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Rebel Sisters
With the threat of the First World War looming, tension simmers under the surface of Ireland.
Growing up in the privileged confines of Dublin’s leafy Rathmines, the bright, beautiful Gifford sisters Grace, Muriel and Nellie kick against the conventions of their wealthy Anglo-Irish background and their mother Isabella’s expectations. Soon, as war erupts across Europe, the spirited sisters find themselves caught up in their country’s struggle for freedom.
Muriel falls deeply in love with writer Thomas MacDonagh, artist Grace meets the enigmatic Joe Plunkett – both leaders of 'The Rising' – while Nellie joins the Citizen Army and bravely takes up arms, fighting alongside Countess Constance Markievicz in the rebellion.
On Easter Monday, 1916, the biggest uprising in Ireland for two centuries begins. The world of the Gifford sisters and everyone they hold dear will be torn apart in a fight that is destined for tragedy.
Growing up in the privileged confines of Dublin’s leafy Rathmines, the bright, beautiful Gifford sisters Grace, Muriel and Nellie kick against the conventions of their wealthy Anglo-Irish background and their mother Isabella’s expectations. Soon, as war erupts across Europe, the spirited sisters find themselves caught up in their country’s struggle for freedom.
Muriel falls deeply in love with writer Thomas MacDonagh, artist Grace meets the enigmatic Joe Plunkett – both leaders of 'The Rising' – while Nellie joins the Citizen Army and bravely takes up arms, fighting alongside Countess Constance Markievicz in the rebellion.
On Easter Monday, 1916, the biggest uprising in Ireland for two centuries begins. The world of the Gifford sisters and everyone they hold dear will be torn apart in a fight that is destined for tragedy.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2016
479 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
Marita Conlon-McKenna
30 books222 followersBorn in Dublin in 1956 and brought up in Goatstown, Marita went to school at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Mount Anville, later working in the family business, the bank, and a travel agency. She has four children with her husband James, and they live in the Stillorgan area of Dublin.
Marita was always fascinated by the Famine period in Irish history and read everything available on the subject. When she heard a radio report of an unmarked children's grave from the Famine period being found under a hawthorn tree, she decided to write her first book, Under the Hawthorn Tree.
Published in May 1990, the book was an immediate success and become a classic. It has been translated into over a dozen languages, including Arabic, Bahasa, French, Dutch, German, Swedish, Italian, Japanese and Irish. The book has been read on RTÉ Radio and is very popular in schools, both with teachers and pupils. It has been made a supplementary curriculum reader in many schools and is also used by schools in Northern Ireland for EMU (Education through Mutual Understanding) projects. It was also filmed by Young Irish Film Makers, in association with RTÉ and Channel 4. This is available as a DVD.
Marita has written more books for children which were also very well received. The Blue Horse reached No. 1 on the Bestseller List and won the BISTO BOOK OF THE YEAR Award. No Goodbye, which tells of the heartbreak of a young family when their mother leaves home, was recommended by Book Trust in their guide for One Parent Families. Safe Harbour is the story of two English children evacuated from London during World War ll to live with their grandfather in Greystones, Co Wicklow and was shortlisted for the BISTO Book of the Year Award. A Girl Called Blue follows the life of an orphan, trying to find who she really is in a cold and strict orphanage. Marita has also explored the world of fantasy with her book In Deep Dark Wood.
Marita has won several awards, including the International Reading Association Award, the Osterreichischer Kinder und Jugendbuchpreis, the Reading Association of Ireland Award and the Bisto Book of the Year Award.
Marita was always fascinated by the Famine period in Irish history and read everything available on the subject. When she heard a radio report of an unmarked children's grave from the Famine period being found under a hawthorn tree, she decided to write her first book, Under the Hawthorn Tree.
Published in May 1990, the book was an immediate success and become a classic. It has been translated into over a dozen languages, including Arabic, Bahasa, French, Dutch, German, Swedish, Italian, Japanese and Irish. The book has been read on RTÉ Radio and is very popular in schools, both with teachers and pupils. It has been made a supplementary curriculum reader in many schools and is also used by schools in Northern Ireland for EMU (Education through Mutual Understanding) projects. It was also filmed by Young Irish Film Makers, in association with RTÉ and Channel 4. This is available as a DVD.
Marita has written more books for children which were also very well received. The Blue Horse reached No. 1 on the Bestseller List and won the BISTO BOOK OF THE YEAR Award. No Goodbye, which tells of the heartbreak of a young family when their mother leaves home, was recommended by Book Trust in their guide for One Parent Families. Safe Harbour is the story of two English children evacuated from London during World War ll to live with their grandfather in Greystones, Co Wicklow and was shortlisted for the BISTO Book of the Year Award. A Girl Called Blue follows the life of an orphan, trying to find who she really is in a cold and strict orphanage. Marita has also explored the world of fantasy with her book In Deep Dark Wood.
Marita has won several awards, including the International Reading Association Award, the Osterreichischer Kinder und Jugendbuchpreis, the Reading Association of Ireland Award and the Bisto Book of the Year Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
July 7, 2018
I bought this book thinking it was mainly about the Rebellion itself. It's more about the Gifford family, the sisters in the main, and their lives and the men of the Rebellion they were connected to. It does describe the Rebellion and what happened over Easter week.
I liked it. It was a very good read. Maybe a bit slow to start with but the story is well told. I learned a lot about this time in history and a lot about the Gifford girls. They were brave women and very patriotic. Anyone interested in history will enjoy it.
I liked it. It was a very good read. Maybe a bit slow to start with but the story is well told. I learned a lot about this time in history and a lot about the Gifford girls. They were brave women and very patriotic. Anyone interested in history will enjoy it.
February 7, 2016
3.5 stars
The Easter Rising, Dublin 1916. Lives are lost, a city is destroyed and for some the results of that fateful weekend are to linger for the rest of their days. The Gifford Sisters; Grace, Muriel and Nellie, have been part of something that can never be forgotten. These women are feisty, independent and strong-willed. But is their desire for equality and freedom enough? Will their personal rebellions be their downfall?
Based on true stories of the friends and family of the leaders of the 1916 Rising, Marita Conlon-McKenna gives and alternative view to this well discussed period of time in Ireland's History.
Most of us are familiar with the details of Easter Monday 1916, the main characters involved and their legacies, but not many of us would have a complete picture of the others involved during this period. The non-political figures, the ordinary people who were (unwittingly or otherwise) a part of creating a new nation, free from British Rule. This concept is one coming to the foreground in the lead-up to the centenary of this major event. The newspapers are full of articles celebrating the Rising, TV shows (see Rebellion on RTÉ), are bringing Dublin's History back to life for a whole new generation. People who have read nothing about the Rising since they were forced to study (a very staid version) as part of their secondary education are now fascinated with the stories. Children are lucky to have some wonderful fiction titles available to them, all age appropriate and encouraging them to move on to reading about the War of Independence. But, what about the adult readers?
There are literally hundreds of non-fiction titles about this subject, varying from academic tomes to stunning coffee table books (See Diarmuid Ferriter and Shane Hegarty for two of my favourites). There are also middle of the road, complete fiction titles, with very little historical content and lots of romance instead. Rebel Sisters is at the more accessible scale. A factual based story, interlaced with fictional elements, means that readers are getting the best of both book-worlds.
The Gifford Sisters were from a large, well appointed, Protestant family and, as children, mixed in very different circles to the Rebels. However, when Muriel meets Thomas MacDonagh, her life takes a dramatic turn. Grace meets Joe Plunkett and sees how the passion he feels for his cause is something worth fighting for. Meanwhile, Nellie feels strongly about equality for all, regardless of sex or religion, and joins Countess Markievicz in the Irish Citizen Army. Three women, three powerful personalities, ahead of their time and despairing of their country's circumstances.
What the author has managed to produce is a novel of truth and belief. Years of research can be seen as the reader turns to the next chapter. Starting with the Gifford's mother, Isabella, in 1901 we are then brought on the girl's journey through childhood, adolescence and into womanhood. The people they meet along the way are real. The city they fight for is real. The world they foresee for their children and grandchildren is also real. There are facts aplenty among the titled chapters, with mentions of 1913 Lockout, Erskine Childers' gun-running, Bloody Sunday, the taking of the Dublin Garrisons and the executions at Kilmainham Gaol. The thing that makes this book more suitable to the mainstream reader, rather than History buffs, are the personal tales. Learning that one of our Rebel leaders was a roller-skating legend, reading about the many plays being held in various theatres around the city or knowing how much the Gifford girls had to sacrifice to be as devoted as they were; these are the heartbeats of the book. Mixed in with detailed descriptions of our beautiful city, and how it crumbled over a week of confusion and fear, whilst also being treated to extra locations like Liberty Hall, St.Enda's and Larkfield, means that we can picture the movements of the supporters of the Rebellion. We can be observers to a great, political and personal movement that helped shape who we are today. And all this without a text book in sight!
The gentle prose is trademark Conlon-McKenna, who moved so many of us with her Under The Hawthorn Tree children's books while bringing life to the inmates of the church run institutions in The Magdalen.
This is an ideal read for those who want to read more about Ireland's Modern History, but want it in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
Perfect for fans of RTÉ's Rebellion...
The Easter Rising, Dublin 1916. Lives are lost, a city is destroyed and for some the results of that fateful weekend are to linger for the rest of their days. The Gifford Sisters; Grace, Muriel and Nellie, have been part of something that can never be forgotten. These women are feisty, independent and strong-willed. But is their desire for equality and freedom enough? Will their personal rebellions be their downfall?
Based on true stories of the friends and family of the leaders of the 1916 Rising, Marita Conlon-McKenna gives and alternative view to this well discussed period of time in Ireland's History.
Most of us are familiar with the details of Easter Monday 1916, the main characters involved and their legacies, but not many of us would have a complete picture of the others involved during this period. The non-political figures, the ordinary people who were (unwittingly or otherwise) a part of creating a new nation, free from British Rule. This concept is one coming to the foreground in the lead-up to the centenary of this major event. The newspapers are full of articles celebrating the Rising, TV shows (see Rebellion on RTÉ), are bringing Dublin's History back to life for a whole new generation. People who have read nothing about the Rising since they were forced to study (a very staid version) as part of their secondary education are now fascinated with the stories. Children are lucky to have some wonderful fiction titles available to them, all age appropriate and encouraging them to move on to reading about the War of Independence. But, what about the adult readers?
There are literally hundreds of non-fiction titles about this subject, varying from academic tomes to stunning coffee table books (See Diarmuid Ferriter and Shane Hegarty for two of my favourites). There are also middle of the road, complete fiction titles, with very little historical content and lots of romance instead. Rebel Sisters is at the more accessible scale. A factual based story, interlaced with fictional elements, means that readers are getting the best of both book-worlds.
The Gifford Sisters were from a large, well appointed, Protestant family and, as children, mixed in very different circles to the Rebels. However, when Muriel meets Thomas MacDonagh, her life takes a dramatic turn. Grace meets Joe Plunkett and sees how the passion he feels for his cause is something worth fighting for. Meanwhile, Nellie feels strongly about equality for all, regardless of sex or religion, and joins Countess Markievicz in the Irish Citizen Army. Three women, three powerful personalities, ahead of their time and despairing of their country's circumstances.
What the author has managed to produce is a novel of truth and belief. Years of research can be seen as the reader turns to the next chapter. Starting with the Gifford's mother, Isabella, in 1901 we are then brought on the girl's journey through childhood, adolescence and into womanhood. The people they meet along the way are real. The city they fight for is real. The world they foresee for their children and grandchildren is also real. There are facts aplenty among the titled chapters, with mentions of 1913 Lockout, Erskine Childers' gun-running, Bloody Sunday, the taking of the Dublin Garrisons and the executions at Kilmainham Gaol. The thing that makes this book more suitable to the mainstream reader, rather than History buffs, are the personal tales. Learning that one of our Rebel leaders was a roller-skating legend, reading about the many plays being held in various theatres around the city or knowing how much the Gifford girls had to sacrifice to be as devoted as they were; these are the heartbeats of the book. Mixed in with detailed descriptions of our beautiful city, and how it crumbled over a week of confusion and fear, whilst also being treated to extra locations like Liberty Hall, St.Enda's and Larkfield, means that we can picture the movements of the supporters of the Rebellion. We can be observers to a great, political and personal movement that helped shape who we are today. And all this without a text book in sight!
The gentle prose is trademark Conlon-McKenna, who moved so many of us with her Under The Hawthorn Tree children's books while bringing life to the inmates of the church run institutions in The Magdalen.
This is an ideal read for those who want to read more about Ireland's Modern History, but want it in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
Perfect for fans of RTÉ's Rebellion...
August 18, 2025
Great insight into the Gifford family and the rebellion.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
April 15, 2020
*3.5 An informative read based on the Rising with the story of true love running throughout. A lovely read
June 5, 2016
The facts of 1916 are tragic, esp the love story of Joe Plunkett and Grace Gifford. But the writing in this book is terrible. You could have just had the last 1/8th of the book and it would have been enough. But the author drags you through unnecessary years of these characters' lives.
It's useful if you want to see how not to write a book. Great research but very lazy writing.
It's useful if you want to see how not to write a book. Great research but very lazy writing.
November 21, 2023
“Oh Grace, just hold me in your arms and let this moment linger ….”
After listening to this captivating audiobook, my head and heart are awash with emotion. Though the narration is a tad slow at the outset, I was soon swept away into the engrossing lives of the Anglo-Irish Gifford family and the exploits of three of the twelve siblings: Nellie, Grace, and Muriel.
The sisters are portrayed as courageous, independent women, and through their eyes, we gain a glimpse of Dublin during World War I. The stark contrast between the destitution of so many, including 'Supplementary Widows' and those fleeing conscription in England, and the affluent lifestyle of the Giffords and their social circle serves as a poignant reminder of the vast social disparities of the time.
The author masterfully weaves a tapestry of political visionaries, poets, writers, thespians, pacifists, and advocates for female suffrage, allowing us to experience the intricate societal structures that existed during this fascinating period in Irish history.
The tragic love story of Grace and Joseph Plunkett takes center stage. A feeling of remorse for the blighted lives of Thomas McDonagh and Muriel's two children also lingers. However, it is the practical and capable Nellie who emerges from the turmoil of the time, to bear witness to the vital, yet often overlooked, roles played by women during this pivotal moment in Ireland's modern history. Nellie's involvement in Cumman na Mbahn and her service as aide-de-camp to Countess Markowitch during the fighting on St. Stephen's Green and the Siege at the College of Surgeons further highlight the remarkable contributions of women during this tumultuous period.
This fictional novel based upon actual events and people is more accessible and engaging than the factual accounts found in traditional history books. I recommend it to those seeking a deeper understanding of this transformative era in Irish history.
After listening to this captivating audiobook, my head and heart are awash with emotion. Though the narration is a tad slow at the outset, I was soon swept away into the engrossing lives of the Anglo-Irish Gifford family and the exploits of three of the twelve siblings: Nellie, Grace, and Muriel.
The sisters are portrayed as courageous, independent women, and through their eyes, we gain a glimpse of Dublin during World War I. The stark contrast between the destitution of so many, including 'Supplementary Widows' and those fleeing conscription in England, and the affluent lifestyle of the Giffords and their social circle serves as a poignant reminder of the vast social disparities of the time.
The author masterfully weaves a tapestry of political visionaries, poets, writers, thespians, pacifists, and advocates for female suffrage, allowing us to experience the intricate societal structures that existed during this fascinating period in Irish history.
The tragic love story of Grace and Joseph Plunkett takes center stage. A feeling of remorse for the blighted lives of Thomas McDonagh and Muriel's two children also lingers. However, it is the practical and capable Nellie who emerges from the turmoil of the time, to bear witness to the vital, yet often overlooked, roles played by women during this pivotal moment in Ireland's modern history. Nellie's involvement in Cumman na Mbahn and her service as aide-de-camp to Countess Markowitch during the fighting on St. Stephen's Green and the Siege at the College of Surgeons further highlight the remarkable contributions of women during this tumultuous period.
This fictional novel based upon actual events and people is more accessible and engaging than the factual accounts found in traditional history books. I recommend it to those seeking a deeper understanding of this transformative era in Irish history.
Read
March 24, 2025Grace!!! Four important stories (the sisters’ and that of the Rising itself — Isabella’s POV felt redundant) however the prose felt a little pedestrian. That said, I’m aware she’s a children’s author and it was extremely readable, I just wish it wasn’t so sterile, or that it had been marketed as YA so that I could manage my expectations.
April 18, 2024
I found the start of this one quite slow and a little bit too cheesy for me….but I’m so glad I stuck with it! This is such a well researched, emotional story based on the real life’s of people involved in Ireland’s Easter Rising! This is the story of the women behind The Signatories and the men involved in The Rising and possibly the most famous of these women Grace Gifford.
A must read for anyone interested in Irish History.
A must read for anyone interested in Irish History.
June 3, 2016
Rebel Sisters is about the Easter Rising told from the three Gifford sisters; Grace, Muriel, and Nellie. These sisters are determined to fulfill their dreams. Grace yearns to be an artist, Muriel wants to be a nurse, and Nellie wants to be a cook. However, while they are pursuing their dreams, they meet certain people that would draw them into the Irish rebellion. Little do they know that the Irish cause would make these girls sacrifice everything that they held dear.
I really liked how this story focuses on the personal accounts of these three sisters. The reader first sees them when they are very young, and we get a sense of what they were like and how they changed over time. These women were once a close-knit and peaceful family. However, the death of their brother changes them. They soon want to be independent. These sisters are also passionate and want to fulfill their dreams. Over time, these women become stronger. Not only are they passionate, but they are also loyal and patriotic. Each of them wants freedom and equality. These women are very bold and courageous. This made me feel sorry for them as they go through the personal tragedies in their own lives.
Overall, this book was about friendship, family, love, loss, loyalty, and sacrifice. The writing is very beautiful and it grips you from the very beginning. These sisters were both admirable because they made a lot of risks and had to deal with the results. Therefore, this story was a very emotional read. I also loved the vivid descriptions of Ireland. My only complaint about this book is that I would have liked more focus on the Easter Rising. Nevertheless, this is a great portrait of these three courageous women, and this tale will linger with you long after you have read the last page. I recommend this story for those who would like a personal account of historical events, stories set in Ireland, and heroines who have to stand fast in the face of danger and heartache.
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
I really liked how this story focuses on the personal accounts of these three sisters. The reader first sees them when they are very young, and we get a sense of what they were like and how they changed over time. These women were once a close-knit and peaceful family. However, the death of their brother changes them. They soon want to be independent. These sisters are also passionate and want to fulfill their dreams. Over time, these women become stronger. Not only are they passionate, but they are also loyal and patriotic. Each of them wants freedom and equality. These women are very bold and courageous. This made me feel sorry for them as they go through the personal tragedies in their own lives.
Overall, this book was about friendship, family, love, loss, loyalty, and sacrifice. The writing is very beautiful and it grips you from the very beginning. These sisters were both admirable because they made a lot of risks and had to deal with the results. Therefore, this story was a very emotional read. I also loved the vivid descriptions of Ireland. My only complaint about this book is that I would have liked more focus on the Easter Rising. Nevertheless, this is a great portrait of these three courageous women, and this tale will linger with you long after you have read the last page. I recommend this story for those who would like a personal account of historical events, stories set in Ireland, and heroines who have to stand fast in the face of danger and heartache.
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
January 24, 2018
My favourite genre of books is historical fiction, and Rebel Sisters by Marita Conlon-McKenna is exactly the reason why. While it is a novel, Rebel Sisters tells the very true and real story of the Gifford family, specifically three of the Gifford sisters: Muriel, Grace, and Nellie. Set in Ireland between 1901 and 1916, we follow the sisters as they come of age, each in their own, unique way.
During this time, there were four major conflicts happening simultaneously. Ireland was dealing with women’s suffrage, the industrial movement, the nationalist movement, and World War One. Muriel, Grace, and Nellie all became involved in these conflicts themselves and through the men with whom they fell in love.
I learned so much about Ireland’s history and especially their fight for independence while reading this book. The Giffords are a real family, and their tragic stories are still recounted in Ireland today. Rebel Sisters offers insight into the private lives of some of the key leaders of the rebellion. 2016 is especially significant as the year of publication for this book because it marks the 100 year anniversary of the Easter Rising.
I was a little unsure why the author was spending so much time early on giving a detailed history of each of the three sisters, but as I started googling more about Irish independence while I was reading, I learned that these women actually existed. These events, and places, and people were real, and I became so invested in learning their stories.
Rebel Sisters is also a great book for fans of Downton Abbey. There are elements from the love story of Sybil and Branson here, and we learn about the ideologies for which Branson is always so passionate.
If you're interested in learning more about Ireland and its history, absolutely pick up this book.
- See more at: http://www.asplendidmessylife.com/201...
During this time, there were four major conflicts happening simultaneously. Ireland was dealing with women’s suffrage, the industrial movement, the nationalist movement, and World War One. Muriel, Grace, and Nellie all became involved in these conflicts themselves and through the men with whom they fell in love.
I learned so much about Ireland’s history and especially their fight for independence while reading this book. The Giffords are a real family, and their tragic stories are still recounted in Ireland today. Rebel Sisters offers insight into the private lives of some of the key leaders of the rebellion. 2016 is especially significant as the year of publication for this book because it marks the 100 year anniversary of the Easter Rising.
I was a little unsure why the author was spending so much time early on giving a detailed history of each of the three sisters, but as I started googling more about Irish independence while I was reading, I learned that these women actually existed. These events, and places, and people were real, and I became so invested in learning their stories.
Rebel Sisters is also a great book for fans of Downton Abbey. There are elements from the love story of Sybil and Branson here, and we learn about the ideologies for which Branson is always so passionate.
If you're interested in learning more about Ireland and its history, absolutely pick up this book.
- See more at: http://www.asplendidmessylife.com/201...
May 14, 2016
2 stars is generous
I know nothing of Irish history, but I assume Ms. Conlon-McKenna did her research well. I'm always game to delve into historical fiction in hopes of learning something new, but this endeavor was simplistically written with boring details about the Gifford sisters early adulthood and too little detail about the the 1916 Easter Rising. Everyone fell flat, and the excitement of the era was missing. Rebel Sisters just turned out to be not my thing, but other may enjoy it.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I know nothing of Irish history, but I assume Ms. Conlon-McKenna did her research well. I'm always game to delve into historical fiction in hopes of learning something new, but this endeavor was simplistically written with boring details about the Gifford sisters early adulthood and too little detail about the the 1916 Easter Rising. Everyone fell flat, and the excitement of the era was missing. Rebel Sisters just turned out to be not my thing, but other may enjoy it.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2016
Brought this with me on holidays, and even then I found it hard to get into it. The writing is fairly basic prose, she hardly tries to differentiate the three narrating sisters from each other. Grace did show a bit of promise near the beginning being a little different from the other characters but by the end they may as well all have been the same person. Alright for younger readers, but not for those who are familiar with good books.
I also noticed spelling errors, inaccuracies and inconsistencies throughout.
I also noticed spelling errors, inaccuracies and inconsistencies throughout.
April 9, 2016
A great story but just not great writing. Ion lay found out at the end it's based on a true story. I didn't really feel I got to know any of the sisters even though there was lots of detail it just felt flat. I was nice to learn a bit more about the rising but wouldn't read it again
February 8, 2016
Any girl growing up in Ireland would be familiar with the writing of Marita Conlon-McKenna. She is famed for her children's books particularly for her famine trilogy beginning with Under the Hawthorn Tree which is still studied in primary schools to this day. Marita was one of my favourite Irish children’s authors and has since gone on to write many books for adults. I loved her first adult novel The Stone House and all her subsequent titles although I did feel The Rose Garden felt a little bit flat and run of the mill. Now after an absence of three years Marita returns with Rebel Sisters focusing on the women who campaigned alongside the men of Ireland 100 years ago for Irish independence. With 1916 celebrations fast approaching here in Ireland this novel couldn't have been more timely and considering the influx of novels we are sure to see in the lead up to the anniversary this kind of book needs to be special and stand out from the rest. Rebel Sisters is a good introduction for those readers who don't know much about the Easter 1916 rising and the years leading up to this significant event in Irish history. I had studied it in school years ago and although I am a teacher I haven't taught the older classes where this topic would be studied. So Rebel Sisters certainly refreshed my memory and in fact it really did make the whole story more accessible and easier to understand. Writing from a female viewpoint was an interesting but necessary angle as I don't think many women would have read this book if it was all told from the male perspective.
Rebel Sisters focuses on the bright, beautiful and intelligent Gifford Sisters – Muriel, Grace, Nellie and their mother Isabella from 1901 right up until the suppression of the Easter 1916 rising. The girls come from a family of 12 but the author has chosen to focus on three of the sisters but various brothers and sisters are mentioned throughout the story. Before reading this book I had never heard of the Gifford sisters or the part they played in fighting for Irish independence and freedom as more often than not it is the rebel leaders and their place in history which is most explored in Irish history books. The Giffords were real characters so the author had to have researched her facts thoroughly in order to write this book. It's not easing weaving fact with fiction especially when the main part of the story is so engrained in the minds of the Irish people as a pivotal moment in the fight for an Irish Republic.
Overall I feel the author did a good job even if I thought some parts could have been shortened and less detailed. The book is divided into sections from 1901-1916 with chapters alternating between the sisters and their mother. Before I began reading this I did think the book would focus solely on 1916 so I was surprised to see the book beginning in 1901 and did question whether it was necessary to go so far back in time 16 years away from the main event. I'm still in two minds over this as some of the sections were too long and could have been briefly mentioned. On the other hand it did give the reader a fascinating insight into the lives of the people of Ireland at the time and of events we now read about in history books. It also showed me just how far we have come in 100 years.
There really is an awful lot of detail throughout this book as we are introduced to the Gifford family in 1901. Isabella the matriarch is a staunch Protestant married to Frederick Gifford a Catholic. All the children in a mixed marriage were supposed to be raised Catholic but Isabella went against the rules and ensured all her children held her Protestant views. This viewpoint really did affect how she reacted to later events in the novel and to me she didn't come across as the most heart-warming and devoted of mothers as is evident in the fact the nanny more or less raised her 12 children. Isabella rather preferred to keep up appearances and develop her wealthy position in Dublin society. The fact Nellie, Grace and Muriel rebel against their mothers beliefs and campaign for Irish independence must have really irked Isabella but I do wish she could have showed more compassion and support instead of being so loyally devoted to the crown. The first half of the book is devoted to the girls later teenage years and early twenties as they try to decide where they would like their life path to go. At the time a woman's place was best in the home, find a nice man, marry, have children, keep a good house and entertain while the husband earned the money. But the three sisters are of a different opinion as are many other women at the time and they seek to venture outside the confines of the house and enter the big wide world in various guises. These women were so ambitious for their time and it made me wonder did they realise how important the times they were living in were? Did they feel they were part of major milestones and changes? What set them apart that they dared to flaunt convention and follow their heart rather than the rules of society?
Nellie does not want to spend the rest of her life serving at her mother's parties or cooking for the household. She has a talent for baking and cooking. Showing great strength and courage when faced with her mother's negativity she enrols on a course which ultimately sees her acquiring a job working in the country as a domestic instructress teaching cooking and domestic skills to young women (doesn't that seem so anarchic now?) Grace has a love for the art with a particular talent for caricature. At just 16 she attends the Metropolitan School of Art and develops her craft further by successfully applying for the London Slade School of Art. Here in London Grace learns of the suffragette movement led by the Pankhursts and hopes rights for women can also be achieved in Ireland. For Muriel caring for those who are sick holds a special place in her heart. She begins her training as a probationer nurse in Sir. Patrick Duns Hospital but after a bout of rheumatic fever questions whether she is strong or tough enough for the day to day routine of nursing. Over the course of several years we follow the three woman and sometime their sister Sidney who writes articles under the pen name John Brennan. They navigate the ups and downs of their own lives against the political and cultural changes of the time. The women become involved in many organisations springing up at the time and take a keen interest in the revival of the Gaelic language and customs and the growing fight for an Ireland ruled by the people of Ireland. They meet Padraig Pearse who sets up St.Endas school for boys begun to re-establish education through Irish. Here Muriel meets Thomas McDonagh who she will later marry and who himself alongside Padraig Pearse and many others will play important roles in the future rising.
So many crucial moments in Irish history not to mention WWI were mentioned that at times the story did become too bogged down in events rather than character development of the sisters. Yes it did help to explain how we eventually reached the point of the rising in 1916 but it became all a bit too like a history book you would read in school. The essence of the women and their personalities got a little bit lost along the way before finding themselves towards the end where I do believe the story really picked up pace. There were so many events both national and worldwide slotted into the book that I couldn't begin to mention them. Alongside this many famous people in Irish history were mentioned such as Jim Larkin, Countess Markievicz etc which alongside various groups established at the time such as the Irish Volunteers and the Irish Republican Brotherhood that honestly I did become a bit confused as everything seemed to get tangled up and the essence of the book seemed to be forgotten. It's like the book lost it's way and couldn't decide whether it was a book based on the Gifford sisters or 1916. This is historical fiction based on true events and somewhere along the way it started to feel like I was back in school in a long history lesson. It appeared as if the author was trying to mention every event and follow a timeline, I wanted more focus specifically on the women and how they were thinking and feeling as some of the chapters were really surplus to requirements and could instead have gotten inside the minds of Nellie, Grace and Muriel a bit more.
Saying all that the book did redeem itself towards the end as the last section finally got us to what I initially thought the book would be about - the 1916 rising itself. Now at last the book really did come to life and I was gripped and on the edge of my seat as the descriptive writing flowed and the emotions shone through as the leaders of the rebellion stormed the G.P.O and fought for Irish freedom which ultimately lead to tragedy. Marita did a brilliant job of describing the heroic efforts of a few and the suffering they endured in the brief time they occupied Dublin strongholds and brought the city to its knees. I'll admit I did shed a tear or two towards the end both for what the sisters endured and how it affected their personal lives in particular for Muriel and Grace. The notes at the end were very welcome as we could see how life panned out for the sisters. The question remains for me though will Rebel Sisters appeal to a mass market audience or long term fans of Marita Conlon McKenna particularly those living outside of Ireland? I knew the background to the story but many others mightn't and be turned off by its contents and themes. The author took a brave step in writing this novel and although it is not pure perfection it is a good read and an eye opener but maybe not to all her readers tastes. I would be very interested to see what non Irish readers make of Rebel Sisters? After this Marita will return to the storytelling in the like of The Hat Shop on the Corner or The Matchmaker or now the historical fiction bug has bitten again will she stay writing in this genre?
Rebel Sisters focuses on the bright, beautiful and intelligent Gifford Sisters – Muriel, Grace, Nellie and their mother Isabella from 1901 right up until the suppression of the Easter 1916 rising. The girls come from a family of 12 but the author has chosen to focus on three of the sisters but various brothers and sisters are mentioned throughout the story. Before reading this book I had never heard of the Gifford sisters or the part they played in fighting for Irish independence and freedom as more often than not it is the rebel leaders and their place in history which is most explored in Irish history books. The Giffords were real characters so the author had to have researched her facts thoroughly in order to write this book. It's not easing weaving fact with fiction especially when the main part of the story is so engrained in the minds of the Irish people as a pivotal moment in the fight for an Irish Republic.
Overall I feel the author did a good job even if I thought some parts could have been shortened and less detailed. The book is divided into sections from 1901-1916 with chapters alternating between the sisters and their mother. Before I began reading this I did think the book would focus solely on 1916 so I was surprised to see the book beginning in 1901 and did question whether it was necessary to go so far back in time 16 years away from the main event. I'm still in two minds over this as some of the sections were too long and could have been briefly mentioned. On the other hand it did give the reader a fascinating insight into the lives of the people of Ireland at the time and of events we now read about in history books. It also showed me just how far we have come in 100 years.
There really is an awful lot of detail throughout this book as we are introduced to the Gifford family in 1901. Isabella the matriarch is a staunch Protestant married to Frederick Gifford a Catholic. All the children in a mixed marriage were supposed to be raised Catholic but Isabella went against the rules and ensured all her children held her Protestant views. This viewpoint really did affect how she reacted to later events in the novel and to me she didn't come across as the most heart-warming and devoted of mothers as is evident in the fact the nanny more or less raised her 12 children. Isabella rather preferred to keep up appearances and develop her wealthy position in Dublin society. The fact Nellie, Grace and Muriel rebel against their mothers beliefs and campaign for Irish independence must have really irked Isabella but I do wish she could have showed more compassion and support instead of being so loyally devoted to the crown. The first half of the book is devoted to the girls later teenage years and early twenties as they try to decide where they would like their life path to go. At the time a woman's place was best in the home, find a nice man, marry, have children, keep a good house and entertain while the husband earned the money. But the three sisters are of a different opinion as are many other women at the time and they seek to venture outside the confines of the house and enter the big wide world in various guises. These women were so ambitious for their time and it made me wonder did they realise how important the times they were living in were? Did they feel they were part of major milestones and changes? What set them apart that they dared to flaunt convention and follow their heart rather than the rules of society?
Nellie does not want to spend the rest of her life serving at her mother's parties or cooking for the household. She has a talent for baking and cooking. Showing great strength and courage when faced with her mother's negativity she enrols on a course which ultimately sees her acquiring a job working in the country as a domestic instructress teaching cooking and domestic skills to young women (doesn't that seem so anarchic now?) Grace has a love for the art with a particular talent for caricature. At just 16 she attends the Metropolitan School of Art and develops her craft further by successfully applying for the London Slade School of Art. Here in London Grace learns of the suffragette movement led by the Pankhursts and hopes rights for women can also be achieved in Ireland. For Muriel caring for those who are sick holds a special place in her heart. She begins her training as a probationer nurse in Sir. Patrick Duns Hospital but after a bout of rheumatic fever questions whether she is strong or tough enough for the day to day routine of nursing. Over the course of several years we follow the three woman and sometime their sister Sidney who writes articles under the pen name John Brennan. They navigate the ups and downs of their own lives against the political and cultural changes of the time. The women become involved in many organisations springing up at the time and take a keen interest in the revival of the Gaelic language and customs and the growing fight for an Ireland ruled by the people of Ireland. They meet Padraig Pearse who sets up St.Endas school for boys begun to re-establish education through Irish. Here Muriel meets Thomas McDonagh who she will later marry and who himself alongside Padraig Pearse and many others will play important roles in the future rising.
So many crucial moments in Irish history not to mention WWI were mentioned that at times the story did become too bogged down in events rather than character development of the sisters. Yes it did help to explain how we eventually reached the point of the rising in 1916 but it became all a bit too like a history book you would read in school. The essence of the women and their personalities got a little bit lost along the way before finding themselves towards the end where I do believe the story really picked up pace. There were so many events both national and worldwide slotted into the book that I couldn't begin to mention them. Alongside this many famous people in Irish history were mentioned such as Jim Larkin, Countess Markievicz etc which alongside various groups established at the time such as the Irish Volunteers and the Irish Republican Brotherhood that honestly I did become a bit confused as everything seemed to get tangled up and the essence of the book seemed to be forgotten. It's like the book lost it's way and couldn't decide whether it was a book based on the Gifford sisters or 1916. This is historical fiction based on true events and somewhere along the way it started to feel like I was back in school in a long history lesson. It appeared as if the author was trying to mention every event and follow a timeline, I wanted more focus specifically on the women and how they were thinking and feeling as some of the chapters were really surplus to requirements and could instead have gotten inside the minds of Nellie, Grace and Muriel a bit more.
Saying all that the book did redeem itself towards the end as the last section finally got us to what I initially thought the book would be about - the 1916 rising itself. Now at last the book really did come to life and I was gripped and on the edge of my seat as the descriptive writing flowed and the emotions shone through as the leaders of the rebellion stormed the G.P.O and fought for Irish freedom which ultimately lead to tragedy. Marita did a brilliant job of describing the heroic efforts of a few and the suffering they endured in the brief time they occupied Dublin strongholds and brought the city to its knees. I'll admit I did shed a tear or two towards the end both for what the sisters endured and how it affected their personal lives in particular for Muriel and Grace. The notes at the end were very welcome as we could see how life panned out for the sisters. The question remains for me though will Rebel Sisters appeal to a mass market audience or long term fans of Marita Conlon McKenna particularly those living outside of Ireland? I knew the background to the story but many others mightn't and be turned off by its contents and themes. The author took a brave step in writing this novel and although it is not pure perfection it is a good read and an eye opener but maybe not to all her readers tastes. I would be very interested to see what non Irish readers make of Rebel Sisters? After this Marita will return to the storytelling in the like of The Hat Shop on the Corner or The Matchmaker or now the historical fiction bug has bitten again will she stay writing in this genre?
May 18, 2025
I purchased this book from the second hand section of Chapters bookshop on Parnell Street in Dublin 1, following my visit to Kilmainham Jail on the anniversary of the beginning of the Easter Rising in 1916.
I started the book immediately after purchasing it but laid it aside a few days later to pursue other books. I picked it up again in the last week or so ahead of attending an evening with Marita Conlon-McKenna in Kenny’s bookshop, Galway.
I read 90% of the book but listened to the last 10% via Borrowbox on a journey from Donegal to Galway.
I feel this book has reawakening my interest and passion for Irish history. For what it is, it is an excellent book. A detailed and fascinating account of the Gifford sisters, Grace, Muriel and Nellie, their upbringing, their early careers, their journey into the arms of the Irish nationalist movement and their different roles in the Easter Rising. As a piece of historical fiction, it was engaging and insightful. My 3 star rating is perhaps harsh as it is possibly largely due to my personal understanding of these historical events and the inevitability of the ending. For these reasons, I wasn’t as gripped by the book as I have been with others.
That said, I am very glad to have read it and to have learned more of these wonderful women and their remarkable lives. Furthermore, I find myself encouraged to re-educate myself and to explore more historical fiction that will hopefully continue to uncover my dormant memories of Leaving Cert History.
I started the book immediately after purchasing it but laid it aside a few days later to pursue other books. I picked it up again in the last week or so ahead of attending an evening with Marita Conlon-McKenna in Kenny’s bookshop, Galway.
I read 90% of the book but listened to the last 10% via Borrowbox on a journey from Donegal to Galway.
I feel this book has reawakening my interest and passion for Irish history. For what it is, it is an excellent book. A detailed and fascinating account of the Gifford sisters, Grace, Muriel and Nellie, their upbringing, their early careers, their journey into the arms of the Irish nationalist movement and their different roles in the Easter Rising. As a piece of historical fiction, it was engaging and insightful. My 3 star rating is perhaps harsh as it is possibly largely due to my personal understanding of these historical events and the inevitability of the ending. For these reasons, I wasn’t as gripped by the book as I have been with others.
That said, I am very glad to have read it and to have learned more of these wonderful women and their remarkable lives. Furthermore, I find myself encouraged to re-educate myself and to explore more historical fiction that will hopefully continue to uncover my dormant memories of Leaving Cert History.
July 13, 2017
Rebel sisters is the telling of a pivotal time in Irish history as seen through the eyes of three sisters. Set in Ireland around the time of the Easter Rising Rebel Sisters is a fictionised account of the real life Gifford Sisters. The book begins in 1901 where we are introduced to the sisters – Muriel, Grace, and Nellie. Theirs is a story of love, courage, and passion and we see as they grown from children into young women. The girls risk everything for a cause in which they believe, and through McKenna’s superb descriptive writing I was immediately able to absorb and understand the mood and struggles of the times. The level of research that went into this book must have been immense and I applaud the author for it. Although fictional, the facts are real and honest and this is what made this book stand out. I believed in these sisters and became immersed in their worlds; I cared about what happened to them. I knew little of Irish history before reading this book, or of the women who played such a crucial role. The sisters were strong, independent and forward thinking, which was out of step with the age. I could identify with and feel their frustrations – generations may have passed but interestingly the plight of women has not progressed as much as we think. What McKenna has done is to shine a light on the role of forgotten women within Irish history and she has done this very well indeed.
June 30, 2017
This is the only book which has ever brought me close to tears, but I personally think that's more to do with the fact that it's a true story than the author's skill (though of course that must have had some role to play).
Actual rating: 3.5
I agree with other reviewers in that the writing is generally a bit too simplistic and there's a lot of summary with the inclusion of unnecessary events in the Gifford sisters' lives. It's interesting to know about some of these, but if they don't add to the story, or the author makes no effort to link them into the story, then I don't see the point.
The book never lingered long enough on any one story line and there was not enough dialogue (again, the summary thing) for my liking. But then, I suppose it's a different style of writing which others may prefer.
The reality is, what made me read on was an interest in Ireland at that time and the Gifford sisters' lives. And that is what the book gives you. It's not about character development or romance, really. It's about life for the upper classes and nationalists in the early 20th century.
I did find myself 'hooked' by the end of the book, thus the relatively high rating:)
Actual rating: 3.5
I agree with other reviewers in that the writing is generally a bit too simplistic and there's a lot of summary with the inclusion of unnecessary events in the Gifford sisters' lives. It's interesting to know about some of these, but if they don't add to the story, or the author makes no effort to link them into the story, then I don't see the point.
The book never lingered long enough on any one story line and there was not enough dialogue (again, the summary thing) for my liking. But then, I suppose it's a different style of writing which others may prefer.
The reality is, what made me read on was an interest in Ireland at that time and the Gifford sisters' lives. And that is what the book gives you. It's not about character development or romance, really. It's about life for the upper classes and nationalists in the early 20th century.
I did find myself 'hooked' by the end of the book, thus the relatively high rating:)
March 6, 2020
Listened to on audio.
This book was a great introduction to the lives of the Gifford sisters, who were brought up Protestant and privileged in a leafy part of Dublin. Grace is the most famous, she married Joseph Plunkett in Kilmainham Jail the night before he was executed for his part in the 1916 Rising. What is less known is that her sister Muriel was married to another signatory of the Proclamation, Thomas McDonagh, who was also executed. A third sister, Nellie, played an active role during the week of the Rising itself. It is written in a simple, accessible style and would be a good read for a teenager.
This could be 4 stars except for the unusual pronunciations of Irish place names (eg Howth, Ballsbridge) and last names (eg McDonagh, MacDiarmada), despite the narrator having an Irish accent. This took me out of the story as they were very jarring, but they would not bother an international reader.
This book was a great introduction to the lives of the Gifford sisters, who were brought up Protestant and privileged in a leafy part of Dublin. Grace is the most famous, she married Joseph Plunkett in Kilmainham Jail the night before he was executed for his part in the 1916 Rising. What is less known is that her sister Muriel was married to another signatory of the Proclamation, Thomas McDonagh, who was also executed. A third sister, Nellie, played an active role during the week of the Rising itself. It is written in a simple, accessible style and would be a good read for a teenager.
This could be 4 stars except for the unusual pronunciations of Irish place names (eg Howth, Ballsbridge) and last names (eg McDonagh, MacDiarmada), despite the narrator having an Irish accent. This took me out of the story as they were very jarring, but they would not bother an international reader.
May 13, 2017
Although I really enjoyed reading this book, I also found myself quite disappointed by the last part of the book. Having taken the time to write such descriptive portraits almost, of these characters and successfully made me see them as real people rather than just the legendary historical figures they so rightly are, it was almost like the historic events of the day took over at the expense of the story. There was so much that happened in 1916 to so many of these incredible people that had to be included, but it felt rushed towards the end, and might have benefited from a few more chapters. But on the whole, an amazing book, that reads more like a entertaining social history, then simply a novel, and one that I will certainly be recommending to people.
August 31, 2022
Interesting book on the Gifford sisters. Really frustrating listening to the audiobook, the narrator uses some very oddly broad 'Dublin' accents for a well off young ladies from Rathmines. I found it a bit distracting to have some basic place names and some minor charactor names being mispronounced. The book is typically of Marita's engrossing and absorping style of historical novel. Grace Gifford's story was familiar, her sisters' less so, but most of their circle of aquintences are well known. The beauty of Marita's writing is you can feel part of action as though its happening around you, and the characters make sense and have understandable motivations and thought processes. (Also makes in nice and memorable :) ).
March 29, 2020
A time NEVER to be forgotten.
I love to spend most of my time reading my Irish history.I do believe I am forever drawn to Irelands tragic but hopeful past.Miss McKenna certainly did not disappoint in this well researched novel.The gift of bring the Gifford sisters to life was amazing.
I have walked all the streets of the sight of the rising on my many wonderful trips to Ireland.I paused and solemnly reflected on all the courage and desire for a free republic these brave souls fought for .So proud of my Irish heritage and all my ancestors who struggled for their freedom.A wonderful book ..Thank you Miss McKenna.Mary Corcoran Wilson
I love to spend most of my time reading my Irish history.I do believe I am forever drawn to Irelands tragic but hopeful past.Miss McKenna certainly did not disappoint in this well researched novel.The gift of bring the Gifford sisters to life was amazing.
I have walked all the streets of the sight of the rising on my many wonderful trips to Ireland.I paused and solemnly reflected on all the courage and desire for a free republic these brave souls fought for .So proud of my Irish heritage and all my ancestors who struggled for their freedom.A wonderful book ..Thank you Miss McKenna.Mary Corcoran Wilson
December 15, 2016
Although very slow to build up, the depth of knowledge you have of the family is fantastic once you get to the drama at the end of the book.
It wasn't until the authors note at the end of the book that I realised these were all REAL people.
Reading about the Irish Rising from the perspective of Nationalists was eye opening, as my previous introduction to it was very brief in a history of WW1 paper at university, where it was covered in one lecture and two readings.
Recommended to anyone interested in the early 1900's period.
It wasn't until the authors note at the end of the book that I realised these were all REAL people.
Reading about the Irish Rising from the perspective of Nationalists was eye opening, as my previous introduction to it was very brief in a history of WW1 paper at university, where it was covered in one lecture and two readings.
Recommended to anyone interested in the early 1900's period.
April 12, 2019
Bright and Beautiful, the Gifford sisters of Dublin, Ireland, Grace, Muriel and Nellie (Kate and John) kick against the conventions of their privileged, wealthy – Anglo-American background and their mother, Isabella’s expectations.
This is about the Easter Rising in Ireland – 1916 – The Citizens Army – Joseph Mary Plunkett, Thomas Macdonough and Killmanon Jail. The Irish ballad, Grace is based on this song.
Good read- informative - taught me a lot about this period in my Heritage History. Need to go back an re-read to pick up more of the details and research people and events and places.
This is about the Easter Rising in Ireland – 1916 – The Citizens Army – Joseph Mary Plunkett, Thomas Macdonough and Killmanon Jail. The Irish ballad, Grace is based on this song.
Good read- informative - taught me a lot about this period in my Heritage History. Need to go back an re-read to pick up more of the details and research people and events and places.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2020
Absolutely Fantastic
I have a keen interest in Irish history, as I feel we should be extremely proud of it, especially the Easter Rising. This book did not disappoint at all! I never realised that the other Gifford sisters played roles in the Rising and was absolutely fascinated. The whole book is extremely well written and the research that has gone into the book is exceptional. I attended the tour of Kilmainham Gaol and the added information in the book of the sisters was brilliant. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
I have a keen interest in Irish history, as I feel we should be extremely proud of it, especially the Easter Rising. This book did not disappoint at all! I never realised that the other Gifford sisters played roles in the Rising and was absolutely fascinated. The whole book is extremely well written and the research that has gone into the book is exceptional. I attended the tour of Kilmainham Gaol and the added information in the book of the sisters was brilliant. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
December 24, 2020
Significant historical story.
I plodded through this book because it is obviously historically accurate. With a few glowing character descriptions the plot drags much like reading a newspaper article with frequent name dropping without context or relation to the story. The tragic events of the Irish battle for independence and religious freedom always result in dramatic reactions and this book is no different.
I plodded through this book because it is obviously historically accurate. With a few glowing character descriptions the plot drags much like reading a newspaper article with frequent name dropping without context or relation to the story. The tragic events of the Irish battle for independence and religious freedom always result in dramatic reactions and this book is no different.
November 9, 2021
This was a very long and pretty slow tale of an Irish family dealing with the changing political scene in Ireland in the early 1900s. It does not go into as much depth in the history as I thought and deals more with the daily life of the sisters. I did wish there was a closer lens on each of the girls as it remains pretty removed and so is difficult to tell them apart. I also wanted more history and passionate displays from the characters on this obviously charged issue.
July 30, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. Having studied and taught history I knew the story, the beginning, the events, the male characters and the unfortunate end. What I really didn’t know was the extent of the women’s involvement and the human story of the Gifford sisters. Well done Marita Condon-McKenna for giving women a place in history and highlighting their plight in tragic events.
February 7, 2021
Marita Conlon-McKenna was one of my favourite authors growing up. This is the first of her adult books I have read. While it was interesting to read a book about the rising I found the prose very simplistic and nearly abandoned the book several times. There was little to distinguish the voice of the different narrators so that half the time I wasn’t sure which sister was talking.
January 18, 2025
Very interesting story of these young women & the events leading up to the Easter Monday Rebellion in Ireland. It was an easy read and nice to follow the lives of these women as events led to the war, the quest for Irish independence, and other historic events like women’s suffrage and Union strikes.
October 15, 2018
Interesting time in history so picked it up with interest. It read however like a bog standard history book and felt boring to be honest. It was interesting to revisit the history but writing style was such that I was not interested in characters. Would not recommend
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