive portrayal of the difficulties and conflicts experienced within families and the nation at this complex period in Ireland’s history as well as tender family saga.
Note: I received a free copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received a free copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2022
A Soldier’s Wife is the first book in The Devereux Family Trilogyby Marion Reynolds featuring a turbulent and turning point in Irish history. Ellen Ainsworth is a romantic and naive as she falls in love with James Devereux, a member of the British army. As she has always dreamed of traveling, his post to India is a dream come true. After seven years of heartache and joy with a luxurious life, they return to Ireland as James ends his enlistment. They settle in Dublin, an impoverished city with political and civil unrest. When war is declared, James re-enlists and Ellen is left in a city which views the wives of British soldiers with suspicion. Ellen longs for James but worries that if he survives, what Ireland would he return to?
Inspired by her grandfather’s World War I stories and her grandmother’s experiences on the homefront, Marion Reynolds writes a story which covers the Easter Rising of 1916, World War I and the beginnings of the Irish Civil War in 1922. I expected a story filled with historical events of the time, and it was; however, I was surprised and disappointed that instead of seeing the events and seeing the characters’ reactions to them, the story simply retold the events. Long periods of time would be covered in a chapter. The story was more retelling than showing the events which made for a very dry and difficult read. Overall, I did not enjoy A Soldier’s Wife and most likely will not continue the series.
A Soldier’s Wife is available in paperback and eBook
Inspired by her grandfather’s World War I stories and her grandmother’s experiences on the homefront, Marion Reynolds writes a story which covers the Easter Rising of 1916, World War I and the beginnings of the Irish Civil War in 1922. I expected a story filled with historical events of the time, and it was; however, I was surprised and disappointed that instead of seeing the events and seeing the characters’ reactions to them, the story simply retold the events. Long periods of time would be covered in a chapter. The story was more retelling than showing the events which made for a very dry and difficult read. Overall, I did not enjoy A Soldier’s Wife and most likely will not continue the series.
A Soldier’s Wife is available in paperback and eBook
October 11, 2021
A novel dealing with love, loss, resilience and divided loyalties over a 20 year period in a tumultous period in Irish history.
Ellen leaves Ireland with her soldier husband James for a life in India. James is in the Connaught Rangers, an Irish division of the British army. En route to India tragedy strikes and their daughter dies. After a few years they return to a changing Ireland where James finds work in Dublin before war breaks out in Europe and he re-enlists in the army. While he is away in the Great War the landscape in Ireland changes. It is a very political time when we had the 1916 Easter Rising and a change in mindset of Irish to their British overlords. When James comes home, a changed man, his family have become politicised and it causes tension. The book also takes us through the War of Independence and the ensuing Civil War.
I thought the story was well woven around real historical events. As an avid reader of history and in particular Irish history I loved the book but it may not be as interesting to someone not as interested. However, saying that I do think the author has written a good novel that should be enjoyed by everyone interested in any type of historical fiction.
Ellen leaves Ireland with her soldier husband James for a life in India. James is in the Connaught Rangers, an Irish division of the British army. En route to India tragedy strikes and their daughter dies. After a few years they return to a changing Ireland where James finds work in Dublin before war breaks out in Europe and he re-enlists in the army. While he is away in the Great War the landscape in Ireland changes. It is a very political time when we had the 1916 Easter Rising and a change in mindset of Irish to their British overlords. When James comes home, a changed man, his family have become politicised and it causes tension. The book also takes us through the War of Independence and the ensuing Civil War.
I thought the story was well woven around real historical events. As an avid reader of history and in particular Irish history I loved the book but it may not be as interesting to someone not as interested. However, saying that I do think the author has written a good novel that should be enjoyed by everyone interested in any type of historical fiction.
September 26, 2018
I was lucky enough to win this book from LibraryThing Early Reviewers, and enjoyed it very much.
The characters are very beliavable, life-like and likeable. You get to care for them. It's just a nice, normal, brave family, and a nice, normal, brave woman sometimes facing very difficult situations (I won't describe them here at length so as not to give spoilers). Keeps you always interested and it's easy to identify with the characters. Warm and simple and moving, and it doesn't avoid the hard parts.
It could have taken place anywhere, at any time, but the time and places chosen are very interesting: early 20th century Ireland (mainly Dublin) with a colourful seven-year lap in India, the 1st World War and the aftermath in Ireland... It could have begun before, with the parents and earlier, and continue with the story of children and grandchildren. Apparently, the author herself is one of those grandchildren.
But Ellen and James and their love beating odds are enough.
I'm giving it four (and a half) stars out of five.
No wonder it won a historic/literary price in 2013
The characters are very beliavable, life-like and likeable. You get to care for them. It's just a nice, normal, brave family, and a nice, normal, brave woman sometimes facing very difficult situations (I won't describe them here at length so as not to give spoilers). Keeps you always interested and it's easy to identify with the characters. Warm and simple and moving, and it doesn't avoid the hard parts.
It could have taken place anywhere, at any time, but the time and places chosen are very interesting: early 20th century Ireland (mainly Dublin) with a colourful seven-year lap in India, the 1st World War and the aftermath in Ireland... It could have begun before, with the parents and earlier, and continue with the story of children and grandchildren. Apparently, the author herself is one of those grandchildren.
But Ellen and James and their love beating odds are enough.
I'm giving it four (and a half) stars out of five.
No wonder it won a historic/literary price in 2013
March 3, 2021
About a young Irish couple that marries and as he is a member of the Royal army, he is sent to India. She goes too. I wish more of India thru her eyes could have been written about. They are sent home to a real life. He re-ups for the British in WWI. Not out of British pride, but out of the knowledge he is fighting for what is right. He comes back from the war with PTSD and a changed Ireland. Everything British is bad, including him just because he wore the uniform.
Lots going on but wonderful book. I need to read more because I’ll admit I really don’t know much about that time line in that part the world.
Lots going on but wonderful book. I need to read more because I’ll admit I really don’t know much about that time line in that part the world.
December 19, 2020
A Soldiers Wife
I enjoyed this book. It is a love story and a story of the Irish during a hard time in their history. The characters are very believable and you find yourself feeling their feelings. Emotions can be very difficult and complex in families and especially with separations. Maybe I understand and feel some of the hard struggles families go through as I am a military wife who raised children while their father fought for our country. Read this book and observed some of the struggles. Good job Miss Reynolds!
I enjoyed this book. It is a love story and a story of the Irish during a hard time in their history. The characters are very believable and you find yourself feeling their feelings. Emotions can be very difficult and complex in families and especially with separations. Maybe I understand and feel some of the hard struggles families go through as I am a military wife who raised children while their father fought for our country. Read this book and observed some of the struggles. Good job Miss Reynolds!
April 5, 2023
Tells a story
Tells a story not often heard. My Great Grandparents come over from Ireland about the time of the Civil War and acquired 3 farms in New Hampshire. Out of them grew a distinguished family. I’ve read somewhat disjointed books on Ireland, starting with Trinity. While this series of books tells a story , in somewhat stilted prose, it puts in context the events in Ireland at the time covered. The story is not well enough known, nor are the abuses perpetrated on the Irish, this simple presentation of a complex subject helps.
Tells a story not often heard. My Great Grandparents come over from Ireland about the time of the Civil War and acquired 3 farms in New Hampshire. Out of them grew a distinguished family. I’ve read somewhat disjointed books on Ireland, starting with Trinity. While this series of books tells a story , in somewhat stilted prose, it puts in context the events in Ireland at the time covered. The story is not well enough known, nor are the abuses perpetrated on the Irish, this simple presentation of a complex subject helps.
January 31, 2021
A well written Historical novel
My favorite is historical novels and this was one I really applied to our times and culture. A woman going through life while her husband is in military , raising children and going through hardship alone. Neighbors, family and friends disagreeing about politics. Attitudes developed in family members and how it affects their lives depicts reality.
My favorite is historical novels and this was one I really applied to our times and culture. A woman going through life while her husband is in military , raising children and going through hardship alone. Neighbors, family and friends disagreeing about politics. Attitudes developed in family members and how it affects their lives depicts reality.
September 7, 2022
As I'm of Irish descent, I appreciated the story line on historical fiction. I am always interested in reading about the the Irish Rebellion. This book took me back to that place in time. I felt like I was there with this family ,following them around as an observer. I really felt like I was there, a part of history in the making. Well done Ms. Reynolds, this is a well researched novel and story.
September 25, 2022
Nice story
A lovely historical fiction story set in Ireland in the early 1900s.
The writing style is amateurish, with very common grammar and punctuation mistakes. These detracted noticeably from an otherwise interesting plot.
Many accurate historical details were used.
There stars given for poor editing and sentence structure.
Book would be greatly improved with professional editing for publication and some advanced writing classes..
A lovely historical fiction story set in Ireland in the early 1900s.
The writing style is amateurish, with very common grammar and punctuation mistakes. These detracted noticeably from an otherwise interesting plot.
Many accurate historical details were used.
There stars given for poor editing and sentence structure.
Book would be greatly improved with professional editing for publication and some advanced writing classes..
October 6, 2022
Beautiful family story.
A very unusual story a family and their lives during different war times. The main character marries a solder and they move to India. A lot of adjustment to setlle . Then the go back home to civilian life. Children are born a daughter dies and first world war starts. The story continues of the suffering in difficult circumstances. Very sad at times but strong family bonds come through. Well written.
A very unusual story a family and their lives during different war times. The main character marries a solder and they move to India. A lot of adjustment to setlle . Then the go back home to civilian life. Children are born a daughter dies and first world war starts. The story continues of the suffering in difficult circumstances. Very sad at times but strong family bonds come through. Well written.
September 21, 2023
I very much enjoyed this book. It was very interesting about the Irish struggle for Independence from Great Britain in the early twentieth century.
I liked the way the author told the story through the lens of a very relatable family that one could identify with.
It wasn’t sugar coated, and told of the brutality on both sides of the conflicts portrayed.
I gave it five stars and have downloaded the next in the series to read at a later time.
I liked the way the author told the story through the lens of a very relatable family that one could identify with.
It wasn’t sugar coated, and told of the brutality on both sides of the conflicts portrayed.
I gave it five stars and have downloaded the next in the series to read at a later time.
November 23, 2024
Bridges and Walls
A sensitive story taken from cherished family memories. One must empathize with the evolving family facing the same hopes,dreams and heartbreak all of us await in some form. The readers will be challenged to see what human characteristics overcome and what do not. Be encouraged reading the family responses that build bridges over tragedy and steer away from ones that only build walls higher.
A sensitive story taken from cherished family memories. One must empathize with the evolving family facing the same hopes,dreams and heartbreak all of us await in some form. The readers will be challenged to see what human characteristics overcome and what do not. Be encouraged reading the family responses that build bridges over tragedy and steer away from ones that only build walls higher.
December 7, 2020
A fabulous story of a Soldiers wife living in Ireland her husband fighting for the British and her son growing up wanting to join the ira from living in India to the life struggles in Ireland from the Easter uprisings to bloody Sunday its all here a eaasy read couldn't wait to find out what happened next happy to recamend to all
May 9, 2021
Good Read
This is a well-written novel about the tumultuous times of the early 20th century when Ellen and James were sent to India with the British military, returned to Ireland where James was sent to fight with the British army in France, and returned to Ireland to be forced into combat in Ireland's struggle for independence.
This is a well-written novel about the tumultuous times of the early 20th century when Ellen and James were sent to India with the British military, returned to Ireland where James was sent to fight with the British army in France, and returned to Ireland to be forced into combat in Ireland's struggle for independence.
December 27, 2021
The wife!
What interesting characters! This book is sweet, especially so because it is about a difficult time. It gives the reader a taste of life as the wife of a soldier. It is about family, friends, wartime, everyday life, and sacrifice, with love and life wrapped up in its covers.
What interesting characters! This book is sweet, especially so because it is about a difficult time. It gives the reader a taste of life as the wife of a soldier. It is about family, friends, wartime, everyday life, and sacrifice, with love and life wrapped up in its covers.
January 15, 2022
A very nice book written with a lot of forethought in a story woven with Ellen's understanding (through the Authors pen) of the people's & mysteries of a distant land of India (where I come from & Poona where I was schooled as a boarder.) To the relationship of the father & son in a troubling period of time in Ireland.
I list this book as a very readable story about the people of Ireland (who I am very fond of & admire) & the events that eventually led to it's Independence. A wonderful story & very entertaining & readable book.
I list this book as a very readable story about the people of Ireland (who I am very fond of & admire) & the events that eventually led to it's Independence. A wonderful story & very entertaining & readable book.
September 11, 2022
An Intriguing Account of Irish Independence
Following Ellen and James Devereux as you in Irish history come alive in a very reaistic manner.
Their family grows and changes as the political climate grows ever more volatile. Political conflicts and acts of war are seen through the filter of the very human beings involved.
I enjoyed this book and I think you will too.
Following Ellen and James Devereux as you in Irish history come alive in a very reaistic manner.
Their family grows and changes as the political climate grows ever more volatile. Political conflicts and acts of war are seen through the filter of the very human beings involved.
I enjoyed this book and I think you will too.
September 5, 2023
a sad , touching loving story
i started this yesterday and couldn't put it down. A touching story filled with bittersweet moments and the true sadness of war. Told beautifully and with tremendous emotion by a woman who showed great love for her husband and family. I really enjoyed it.
i started this yesterday and couldn't put it down. A touching story filled with bittersweet moments and the true sadness of war. Told beautifully and with tremendous emotion by a woman who showed great love for her husband and family. I really enjoyed it.
September 8, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book. Ms Reynolds did a fine job with the development of the characters, they are totally believable. She wrote a nice tight book with interesting information of the Irish fighting under British rule in WWl.
December 6, 2020
War affects Everyone even if not the one fighting.
This was such a good read that I couldn't put it down. I felt a part of the story. I really enjoyed the history that made it even better. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
This was such a good read that I couldn't put it down. I felt a part of the story. I really enjoyed the history that made it even better. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
December 9, 2020
Excellent!
History contains the story of many conflicts which we need to learn so they are not repeated. Peace can come only with the knowledge of what has happened in conflict. This is a very good read.
History contains the story of many conflicts which we need to learn so they are not repeated. Peace can come only with the knowledge of what has happened in conflict. This is a very good read.
December 17, 2020
So much history that I should know and don't know well enough. I found this absolutely riveting. The family context was good and it was well placed within the history. I picked up a lot of facts easily. Will go on to read the next book and probably the third, when written.
December 27, 2020
Engaging
I love historical fiction, especially stories of Ireland’s past. Although this began as the tale of a young couple deployed to India, it developed into events of WW 1, the Easter Rising, Bloody Sunday, and the rise of the Republic. I enjoyed it.
I love historical fiction, especially stories of Ireland’s past. Although this began as the tale of a young couple deployed to India, it developed into events of WW 1, the Easter Rising, Bloody Sunday, and the rise of the Republic. I enjoyed it.
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February 23, 2021The cost of war
I loved this book! It started with getting you acquainted with the main character and pulled you into her family and then through that family and the effects of both World War 1 and the war of Irish independence on them.
I loved this book! It started with getting you acquainted with the main character and pulled you into her family and then through that family and the effects of both World War 1 and the war of Irish independence on them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews