Defiant Irish Women

by Eddie Lenihan

This book tells the story of five Irish women who were unusual in a variety of ways mostly because of their ruthlessness, political cunning or merely because they rebelled violently against the repressive mores of their times. These five women Aoibheall the banshee, Maire Rua McMahon, Lady Betty, Moll Shaughnessy and Alice Kyteler each have their distinct place in history. Eddie Lenihan, in telling the stories of their lives and the legends that grew up around them, ensures that we will not forget the prominent part played by these women in the Irish heritage.

Genres: History, Irish Literature

142 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

About the author

Probably the best known Seanachai (storyteller) in Ireland. He inspired the character of Ferry Dan/The Great Seanachai in award winning animation Song Of Sea.

Reviews

[Alissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my usual kind of book, but this was a gift from some great friends of mine who went to Ireland, and how I wish I were with them! I’d love to visit that wonderful country so steeped in folklore.

Fortunately they had a mind to gift me with a book, and what better choice than a book about strong female figures? The author collected stories from the Irish lore, but the fact that the first edition of this collection was named “ferocious” instead of “defiant” might tell it all: there is little redemption here, or female heroines: as a XXI century reader I have some difficulties to accept such flat depictions, but it’s still history (probably written by men) so it was a slow but nice read.

Rumors are ugly creatures at any time, since no one knows where they may begin or end, but when mention of witchcraft entwines itself with rumor, they unite to become dangerous and sinister.

[Charlotte Dodd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This should have been called 'Murderous Irish Women.' If you are a fan of stories about happy marriages, this is not the book for you. These 5 women have some amount of husbands between them in this small book.
I found Marie Rua the best story in this, it's also the longest but she needed the extra pages for her long lifetime of deeds.
It's a good telling of some Irish mythology, sometimes I worry when men write about women, but they were all presented well and in tune with the way mythology is generally written.
I did find the stories to be a bit lengthy, I understand you need to include all of someone's life, but somethings could maybe have been cut to make it a slightly easier read. The use of Irish was nice, although sometimes difficult to read, there is a glossary at the back to help though.
Overall, a good book about some very interesting and yes I suppose 'defiant' characters.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant collection of genuine Irish folklore from a native voice. I highly recommend Eddie's work. His books preserve our authentic history & culture.

[Meneghin Livia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great stories, but one needs to sit down and listen to Eddie in order to really enjoy them.