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What Becomes of Us
When Maria Mills flees London with only a suitcase and her young daughter, she is intent on a new life. To hide from her past, she has carefully constructed a story based on a lie even her child believes is true. It is 1965 and Dublin is a city on the cusp of change. As the country prepares to commemorate the 1916 Rising, Maria meets Tess McDermott, a former member of Cumann na mBan. Tess saw active service during the Rising and Maria soon realises that she, too, is closely guarding a secret. Set against the backdrop of stifling social mores alongside a defiant new wave of women's liberation, What Becomes of Us is a beautifully told story of the delicate balance between risk and survival, of nationhood and of the struggle to carve out a new identity when the past refuses to let go.
384 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 1, 2015
McKervey tells the story of Maria Mills, and Irish woman who returns to Dublin from London with her six year old daughter. She tells people her husband is dead, and gets a job at RTE as a transcriptionist, taking stories by phone, and typing them up. It is 1965-1966 and RTE is preparing for the 50th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rebellion. The theme of this first novel is woman fighting for recognition and equality. One of the programs being developed focuses on women's roles in the uprising. This book at times reads like a first novel with parts overwritten and others lacking. I was going to rate it 3 stars but as the ending was more than satisfactory, I bumped it up to 4 stars.
May 3, 2015
A powerful story of the accomplishments of women when they come together. Told from the perspective of Maria in 1960's Ireland, a tale of difficulties of an abusive relationship, the struggle for women's rights and the 50 year commemoration of the 1916 rising. I thoroughly enjoyed it, definitely would recommend.
April 13, 2015
It's fast approaching the fifty year anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland, and plans for commemorations are abound. Maria Mills is a copy writer with the national TV station and while the Donnybrook office is busy gathering momentum for the celebrations, she is more concerned with forgetting her past. Recently arrived from London with her young daughter, Anna, she places the child in the care of Mrs Halpin, a woman who is testing Maria's patience. Escaping a battered existence in London, she has hopes of a fresh start in Dublin. Life in 1965 Ireland is not as progressive as it seems and the everyday battles that women encounter are frustrating and restrictive. When Maria meets Tess, an elderly neighbour, she is pretty sure the old woman has a link to the 1916 Rising. Could she help bring the untold stories of the women who fought for Ireland's Independence to life, with the help of Tess?
While we now know the important role that the Cumman na mBan (the women's republican group) played in the 1916 Rising, back in 1965 there was still a cloud of secrecy surrounding their involvement. The access to national archives gives a a fuller picture of the duties these women performed and how they placed themselves in danger on a regular basis. Tess is one such woman. Her diary recounts events from before, during and after the Rising and gives a snapshot of what it was like for a young woman to experience life on the rebel side.
Maria is trying to start a new life. Her child has now started school and is in the care of the staunchly Catholic Mrs. Halpin. Anna adores her new childminder and is oblivious to the tension between her mother and the older lady. Prayers are recited, Irish language is spoken and Mrs. Halpin seems set on removing all traces of London from the young cailín. Having a minder has its benefits though, and Maria begins to socialise with some ladies from work, with disastrous results.
This is Henrietta McKervey's debut novel and she has picked a perfect topic, with ideal timing, as the Easter Rising 1916 centenary plans are well under way. The Cumann na mBan are an organisation with such interesting tales to delve into. Reading the pension applications online, alone, makes for fascinating reading as proof of duties carried out were required to be able to qualify for pension. So many stories, photos and new information have surfaced over the past fifty years, so while Tess' story may not seem that outlandish to us now, Maria and her colleagues would have been shocked at the old soldier's tale. Her story was the one I enjoyed. I also loved Mrs. Halpin's character. She was a fiesty widow, who had a sharp, hard exterior but underneath was just a lonely woman who cared deeply for Anna. I didn't take so well to Maria though. She was very bland, annoyingly square and openly rude to poor Mrs. Halpin. Running from your past is all very well, but I just didn't care too much.
The author writes her descriptive passages with flourish...
'She looks at the GPO across the road. It has the solid, dignified air of an elderly lady told as a girl never to heed her looks because they would desert her in time'.
Description of Nelson's Pillar were meticulous and some of Dublin's best known shops get a good mention.
I did struggle a bit with the short sentences and choppy dialogue. At times the shorthand style that is used in the middle chapters (using character's initials) made for a lot of re-reading previous pages so I could figure out who, or what, I was reading about.
On the whole, this is a great way of learning about women's involvement in the fight for Ireland's Independence. Tess is endearing and her story deserves its place in fiction. I think this would be ideal for all the Irish abroad, as we head towards 2016 and remember the measures taken to secure a Republic.
While we now know the important role that the Cumman na mBan (the women's republican group) played in the 1916 Rising, back in 1965 there was still a cloud of secrecy surrounding their involvement. The access to national archives gives a a fuller picture of the duties these women performed and how they placed themselves in danger on a regular basis. Tess is one such woman. Her diary recounts events from before, during and after the Rising and gives a snapshot of what it was like for a young woman to experience life on the rebel side.
Maria is trying to start a new life. Her child has now started school and is in the care of the staunchly Catholic Mrs. Halpin. Anna adores her new childminder and is oblivious to the tension between her mother and the older lady. Prayers are recited, Irish language is spoken and Mrs. Halpin seems set on removing all traces of London from the young cailín. Having a minder has its benefits though, and Maria begins to socialise with some ladies from work, with disastrous results.
This is Henrietta McKervey's debut novel and she has picked a perfect topic, with ideal timing, as the Easter Rising 1916 centenary plans are well under way. The Cumann na mBan are an organisation with such interesting tales to delve into. Reading the pension applications online, alone, makes for fascinating reading as proof of duties carried out were required to be able to qualify for pension. So many stories, photos and new information have surfaced over the past fifty years, so while Tess' story may not seem that outlandish to us now, Maria and her colleagues would have been shocked at the old soldier's tale. Her story was the one I enjoyed. I also loved Mrs. Halpin's character. She was a fiesty widow, who had a sharp, hard exterior but underneath was just a lonely woman who cared deeply for Anna. I didn't take so well to Maria though. She was very bland, annoyingly square and openly rude to poor Mrs. Halpin. Running from your past is all very well, but I just didn't care too much.
The author writes her descriptive passages with flourish...
'She looks at the GPO across the road. It has the solid, dignified air of an elderly lady told as a girl never to heed her looks because they would desert her in time'.
Description of Nelson's Pillar were meticulous and some of Dublin's best known shops get a good mention.
I did struggle a bit with the short sentences and choppy dialogue. At times the shorthand style that is used in the middle chapters (using character's initials) made for a lot of re-reading previous pages so I could figure out who, or what, I was reading about.
On the whole, this is a great way of learning about women's involvement in the fight for Ireland's Independence. Tess is endearing and her story deserves its place in fiction. I think this would be ideal for all the Irish abroad, as we head towards 2016 and remember the measures taken to secure a Republic.
July 8, 2019
It was interesting to read about the women’s role in the 1916 Rising. I would have preferred a stronger plot with slightly more suspense or character development. It reminded me of the film Ladybird where it’s more of an account of someone’s life as opposed to a dramatic story. That appeals to some readers but it’s not for me personally. I found that too many words were used unnecessarily in places and I had to re-read paragraphs.
June 16, 2015
Review also posted on my blog:
http://www.gobookyourself.info/2015/0...
Its 1965 and Dublin is a city of change.
Maria and leaves behind a broken home and travels by ship to Ireland’s capital in the hopes of building a better future for her and her daughter.
She quickly befriends her neighbour Mrs Halpin who agrees to babysit Anna while she tries to find a job. Spurred on by her feisty friend Eve, Maria lands a job at Telefis Eireann as a copy editor.
After a short stay she’s moved to another area to work on the Easter Rising commemorative program. This is where she learns of Cumman na mBan.
I am a little ashamed to say I didn’t know a lot about Cumman na mBan before reading “What Becomes of Us” but that’s why I love reading. It opens up whole new worlds.
According to the RTE website:
“On 2 April 1914, over 100 women gathered in Dublin to discuss the role of women in the lead-up to revolution.
They became Cumann na mBan - an organisation whose role in achieving Irish independence is almost forgotten.
The meeting, at Wynn's Hotel, was presided over by Agnes O'Farrelly.
The first provisional committee of Cumann na mBan included Agnes MacNeill, Nancy O’Rahilly, Mary Colum, Jenny Wyse Power, Louise Gavan Duffy and Elizabeth Bloxham.
They adopted a constitution which stated their aims were:
- To Advance the cause of Irish liberty
- To organise Irish women in the furtherance of that objective
- To assist in arming and equipping a body of Irish men for the defence of Ireland
- To form a fund for these purposes to be called the ‘Defence of Ireland Fund’.”
You can read the rest of the article here: http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0328/6050...
It’s clear that Mrs Halpin isn’t keen on Maria’s new job or Cumman na mBan. According to her death by gunshot would have been too good for these women! In fact Mrs Halpin isn’t keen on a lot of things and she seems intent on forcing her ideals on Maria’s young daughter. Poor Anna is really unsure of what to make of all this talk of saints and scones (or skoooiiins as Mrs Halpin insists she calls them). I did appreciate the injection of humour though it made a nice change of pace.
Maria has trouble getting information for the programme but she finally lands a promising lead in the form of Tess Mc Dermott. Maria quickly learns that Tess’s memories are guarded by a wall that she must slowly and carefully chip away at. As Tess learns to trust Maria we find out what an incredibly brave person she was. I loved reading her story.
As next year marks the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising I feel stories like this will pay an important role. Especially as the stories involving the women of the rising often go untold.
What Becomes of Us is a real gem – a stunning debut that I am proud to have on my bookshelf. I feel like it’s a book that I will often thumb through just to return to the wonderful writing and imagery.
http://www.gobookyourself.info/2015/0...
Its 1965 and Dublin is a city of change.
Maria and leaves behind a broken home and travels by ship to Ireland’s capital in the hopes of building a better future for her and her daughter.
She quickly befriends her neighbour Mrs Halpin who agrees to babysit Anna while she tries to find a job. Spurred on by her feisty friend Eve, Maria lands a job at Telefis Eireann as a copy editor.
After a short stay she’s moved to another area to work on the Easter Rising commemorative program. This is where she learns of Cumman na mBan.
I am a little ashamed to say I didn’t know a lot about Cumman na mBan before reading “What Becomes of Us” but that’s why I love reading. It opens up whole new worlds.
According to the RTE website:
“On 2 April 1914, over 100 women gathered in Dublin to discuss the role of women in the lead-up to revolution.
They became Cumann na mBan - an organisation whose role in achieving Irish independence is almost forgotten.
The meeting, at Wynn's Hotel, was presided over by Agnes O'Farrelly.
The first provisional committee of Cumann na mBan included Agnes MacNeill, Nancy O’Rahilly, Mary Colum, Jenny Wyse Power, Louise Gavan Duffy and Elizabeth Bloxham.
They adopted a constitution which stated their aims were:
- To Advance the cause of Irish liberty
- To organise Irish women in the furtherance of that objective
- To assist in arming and equipping a body of Irish men for the defence of Ireland
- To form a fund for these purposes to be called the ‘Defence of Ireland Fund’.”
You can read the rest of the article here: http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0328/6050...
It’s clear that Mrs Halpin isn’t keen on Maria’s new job or Cumman na mBan. According to her death by gunshot would have been too good for these women! In fact Mrs Halpin isn’t keen on a lot of things and she seems intent on forcing her ideals on Maria’s young daughter. Poor Anna is really unsure of what to make of all this talk of saints and scones (or skoooiiins as Mrs Halpin insists she calls them). I did appreciate the injection of humour though it made a nice change of pace.
Maria has trouble getting information for the programme but she finally lands a promising lead in the form of Tess Mc Dermott. Maria quickly learns that Tess’s memories are guarded by a wall that she must slowly and carefully chip away at. As Tess learns to trust Maria we find out what an incredibly brave person she was. I loved reading her story.
As next year marks the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising I feel stories like this will pay an important role. Especially as the stories involving the women of the rising often go untold.
What Becomes of Us is a real gem – a stunning debut that I am proud to have on my bookshelf. I feel like it’s a book that I will often thumb through just to return to the wonderful writing and imagery.
March 21, 2018
I really liked this book. It was given to me at the London airport. I was heading to Germany and she was heading to New Zealand. We both love books. This book has British and Celtic language and spellings. You can't read this book if you are tired, the spelling is so different. I will want to re-read this book with an ipad or computer next to me to look up translations. The characters were human and real. Not perfect, yet full of life. Really great read!
February 22, 2021
Didn’t really like the narrative in this book; ie had to re-read paragraphs to identify who was speaking, unnecessary descriptions and took ages for the actual story to begin. However, found the women of the Easter Rising and this era interesting and also enjoyed the ending and the recognition and empathy given to these brave women.
August 26, 2017
The descriptions in this book are stunning and vivid. The reader can picture the scenes exactly. Unfortunately it is just a bit long-winded and nothing much actually happens.
May 12, 2019
Beautifully written novel exploring past and present, through the 1916 uprising in Dublin. Characters are thoughtfully drawn and plot engaging fro first page! Highly recommend.
October 31, 2021
This IS a revision of Irish history for sure, and the main character allows herself being wrong and change the way she perceives the world actions and issues. I really enjoyed it.
October 29, 2025
Ok -.Need an Irish background to understand fully
November 18, 2025
not super entertained by this but again women’s rights and women’s wrongs
July 3, 2016
A candid snapshot and a reminder in the same time of the fights that've had to be fought for this world to acknowledge that genderwise, we should all be equal. It's far from being even today entirely accepted, but it's essentially following the right way. More important, this book has shown me how recent our history as humans is and how much we've all changed in such a short time - if in the 20th century, a woman's victory meant to be given the right to ask for a pint of beer (then this considered to be exclusively a man's right), today we seek equal employment rights. Everything's improving, but it's other women's stubborness, beliefs and actions that've brought us here. And this is beautifully captured in 'What Becomes of Us.'
'Eve, you also asked me if I wanted my daughter to grow up in a country where she's the equal of men. Where her existence is the thing that makes her their equal, not whether she's able or as qualified or as anything else about her. And I didn't understand. No, more than that, I didn't believe it could be the way you said. I thought that change just happened, that Anna and her generation would know differently and the world would move on, with or without us. I thought it wasn't about me, that it can't matter what I put my name to, because what can one person do anyway? But I believe you now.'
'Eve, you also asked me if I wanted my daughter to grow up in a country where she's the equal of men. Where her existence is the thing that makes her their equal, not whether she's able or as qualified or as anything else about her. And I didn't understand. No, more than that, I didn't believe it could be the way you said. I thought that change just happened, that Anna and her generation would know differently and the world would move on, with or without us. I thought it wasn't about me, that it can't matter what I put my name to, because what can one person do anyway? But I believe you now.'
December 27, 2015
I found it hard to get into but when I did, I liked it a lot. Great characters and a very interesting premise. As someone who wasn't alive in 1966 it was great to read about Dublin and the role of women at that time.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews