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The Liberty Trilogy #1
Tread Softly on My Dreams
From Book 1: WINNER OF "READERS' FAVORITE" GOLD MEDAL BOOK AWARD
A truly incredible historical novel set in the beauty of Ireland’s dark and tumultuous past. In Tread Softly on My Dreams, Gretta Curran Browne successfully captures the raw emotion and powerful will of Robert Emmet, Anne Devlin and Sarah Curran as they fight for a free Ireland, justice and love. Robert Emmet is a quiet, intelligent young man who is a suspected traitor to the crown. He flees to France and begins setting his plans in motion. Five years later, Robert returns to his beloved homeland, and in Butterfield Lane his rebellion unfolds. Anne Devlin becomes his maid, confidant and trusted messenger. During this time, Robert falls in love with Sarah Curran, who is battling her own demons created by her parents. However, Robert stays true to the cause for a free Ireland while faced with deception, the Castle, and his dwindling wealth.
From the very beginning of Tread Softly on My Dreams by Gretta Curran Browne, I was captivated by the rugged beauty of Ireland’s mountains and its soft lush valleys. The author’s detailed description of each setting enhanced the vision for the story, while each new character increased the intrigue. Every path created provided clarity of the situation, both personal and political, and showed great determined strength of the human spirit to stand firm in the beliefs of a free Ireland, even at the expense of their own lives. I found myself cheering on the hero and heroines of the story, applauding their successes as well as shedding tears at the injustices, brutality, and suffering of the people who simply wanted their freedom. The reader’s heart will swell with the love Robert has for Sarah, and the dedication and unspoken love Anne has for Robert. A fantastic read from beginning to end.
Reviewed by Teresa Syms for Readers' Favorite
The Emmets are Protestants, belonging to the elite society of Ireland’s ruling class. Born in 1778, Robert Emmet, the youngest son of the State Physician of Ireland, has grown up in the heart of a prosperous and loving family, one of the most respected in Dublin city. From his parents he acquired a deep love of Ireland and a commitment to justice. From his brother Thomas he acquired an understanding of the divisions and inequalities of his country.
In the historic year of 1798 Robert’s life changed from its charted course to one of rebellion. A brilliant student at Trinity, he casts aside all hopes of a scientific career, all the privileges of his class, to join the United Irishmen – a society dedicated to the union of Protestant and Catholic. But the men in Dublin Castle determined on the continuance of English rule, force him to flee to France. But even as his boat sails away from his beloved homeland, he looks back and knows he will return – to the cause of his country’s liberty, and to the beautiful girl he has fallen in love with, Sarah Curran, the daughter of Ireland’s most talented lawyer.
He returns – and meets Anne Devlin, a passionate and brave Catholic country girl, who becomes his most devoted companion.
Set against the background of the beauty of Ireland, the dark clouds of its past, as well as the humour and dreams of its people, this is a passionate and powerful true story of three young people, Robert Emmet, Anne Devlin, and Sarah Curran, drawn together in love, in hope, and tragedy.
"Although I started off thinking this would be a love story, an incredible tale of political corruption began to unfold." The Irish Times.
A truly incredible historical novel set in the beauty of Ireland’s dark and tumultuous past. In Tread Softly on My Dreams, Gretta Curran Browne successfully captures the raw emotion and powerful will of Robert Emmet, Anne Devlin and Sarah Curran as they fight for a free Ireland, justice and love. Robert Emmet is a quiet, intelligent young man who is a suspected traitor to the crown. He flees to France and begins setting his plans in motion. Five years later, Robert returns to his beloved homeland, and in Butterfield Lane his rebellion unfolds. Anne Devlin becomes his maid, confidant and trusted messenger. During this time, Robert falls in love with Sarah Curran, who is battling her own demons created by her parents. However, Robert stays true to the cause for a free Ireland while faced with deception, the Castle, and his dwindling wealth.
From the very beginning of Tread Softly on My Dreams by Gretta Curran Browne, I was captivated by the rugged beauty of Ireland’s mountains and its soft lush valleys. The author’s detailed description of each setting enhanced the vision for the story, while each new character increased the intrigue. Every path created provided clarity of the situation, both personal and political, and showed great determined strength of the human spirit to stand firm in the beliefs of a free Ireland, even at the expense of their own lives. I found myself cheering on the hero and heroines of the story, applauding their successes as well as shedding tears at the injustices, brutality, and suffering of the people who simply wanted their freedom. The reader’s heart will swell with the love Robert has for Sarah, and the dedication and unspoken love Anne has for Robert. A fantastic read from beginning to end.
Reviewed by Teresa Syms for Readers' Favorite
The Emmets are Protestants, belonging to the elite society of Ireland’s ruling class. Born in 1778, Robert Emmet, the youngest son of the State Physician of Ireland, has grown up in the heart of a prosperous and loving family, one of the most respected in Dublin city. From his parents he acquired a deep love of Ireland and a commitment to justice. From his brother Thomas he acquired an understanding of the divisions and inequalities of his country.
In the historic year of 1798 Robert’s life changed from its charted course to one of rebellion. A brilliant student at Trinity, he casts aside all hopes of a scientific career, all the privileges of his class, to join the United Irishmen – a society dedicated to the union of Protestant and Catholic. But the men in Dublin Castle determined on the continuance of English rule, force him to flee to France. But even as his boat sails away from his beloved homeland, he looks back and knows he will return – to the cause of his country’s liberty, and to the beautiful girl he has fallen in love with, Sarah Curran, the daughter of Ireland’s most talented lawyer.
He returns – and meets Anne Devlin, a passionate and brave Catholic country girl, who becomes his most devoted companion.
Set against the background of the beauty of Ireland, the dark clouds of its past, as well as the humour and dreams of its people, this is a passionate and powerful true story of three young people, Robert Emmet, Anne Devlin, and Sarah Curran, drawn together in love, in hope, and tragedy.
"Although I started off thinking this would be a love story, an incredible tale of political corruption began to unfold." The Irish Times.
430 pages, ebook
First published January 29, 2012
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1781 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
August 24, 2012
Gods, I hate books like this.
Books like this one that draw me in so deeply, get me so emotionally involved with its characters, only to crush every one of their hopes and dreams into dust. What's worse is that this is strongly rooted in actual historical fact, so I couldn't just tell myself, Oh, there's need to get so upset, this isn't real anyway, because it was real. Looking it up further on Wikipedia, I found that despite the best efforts of the Irish nationalist rebels in this book and of the rebels proceeding them in history, Ireland did not achieve full emancipation from England until the 1920's, more than a century past the time period of this book, and after the death of Robert Emmett, the hero of sorts and the main character.
This is historical fiction at its finest: gritty and brutally honest. The author doesn't spare us any of the gruesome details of the dark corners of history. For that reason I only made it to a quarter of the way into this book - the end of Irishmen's first crushing defeat - before I couldn't stand to read anymore. Am I weak? Maybe. But I did skim the rest of the book, simply because I had to know what happened in the end - and there was a lot more defeat to come. No victories are won for justice here.
Still, this book is a wonderful homage to a few of the mostly-unknown patriotic heroes of the past. I'm not Irish, but I suppose that if I were, I would only appreciate the brave and selfless acts of the characters in this story more. Tread Softly on My Dreams is a well-researched, informative, heartbreaking reminder of the cost of freedom, and it's not for the weak of heart.
I don't think I'll be able to read anything else for a while. I need time to recover. (And I'm behind on the 2012 reading challenge, too...)
Books like this one that draw me in so deeply, get me so emotionally involved with its characters, only to crush every one of their hopes and dreams into dust. What's worse is that this is strongly rooted in actual historical fact, so I couldn't just tell myself, Oh, there's need to get so upset, this isn't real anyway, because it was real. Looking it up further on Wikipedia, I found that despite the best efforts of the Irish nationalist rebels in this book and of the rebels proceeding them in history, Ireland did not achieve full emancipation from England until the 1920's, more than a century past the time period of this book, and after the death of Robert Emmett, the hero of sorts and the main character.
This is historical fiction at its finest: gritty and brutally honest. The author doesn't spare us any of the gruesome details of the dark corners of history. For that reason I only made it to a quarter of the way into this book - the end of Irishmen's first crushing defeat - before I couldn't stand to read anymore. Am I weak? Maybe. But I did skim the rest of the book, simply because I had to know what happened in the end - and there was a lot more defeat to come. No victories are won for justice here.
Still, this book is a wonderful homage to a few of the mostly-unknown patriotic heroes of the past. I'm not Irish, but I suppose that if I were, I would only appreciate the brave and selfless acts of the characters in this story more. Tread Softly on My Dreams is a well-researched, informative, heartbreaking reminder of the cost of freedom, and it's not for the weak of heart.
I don't think I'll be able to read anything else for a while. I need time to recover. (And I'm behind on the 2012 reading challenge, too...)
March 21, 2018
What an amazing story! I thoroughly enjoyed Tread Softly on My Dreams by Gretta Curran Browne and highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading historical literature based on research and documented evidence.
This is more than a biography of Robert Emmet born in Ireland in 1778. It is a political thriller of the harsh rule of Ireland and events and people of that era with a love story entwined.
The Kindle edition of this novel was gifted to me by Bookbub and I give it 5+ stars. This book has potential to be an incredible blockbuster movie!
June 7, 2017
Originally posted someplace else:
Finished Robert Emmet's story, Tread Softly on My Dreams. Tip a glass to Emmet this week, it was 213 years ago this week (Sept 20) that he was executed in Thomas Street, opposite St. Catherine's church.
Raise a glass to Robert Emmet, the Irish rebel leader executed 213 years ago | IrishCentral.com
All of this history is brand new to me, I've heard about the Easter Rising, and knew the struggle had gone on for centuries, but I don't know how I never knew about these people. The rebellion of 1798 and the rising five years later, in 1803, were the subjects of this book. Amazing people, all of them. Here's a blurb from actor Colin Firth (excerpted on the first book's page) which I couldn't agree with more:
Interestingly, Robert Emmet's older brother became a leader in American history, later on. And the death of one of the true villains of the time (Lord Castlereagh), who died much later on (after moving on to new posts outside of Ireland), inspired an epitaph by Lord Byron. Here's a couple interesting excerpts from the end of the book, related to those two figures:
Started 2nd in the trilogy:
Fire on the Hill
Michael O'Dwyer was a character in the first book in the trilogy, so I know a small bit of his story already.
Update, June 6, 2017
Read Liberty Boy by David Gaughran this week. Approaches the story of Robert Emmet from the perspective of a trader living in a hovel apt on Thomas Street, whose spot (for his trading cart) in front of St. Catherine's Church was commandeered by the British to build the gallows that hung the rebels in the 1803 Rebellion, aka Emmet's Rising. It's about a young man, who's father was slaughtered on Vinegar Hill in '98, who is trying to keep his head down, stay out of the politics of the day, and earn money for him and his Mammy to travel to America, get away from the futility of Ireland, and own a patch of land of their own some day. The quashed rebellion, portrayed as a riot on Thomas Street, is seen in perspective, and the trials/executions take present in the present, in the story, Liberty Boy.
Finished Robert Emmet's story, Tread Softly on My Dreams. Tip a glass to Emmet this week, it was 213 years ago this week (Sept 20) that he was executed in Thomas Street, opposite St. Catherine's church.
Raise a glass to Robert Emmet, the Irish rebel leader executed 213 years ago | IrishCentral.com
All of this history is brand new to me, I've heard about the Easter Rising, and knew the struggle had gone on for centuries, but I don't know how I never knew about these people. The rebellion of 1798 and the rising five years later, in 1803, were the subjects of this book. Amazing people, all of them. Here's a blurb from actor Colin Firth (excerpted on the first book's page) which I couldn't agree with more:
"We were taught nothing about Ireland or its history in school, and when I did learn of the part we played in that struggle, I felt shame. The world should know about young men like Robert Emmet."-------Oscar-winning actor COLIN FIRTH (Sunday Times Magazine 2012)
Interestingly, Robert Emmet's older brother became a leader in American history, later on. And the death of one of the true villains of the time (Lord Castlereagh), who died much later on (after moving on to new posts outside of Ireland), inspired an epitaph by Lord Byron. Here's a couple interesting excerpts from the end of the book, related to those two figures:
Thomas Emmet was heartbroken by the news of his brother's death. In his diary he wrote:I have just received news of my dear Robert's trial and execution. It is only his conduct on both occasions that consoles me in his loss.
Thomas retired with his grief to a retreat in St Cloud, then announced that he had no wish ever to see Ireland again. He removed his family to America.
On arriving in New York, contrary to the usual term of ten years, Thomas Emmet was given his naturalisation papers within twenty-four hours. He rose to great eminence at the American Bar and later became Attorney-General of the State of New York. His son Robert became Judge Emmet of the Supreme Court.
On his death in 1824 the members of the New York Bar, together with the Board of Judges of the US Court, voted to suspend the hearing of all cases so they could attend the funeral of Thomas Addis Emmet.
At a court of general sessions held the following day at City Hall, the members of the New York Bar and the Board of Judges passes a resolution to erect a monument in honour of their "most distinguished and talented member whose name belongs in the history of his native land, but will always be cherished by the people of his adopted land - America."
That thirty-foot monument still stands today in St Paul's Churchyard, between Vesey Street and Fulton Street, on Broadway.
Lord Castlereagh later served in the ministry of Lord Liverpool, renowned for its repressive government and the massacre at Peterloo.
It has been said that Castlereagh was 'unfairly' blamed for the excesses of that government, but blamed by the English people he was, and died by suicide in 1822. On his death a leading British journalist posted a notice outside his Fleet Street office stating People of England, rejoice! Castlereagh is dead!
Castlereagh was buried in Westminster Abbey. Amongst the pallbearers were the Duke of Wellington and two of the Royal princes. Many fine eulogies were said over him, but the most famous epitaph of all, and the most brutal, was that written by Lord Byron.Posterity shall ne'er survey
A nobler grave than this.
Here lie the bones of Castlereagh
Stop, traveller, and - !
Started 2nd in the trilogy:
Fire on the Hill
Michael O'Dwyer was a character in the first book in the trilogy, so I know a small bit of his story already.
Update, June 6, 2017
Read Liberty Boy by David Gaughran this week. Approaches the story of Robert Emmet from the perspective of a trader living in a hovel apt on Thomas Street, whose spot (for his trading cart) in front of St. Catherine's Church was commandeered by the British to build the gallows that hung the rebels in the 1803 Rebellion, aka Emmet's Rising. It's about a young man, who's father was slaughtered on Vinegar Hill in '98, who is trying to keep his head down, stay out of the politics of the day, and earn money for him and his Mammy to travel to America, get away from the futility of Ireland, and own a patch of land of their own some day. The quashed rebellion, portrayed as a riot on Thomas Street, is seen in perspective, and the trials/executions take present in the present, in the story, Liberty Boy.
March 25, 2021
A Wonderful, Poignant and Deeply Emotional Story of a True Irish hero
Robert Emmet is a young man born to Ireland’s Protestant upper class with a promising career ahead of him in science. From his parents, he acquired a deep love of Ireland and a commitment to justice. From his brother Thomas, a lawyer, he acquired an understanding of the divisions and inequalities of his country.
In 1798, Robert’s life changed from a future among the elite to a strong role in the risings wherein the Irish sought freedom from English rule. Robert refuses to take an oath of allegiance to England, thus giving up his hope of a scientific career and all the privileges of his class to join the United Irishmen, a society dedicated to the union of Protestant and Catholic. When the rising is defeated and their leader (a nobleman) cruelly allowed to die in prison, Robert is forced to flee Ireland. But even as his boat sails away from his beloved homeland, he looks back and knows he will return to the cause of his country’s liberty, and to the girl he has fallen in love with, Sarah Curran, the daughter of Ireland’s most talented lawyer.
Robert returns and meets Anne Devlin, a passionate and brave Catholic country girl, who falls in love with him and becomes his most loyal housekeeper of the safe house for his fellow rebels.
This is a well-written historical account of what transpired with enough fiction added to make this a compelling story. I loved it even though it made me terribly sad. You see, I knew how it ended. The author has given us a hero to love and admire. I confess I wanted to slap Sarah Curran at times and really wanted Robert to see what a grand mate Anne Devlin would have been.
There was one thing that seemed to be missing from the story. These were people who cherished their faith whether Protestant or Catholic yet there was no evidence of it in this story until the very end and Robert's confession of faith in Christ. Otherwise, there was no church, no Mass, no prayers.
As for the English ruling Ireland, I already had a low view of England’s treatment of the Irish (and the Welsh and the Scots) and this only confirmed it. England’s arrogance was/is too great to see the Irish people’s love for their own country and their desire for freedom.
Thank you, Ms. Browne for bringing this wonderful history to life. You have done a great job! (But you do need to get the typos corrected; there are many).
Robert Emmet is a young man born to Ireland’s Protestant upper class with a promising career ahead of him in science. From his parents, he acquired a deep love of Ireland and a commitment to justice. From his brother Thomas, a lawyer, he acquired an understanding of the divisions and inequalities of his country.
In 1798, Robert’s life changed from a future among the elite to a strong role in the risings wherein the Irish sought freedom from English rule. Robert refuses to take an oath of allegiance to England, thus giving up his hope of a scientific career and all the privileges of his class to join the United Irishmen, a society dedicated to the union of Protestant and Catholic. When the rising is defeated and their leader (a nobleman) cruelly allowed to die in prison, Robert is forced to flee Ireland. But even as his boat sails away from his beloved homeland, he looks back and knows he will return to the cause of his country’s liberty, and to the girl he has fallen in love with, Sarah Curran, the daughter of Ireland’s most talented lawyer.
Robert returns and meets Anne Devlin, a passionate and brave Catholic country girl, who falls in love with him and becomes his most loyal housekeeper of the safe house for his fellow rebels.
This is a well-written historical account of what transpired with enough fiction added to make this a compelling story. I loved it even though it made me terribly sad. You see, I knew how it ended. The author has given us a hero to love and admire. I confess I wanted to slap Sarah Curran at times and really wanted Robert to see what a grand mate Anne Devlin would have been.
There was one thing that seemed to be missing from the story. These were people who cherished their faith whether Protestant or Catholic yet there was no evidence of it in this story until the very end and Robert's confession of faith in Christ. Otherwise, there was no church, no Mass, no prayers.
As for the English ruling Ireland, I already had a low view of England’s treatment of the Irish (and the Welsh and the Scots) and this only confirmed it. England’s arrogance was/is too great to see the Irish people’s love for their own country and their desire for freedom.
Thank you, Ms. Browne for bringing this wonderful history to life. You have done a great job! (But you do need to get the typos corrected; there are many).
July 2, 2019
This is a block buster of a novel and a difficult read if you're Irish.
The story of Robert Emmett is a well known one here in Ireland and his speech from the dock is famous. I knew about Sarah Curran and Anne Devlin but not to the extent of information about them here. It's hard to understand the cause of the inhuman way the English treated the Irish.
It's only lately I realised that none of this history is taught in English schools. Surely that's a total admittance of the shame of their past.
Anyway, the book is really well written. It was a bit drawn out towards the middle I thought. Once Emmett was arrested the novel became more of a history lesson than a story.
A couple of things grated with me, the Irish for black is dubh, not duv. Likewise it's sean bhean bhoct not van voct and a hurley is just that and not a hurley bat. Little things but they annoy me.
But this is a fantastic story and I would recommend it.
The story of Robert Emmett is a well known one here in Ireland and his speech from the dock is famous. I knew about Sarah Curran and Anne Devlin but not to the extent of information about them here. It's hard to understand the cause of the inhuman way the English treated the Irish.
It's only lately I realised that none of this history is taught in English schools. Surely that's a total admittance of the shame of their past.
Anyway, the book is really well written. It was a bit drawn out towards the middle I thought. Once Emmett was arrested the novel became more of a history lesson than a story.
A couple of things grated with me, the Irish for black is dubh, not duv. Likewise it's sean bhean bhoct not van voct and a hurley is just that and not a hurley bat. Little things but they annoy me.
But this is a fantastic story and I would recommend it.
September 14, 2008
I don't usually write reviews for books, but or this one, how could I not?
This book is so moving, I found myself so frustrated for Anne Devlin, so appalled at the treatment of her in Kilmainham, so sickened by the British. But it has opened my eyes to people like Lord Kilmeaden, a Brit who was fair, and Lord Wickham. It has made me more interested in the lives of Tone and Lord Fitzgerald and, of course, Emmet.
It's an absaloutely amazing read to everyone. Irish, English, American, French.... Anyone who wants to read about the 700 year struggle (well a brief part of it anyway) and to think, this stuff went on for 700 years. I reccommend it to British people, learn your history.
This book is so moving, I found myself so frustrated for Anne Devlin, so appalled at the treatment of her in Kilmainham, so sickened by the British. But it has opened my eyes to people like Lord Kilmeaden, a Brit who was fair, and Lord Wickham. It has made me more interested in the lives of Tone and Lord Fitzgerald and, of course, Emmet.
It's an absaloutely amazing read to everyone. Irish, English, American, French.... Anyone who wants to read about the 700 year struggle (well a brief part of it anyway) and to think, this stuff went on for 700 years. I reccommend it to British people, learn your history.
August 6, 2012
I saw this in the Free Kindle books and picked it up immediately. I thought it was a bit slow starting but I couldn't delete it. Finally I was through with quickie reads and settled down with with this wonderful read. It broke my heart! I love historical fiction-but this is even better....
I strongly recommend this book.
I strongly recommend this book.
January 2, 2023
Wonderful book to learn of the Irish struggle for independence! My cousin recommended this book because our grandfather was named for Robert Emmett. I had not known much of his story and did not know anything of the brave Anne Devlin. I stopped reading for awhile toward the end because I knew how it ended and thought reading it would be too upsetting. In between, I went to Ireland, visited Kilmainham Gaol and Emmett's cell, and read a few Irish history books. I finished the book, glad that Curran treated what were grisly events with tasteful retstraint.
November 25, 2014
Four stars for history and for the author's end notes about the real life characters. I always appreciate it when an author educates and informs me about the world.
The painful thing about reading some historical novels is that you know the ultimate fate of the principal players. This one was particularly sad because the fates of these very appealing characters was not good and their sacrifices did not produce good results in the short term. We don't learn easily, and bad people continue to have positions of power. Thank God for good people like the Emmet family who counteract that evil.
The painful thing about reading some historical novels is that you know the ultimate fate of the principal players. This one was particularly sad because the fates of these very appealing characters was not good and their sacrifices did not produce good results in the short term. We don't learn easily, and bad people continue to have positions of power. Thank God for good people like the Emmet family who counteract that evil.
September 8, 2012
(Kindle Edition)
An intriguing story set against the backdrop of the English occupation of Ireland that I knew very little about (other than the occupation was very bad for most of the locals).
A lot of the characters are believable although at times the central ones are almost too good/intelligent/clever to be true.
Well written throughout, I enjoyed this and looked forward to reading the follow on in the trilogy (which I did in quick succession).
An intriguing story set against the backdrop of the English occupation of Ireland that I knew very little about (other than the occupation was very bad for most of the locals).
A lot of the characters are believable although at times the central ones are almost too good/intelligent/clever to be true.
Well written throughout, I enjoyed this and looked forward to reading the follow on in the trilogy (which I did in quick succession).
January 26, 2013
Excellent book and got my girls to read it. They loved it. A highly recommended book to read.
June 28, 2013
Mrs. Emmet had eighteen children in nineteen years. That was a grabber of an opening. Robert Emmet was the eighteenth child. He was the leader of the Irish revolution occurring in the early part of the nineteenth century. He was an intelligent man of highest character, a true leader. He was twenty-five when he was executed. Anne Devlin was a coconspirator who walked the entire journey with Robert never once betraying him. For that, she was a rare person and friend. Robert's betrothed, Sarah, was an albatross around his neck. When the Dublin coup failed, Robert needed to go into immediate exile and would have but for Sarah. She needed one more night to think about going with Robert. While she was thinking, Robert and many of his coconspirators were arrested.
It is difficult to review this author's work. Until mid-way this book, her writing was boring and wordy. Just when I was ready to throw the book away, Ms. Browne came alive and wrote some of the best work I have ever read. Readers, stay with the book. Her wrap up and historical notes were excellent.
Thank you, Ms. Browne, for writing this excellent book.
It is difficult to review this author's work. Until mid-way this book, her writing was boring and wordy. Just when I was ready to throw the book away, Ms. Browne came alive and wrote some of the best work I have ever read. Readers, stay with the book. Her wrap up and historical notes were excellent.
Thank you, Ms. Browne, for writing this excellent book.
April 8, 2015
Excellent historical novel about the uprisings in Ireland in the late 18th and early 19th century. I picked this up because I wanted to know more about Irish history in advance of a trip to the Emerald Isle, and was transfixed by this well-told story with wonderful characters and a great sense of place.As she stated in the forward, although the book is a work of fiction, these were real people and events. It's great to read a story about REAL heroes. If I have one criticism it would be that the heroes are too heroic, almost perfect, and the villains are horrible with no redeeming qualities. Most people are more nuanced than that.
May 22, 2017
"I have spread my dreams under your feet. Tread softly..."
W.B. Yeats
The first of a trilogy, this is good historical fiction. Though presented as novels, these stories are true and based on recorded facts and documented evidence. Virtually all of the characters are historical. Not as massive a work as Edward Rutherfurd's towering two-volume Dublin Saga, they deal with the plight of 18th century Ireland beginning with the years shortly before the 1798 rebellion and the massacre at Vinegar Hill and the subsequent abortive revolt of 1803 and its aftermath. They are very well-written and carefully researched.
W.B. Yeats
The first of a trilogy, this is good historical fiction. Though presented as novels, these stories are true and based on recorded facts and documented evidence. Virtually all of the characters are historical. Not as massive a work as Edward Rutherfurd's towering two-volume Dublin Saga, they deal with the plight of 18th century Ireland beginning with the years shortly before the 1798 rebellion and the massacre at Vinegar Hill and the subsequent abortive revolt of 1803 and its aftermath. They are very well-written and carefully researched.
August 15, 2012
I didn't expect to like this book, but really did. Historical fiction is a favorite genre, and well researched historical fiction that has more history than fiction Is especially good stuff. The phrase "brings history to life" crossed my mind more than once in thinking about this one.
It is set in Ireland, and as my knowledge of Irish history is sketchy at best, I felt like I was learning while being entertained. There is action, romance, and characters with depth - although the "bad guys" are thoroughly bad.
As this is the first in a trilogy, I'll likely buy the next in the series.
It is set in Ireland, and as my knowledge of Irish history is sketchy at best, I felt like I was learning while being entertained. There is action, romance, and characters with depth - although the "bad guys" are thoroughly bad.
As this is the first in a trilogy, I'll likely buy the next in the series.
June 22, 2013
Historical fiction based on research. The primary character is Robert Emmet, a young Irish aristocrat who became a leader in the revolts against English rule in the late 1700's- early 1800's. How can anyone who reads such a work as this not be so very grateful for the freedoms that we enjoy? This book was a page turner for me followed by an Internet search to verify the historical accuracy of the real people and events.
Read
March 14, 2014It was a long haul of a book, 625 pages in this paperback. I was determined to finish it as it is the biography of Robert Emmet, an Irish patriot whose statue stands in my hometown. I wanted to know what his life and death told about the history of Ireland's centuries of struggles for from from England. I very much enjoyed it, especially nearing the end when everything became clear.
November 22, 2014
Robert Emmet loved his country, Ireland but knew it had to be taken back from the English. His brother Thomas was involved in the uprising of 1789 but it failed. Now Robert is kicked out of Trinity College for being a patriot of his country; it becomes the beginning of the next attempt to free Ireland in five years. This is a three book series.
July 11, 2016
This was a great history lesson! I thought I knew a lot about the "troubles" but it appears not! This novel provides historic detail wrapped in an adventure/romance. The story of Robert Emmett and his impact on Irish Independence is a fast paced, enjoyable read. I can't wait to read the entire trilogy!
August 27, 2013
My heart is heavy as I finish this novel. What a tribute to some remarkable people who fought for freedom. At times I felt a bit overwhelmed by the details, but it was a complicated time and many people affected the story. I learned a great deal about this period of Irish history. Well done.
October 16, 2014
Very good book about Ireland's\struggle for independence. The kind of book I will not forget. It is a novel but based on real life events and people. Gretta Curran Browne was thorough in her research. The Currans in the book are her ancestors.
March 11, 2016
Ireland
This book shows the epitome of patriotism in Ireland. I love historical fiction, and this was a good book about the oppressed Irish people ruled by the British, and their fight for freedom.
This book shows the epitome of patriotism in Ireland. I love historical fiction, and this was a good book about the oppressed Irish people ruled by the British, and their fight for freedom.
November 5, 2020
Couldn't even get half way through. Too many characters, too confusing and poorly written from a grammatical standpoint. I have OCD and always finish what I start. I had to forgive my self and walk away from this one.
April 21, 2015
good book. dragged a little in the middle but I liked it. It's historical fiction based on events in Ireland in the late 1700's.
January 24, 2017
Loved this book. Well written and weaved many personal stories about people, time and events in Ireland's history that were based on fact.
August 1, 2019
3.5/5. I liked the book. I’ve enjoyed several of her books. This one took a LOT of research. Very interesting.
February 19, 2014
I have to disagree with most of the other reviews of this novel. I couldn't finish it.
May 25, 2018
Vive Robert Emmett!
"No man risks his young life and forfeits his young man for nothing."
What a profound statement made in regard to Robert Emmett, an Irish patriot of distinction whose life is told in the most expressive fashion by author Curran Browne! It is truly an education told in this amazingly, historically researched book. The writing flows and I was unable to put the book down. Characters come alive and I felt a part of this book of courage.
Browne humanized the characters and meticulously describes the criminal activities and political corruption of English cronies as they perpetrate deceit and abuse of the Irish rebels who fought for freedom intent on removing the yoke of slavery and oppression under Britain's rule from 1798 to 1806.
Having brought the characters to life, Browne describes each character thoroughly as they develop. The plot is true to its historical significance
The systematic genocide, torture and oppression by Britain perpetrated upon the Irish population to such a degree answers any question of why Ireland rebelled in 1798 and 1803. So live is the writing I literally cried with outrage as I read chapters 42 and 43! This is a fascinating and factual historical novel so impressing it will make your gut clench!
This beautiful, honorable man, Robert Emmett, is a true hero who should be honored worldwide.
An amazing historical fiction story based on fact that should be read by all including high school students. Highly recommend this book to readers. Prepare to be outraged.
"No man risks his young life and forfeits his young man for nothing."
What a profound statement made in regard to Robert Emmett, an Irish patriot of distinction whose life is told in the most expressive fashion by author Curran Browne! It is truly an education told in this amazingly, historically researched book. The writing flows and I was unable to put the book down. Characters come alive and I felt a part of this book of courage.
Browne humanized the characters and meticulously describes the criminal activities and political corruption of English cronies as they perpetrate deceit and abuse of the Irish rebels who fought for freedom intent on removing the yoke of slavery and oppression under Britain's rule from 1798 to 1806.
Having brought the characters to life, Browne describes each character thoroughly as they develop. The plot is true to its historical significance
The systematic genocide, torture and oppression by Britain perpetrated upon the Irish population to such a degree answers any question of why Ireland rebelled in 1798 and 1803. So live is the writing I literally cried with outrage as I read chapters 42 and 43! This is a fascinating and factual historical novel so impressing it will make your gut clench!
This beautiful, honorable man, Robert Emmett, is a true hero who should be honored worldwide.
An amazing historical fiction story based on fact that should be read by all including high school students. Highly recommend this book to readers. Prepare to be outraged.
January 16, 2021
"Tread Softly on My Dreams" reminds the reader of the high cost of freedom and is a deserving tribute to the courageous and mostly unknown men and women who selflessly fought for freedom.
This authentically researched story about the devastating English rule of Ireland
was not an easy book for me to read because I knew according to history, the hopes and dreams of the main characters wouldn’t be realized. While I enjoy historical fiction this one was particularly sad because the fates of these very appealing characters were not good and their sacrifices were fruitless in the short term.
The primary character and hero is Robert Emmet, a young Irish aristocrat born in 1778 who became a leader in the rebellions against the harsh English rule over Ireland in the late 1700's and early 1800's. The revolts began with the Easter Rising shortly before the 1798 rebellion and the massacre at Vinegar Hill followed by the compromised rising of 1803 led by Robert Emmet and its aftermath.
Gretta Curran Browne has presented historical fiction at its best. It is gritty, painfully honest, and informative with a cleverly interwoven love story that will break your heart. Sadly, despite the brave efforts of the Irish nationalist rebels portrayed in this book along with those before them in history, it was more than a century later in the 1920's that Ireland achieved full emancipation from England.
This authentically researched story about the devastating English rule of Ireland
was not an easy book for me to read because I knew according to history, the hopes and dreams of the main characters wouldn’t be realized. While I enjoy historical fiction this one was particularly sad because the fates of these very appealing characters were not good and their sacrifices were fruitless in the short term.
The primary character and hero is Robert Emmet, a young Irish aristocrat born in 1778 who became a leader in the rebellions against the harsh English rule over Ireland in the late 1700's and early 1800's. The revolts began with the Easter Rising shortly before the 1798 rebellion and the massacre at Vinegar Hill followed by the compromised rising of 1803 led by Robert Emmet and its aftermath.
Gretta Curran Browne has presented historical fiction at its best. It is gritty, painfully honest, and informative with a cleverly interwoven love story that will break your heart. Sadly, despite the brave efforts of the Irish nationalist rebels portrayed in this book along with those before them in history, it was more than a century later in the 1920's that Ireland achieved full emancipation from England.
August 12, 2021
The title is taken from a lovely W.B. Yeats quote, "I have spread my dreams under your feet. Tread softly..." The story and characters are true. As much as I've heard about the 1916 Irish rebellion, I was oblivious to the 1798 uprising. The 1798 was the bloodiest in Ireland's history, with over 30,000 souls dead and unburied. The rebels were inspired by the American revolution and were promised support from France, much like America had, but too many things went wrong. The suffering of the people and the insufferable behavior of the British deserved to be told. I was amazed by the bravery of the young woman Anne Devlin, who was punished longer and more painfully than the actual conspirators after a renewed rebellion attempt in 1803.
We went on a tour of the Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin several years ago, and I don't recall hearing about the prisoners held without habeas corpus in the early 19th century. I would have appreciated the sacrifices of the imprisoned so much more if I was aware of this part of history!
I loved one woman saying the book, "I don't want to know about your rights of man! Men have all the rights, women none!"
Well written novel based on so much historical fact, but there were several typos in the text that were a bit distracting.
We went on a tour of the Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin several years ago, and I don't recall hearing about the prisoners held without habeas corpus in the early 19th century. I would have appreciated the sacrifices of the imprisoned so much more if I was aware of this part of history!
I loved one woman saying the book, "I don't want to know about your rights of man! Men have all the rights, women none!"
Well written novel based on so much historical fact, but there were several typos in the text that were a bit distracting.
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