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Kelegeen
On an evening in 1846 engaged couple Meg O’Connor and Rory Quinn join in an exuberant moondance. Observing is the parish priest, Father Brian O’Malley. The moondance brings bittersweet memories of Siobhan, the long-dead love of his youth, with whom he still feels a spiritual connection. Within days of the dance, the villagers of Kelegeen awake to find their potato crops destroyed by blight. They’ve been through famine before. But this is an Gorta Mór, a monster the likes of which Ireland has never seen. At first Meg and Rory devise ways to help provide for their families, Meg through her sewing, Rory with his wood carving. But when tragedy and a costly mistake end those means of survival they turn to more dangerous ventures. Father O’Malley reluctantly teams up with an English doctor, Martin Parker, to alleviate Kelegeen’s suffering.When Meg learns of ships carrying Irish passengers to a new life in America she is determined to go and bring Rory and their families after her. It will take all her strength and courage along with the help of her beloved priest and the English doctor to make the plan succeed.If you liked Anya's story in Kristin Hannah's Winter Garden you will love Kelegeen by Eileen O'Finlan.Editorial ReviewsReviewed By Trudi LoPreto for Readers’ Favorite The potato famine is causing everyone in Kelegeen great hardships. Meg and Rory plan to be married but are forced to put it off in order to survive. The food is scarce, sickness and dying plague every household, and without the potato crop there is little or no money, leaving everyone to beg or steal for their next meal. Father O’Malley tries to be there for everyone, as does Dr. Parker, but there is little they can do. Each and every person must make sacrifices, watch their loved ones die, but they all pray and wait for better days. It is hardest on Meg because she is faced with a life altering plan that will surely change her life forever.Reviewed By Trudi LoPreto for Readers’ Favorite The potato famine is causing everyone in Kelegeen great hardships. Meg and Rory plan to be married but are forced to put it off in order to survive. The food is scarce, sickness and dying plague every household, and without the potato crop there is little or no money, leaving everyone to beg or steal for their next meal. Father O’Malley tries to be there for everyone, as does Dr. Parker, but there is little they can do. Each and every person must make sacrifices, watch their loved ones die, but they all pray and wait for better days. It is hardest on Meg because she is faced with a life altering plan that will surely change her life forever. Kelegeen by Eileen O'Finlan is sad, happy, loving, faithful and a really good book. I was transported back in time to the Potato Famine in Ireland and quickly became immersed in the story. Meg and Rory, their families, their priest and the neighbors jumped off the pages and became very real to me. There is much sadness in Kelegeen but also there is also much love, prayer and faithfulness. Eileen O'Finlan is a talented author who writes with vivid descriptions and creates very real and likable characters. I don’t know if there is going to be a follow-up, but I am hoping that I can once again visit with Meg and Rory and see where the future took them. This is a perfect read for all and especially those who enjoy historical events being brought to life. Kelegeen is a definite winner!
- GenresHistorical Fiction
435 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
20 people are currently reading
1511 people want to read
About the author
Eileen O'Finlan
6 books220 followersEileen O’Finlan lives in central Massachusetts with a calico Maine Coon cat named Autumn Amelia who likes to "help" her with her historical research and writing mostly by shoving her research books onto the floor, sleeping on her keyboard, and demanding treats at inopportune moments. Eileen loves Autumn Amelia.
Eileen also loves history which is why she went back to college in her late twenties to earn an undergraduate degree in it. She later retunred to college for a Master's degree in Pastoral Ministry. Now she teaches online courses for the University of Dayton, Ohio. Seems she can't get enough of college.
She also can't get enough of books - reading and writing them. And cats. She can't get enough of cats. Since she's had at least one since the age of six, she can't comprehend life without a cat.
Find out more about Eileen O’Finlan at www.eileenofinlan.com , https://www.facebook.com/eileenofinla... , https://www.bookbub.com/profile/eilee... , https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B07B...
Eileen also loves history which is why she went back to college in her late twenties to earn an undergraduate degree in it. She later retunred to college for a Master's degree in Pastoral Ministry. Now she teaches online courses for the University of Dayton, Ohio. Seems she can't get enough of college.
She also can't get enough of books - reading and writing them. And cats. She can't get enough of cats. Since she's had at least one since the age of six, she can't comprehend life without a cat.
Find out more about Eileen O’Finlan at www.eileenofinlan.com , https://www.facebook.com/eileenofinla... , https://www.bookbub.com/profile/eilee... , https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B07B...
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 23, 2019
Eileen O'Finlan will be joining us in our Behind the Pages with The Traveling Friends group on Saturday, September 28th @ 7:00 pm EST for a Q & A.
To ask Eileen a question or if you have a comment for her you can do so here:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update: The author of this book, Eileen O'Finlan has some exciting news to share about this book. Please head on over to the link below to see what it is.....but here is a hint.....
THE POPE HAS A COPY OF KELEGEEN!
https://www.eileenofinlan.com/news-ev...
Deeply affecting, utterly devastating & overwhelmingly sad!
Oh my goodness.....I don’t think a book has ever affected me and my emotions in the way that this one has. It was definitely an excellent read but a tough one that made me feel a little down and depressed, even finding it a little hard to shake that feeling while I wasn’t absorbed in this book.
KELEGEEN by EILEEN O’FINLAN is a haunting, shocking, emotional and heart-wrenching tale set in Ireland in 1846 during the potato famine. The amount of pain, sorrow and suffering was extremely tangible and absolutely devastating to read about. Only knowing minimal information about this part of history really affected and impacted me as a reader.
EILEEN O’FINLAN delivers an atmospheric, compelling and important read here that I am so glad that I read. Even though it was a difficult book for me to read the characters and their strength, love and courage definitely shined through and helped me to get through this book.
Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Hauntingly beautiful! The sadness and pain that emanates from her eyes on the cover definitely depicts this storyline well.
Title: I can’t say that this title intrigued me or enticed me to read this book but it is a meaningful and fitting representation to the storyline.
Writing/Prose: Poignant, captivating, and straightforward.
Plot: Emotive, eye-opening, interesting, affecting, unforgettable and distressing.
Ending: Satisfying and hopeful.
Overall: Even though it was a difficult book for me to read I am so glad to have had the chance to read this book and learn more about Ireland’s history. Would recommend!
Thank you so much to Eileen O’Finlan for gifting me a copy of this book to read.
Review can also be found on our Two Sisters Lost in a Coulee Reading book blog:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/
To ask Eileen a question or if you have a comment for her you can do so here:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update: The author of this book, Eileen O'Finlan has some exciting news to share about this book. Please head on over to the link below to see what it is.....but here is a hint.....
THE POPE HAS A COPY OF KELEGEEN!
https://www.eileenofinlan.com/news-ev...
Deeply affecting, utterly devastating & overwhelmingly sad!
Oh my goodness.....I don’t think a book has ever affected me and my emotions in the way that this one has. It was definitely an excellent read but a tough one that made me feel a little down and depressed, even finding it a little hard to shake that feeling while I wasn’t absorbed in this book.
KELEGEEN by EILEEN O’FINLAN is a haunting, shocking, emotional and heart-wrenching tale set in Ireland in 1846 during the potato famine. The amount of pain, sorrow and suffering was extremely tangible and absolutely devastating to read about. Only knowing minimal information about this part of history really affected and impacted me as a reader.
EILEEN O’FINLAN delivers an atmospheric, compelling and important read here that I am so glad that I read. Even though it was a difficult book for me to read the characters and their strength, love and courage definitely shined through and helped me to get through this book.
Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Hauntingly beautiful! The sadness and pain that emanates from her eyes on the cover definitely depicts this storyline well.
Title: I can’t say that this title intrigued me or enticed me to read this book but it is a meaningful and fitting representation to the storyline.
Writing/Prose: Poignant, captivating, and straightforward.
Plot: Emotive, eye-opening, interesting, affecting, unforgettable and distressing.
Ending: Satisfying and hopeful.
Overall: Even though it was a difficult book for me to read I am so glad to have had the chance to read this book and learn more about Ireland’s history. Would recommend!
Thank you so much to Eileen O’Finlan for gifting me a copy of this book to read.
Review can also be found on our Two Sisters Lost in a Coulee Reading book blog:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/
June 14, 2019
This book is one of the best books I've read about the Irish famine. It's sad to think of what the Irish went through in that time. My own mother immigrated to New York when she was only 19 to take care of an aunt. How brave she was to come here on a ship by herself. One of my fondest memories is when I was just a child, and my mother and I went to see Granny and Granda, whom she had not seen in forty years. I remember digging potatoes with Granda in the back garden. The Irish are strong and resilient . My mother lived to be 98..Loved this book.
May 21, 2020
I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes. I was not financially compensated & all opinions are 100% mine
I know something of the potato famine but not enough to connect with this historical tone period and event. This book does an exquisite job or detailing the account from the perspective of fictional people who lived it. There are a couple of mild curse words, but that is the only offensive thing in this book.
I was quite intrigued with the Catholic faith that was woven intrinsically into the story. While I don't espouse every Catholic belief, there were brief glimpses of genuine faith in the midst of this crisis. In fact. In so many ways, the despair and situations people faced then are reminiscent of our current situation.
The level of writing in this book is exceptional. I thoroughly enjoyed every story and the emotions run the entire gamut of human feelings. The characters are three-dimensional and relatable.
I know something of the potato famine but not enough to connect with this historical tone period and event. This book does an exquisite job or detailing the account from the perspective of fictional people who lived it. There are a couple of mild curse words, but that is the only offensive thing in this book.
I was quite intrigued with the Catholic faith that was woven intrinsically into the story. While I don't espouse every Catholic belief, there were brief glimpses of genuine faith in the midst of this crisis. In fact. In so many ways, the despair and situations people faced then are reminiscent of our current situation.
The level of writing in this book is exceptional. I thoroughly enjoyed every story and the emotions run the entire gamut of human feelings. The characters are three-dimensional and relatable.
August 18, 2019
Ah, Ireland! I was contacted by the author, Eileen O'Finlan for a review of Kelegeen and of course since it was about Ireland, I jumped at the chance. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen health issues, it was a year before I actually got time to read it.
The Great Hunger, or An Gorta Mór1845-1849, was a time of starvation and despair. Crops failed because of disease. As people were running out of food, they started getting ill from the diseases that come from starvation. In the book, Meg O'Connors family is one of the families that was affected by the blight. They tried to stay upbeat looking toward getting married, Meg and Rory Quinn found ways to help support the family during this terrible time. Meg, her mother, and her sisters took in sewing and Rory carved little trinkets and other pretty things out of wood. An unfortunate accident for Rory takes that talent away as his hand is smashed.
Father O'Malley the parish priest for Kelegeen is one of those priests that should be a saint. He does his rounds to all the families as they become ill along with an English doctor, Martin Parker. These two men become friends and they both do what they can to help the people suffering from hunger and disease. Father O'Malley has demons of his own, he had been engaged to be married to Siobhan. She was murdered by an English soldier and after that Father decides to become a priest.
Not only did the residents of Kilegeen have to deal with the potato blight, but they also had the English. Their land was taken away and they had to pay rent, if they did not have the money to pay, their homes, which in most cases were hovels, were torn down. The Irish language was outlawed, and the Catholic religion barely tolerated.
After the famine went on for years, Meg and Rory decided that she would go to America if their crops failed again. By this time there had been so many deaths for their own families and others in the community, that this is what people were doing. Go to America and send back money and bring their families over. This was how the book ended, I sure hope the author continues the story as I want to see how the O’Connor and Quinn families fare. This book is so well written that the story of the famine and how the families are affected just tugged at the heartstrings. The characters are well written and the story very well researched.
I am of Irish descent and doing my ancestry tree and there are a lot of people in the family that were in Ireland during this time frame. As I got further into the story I could almost feel the emotions and the heartbreak. Looking for a historical fiction read? I think you should put this one on your TBR stack, preferably at the top! I read this book in only a few sessions and I really enjoyed it!
The Great Hunger, or An Gorta Mór1845-1849, was a time of starvation and despair. Crops failed because of disease. As people were running out of food, they started getting ill from the diseases that come from starvation. In the book, Meg O'Connors family is one of the families that was affected by the blight. They tried to stay upbeat looking toward getting married, Meg and Rory Quinn found ways to help support the family during this terrible time. Meg, her mother, and her sisters took in sewing and Rory carved little trinkets and other pretty things out of wood. An unfortunate accident for Rory takes that talent away as his hand is smashed.
Father O'Malley the parish priest for Kelegeen is one of those priests that should be a saint. He does his rounds to all the families as they become ill along with an English doctor, Martin Parker. These two men become friends and they both do what they can to help the people suffering from hunger and disease. Father O'Malley has demons of his own, he had been engaged to be married to Siobhan. She was murdered by an English soldier and after that Father decides to become a priest.
Not only did the residents of Kilegeen have to deal with the potato blight, but they also had the English. Their land was taken away and they had to pay rent, if they did not have the money to pay, their homes, which in most cases were hovels, were torn down. The Irish language was outlawed, and the Catholic religion barely tolerated.
After the famine went on for years, Meg and Rory decided that she would go to America if their crops failed again. By this time there had been so many deaths for their own families and others in the community, that this is what people were doing. Go to America and send back money and bring their families over. This was how the book ended, I sure hope the author continues the story as I want to see how the O’Connor and Quinn families fare. This book is so well written that the story of the famine and how the families are affected just tugged at the heartstrings. The characters are well written and the story very well researched.
I am of Irish descent and doing my ancestry tree and there are a lot of people in the family that were in Ireland during this time frame. As I got further into the story I could almost feel the emotions and the heartbreak. Looking for a historical fiction read? I think you should put this one on your TBR stack, preferably at the top! I read this book in only a few sessions and I really enjoyed it!
March 10, 2021
I just finished Kelegeen and found it to be incredibly well written and interesting. I adore the way the author, Eileen O’Finlan, writes. While historical fictions are my favorite, I often find that they acquire significant effort to read. For a historical fiction, I found Kelegeen to be an easier read and a page turner. O’Finlan paints a very accurate picture of the characters and the trauma they endured during the potato famine. Her writing style truly makes you feel like you were there. I learned a lot from this book and enjoyed reading it. I’m looking forward to starting the sequel.
November 19, 2020
This is one of the best historical novels that you're likely to read. Some of it is really hard, because you suffer so badly for the people, but their courage, the love that keeps them going; the challenges and triumphs, this is an amazing book. Extremely well-researched and well-written. An Irish historical that will sadden you, thrill you, surprise you and finally leave you with the feeling that you've just read an exception story.
March 19, 2018
I recently read "Kelegeen" and it was terrific! The story introduces us to an Irish Catholic priest, a British doctor, and several families who are all suffering through the potato famine. The characters are well developed and the plot is very interesting. I know several people who have read this book and we are all looking forward to a sequel.
September 13, 2020
Can't wait for the follow up on this one! I was drawn to read it after seeing the authors note on a Worcester site regarding.book 2. This sure opened my eyes to just how deep the struggle was during the potato famine. You would never know this is a debut book! The author is very easy to read.
June 23, 2020
I did not expect to get this attached to the characters...
A dear friend of mine, who knows Eileen O'Finlan, gifted me this book, and I am so grateful to her - otherwise, I doubt I would have had the pleasure of reading this gem. While I like a good historical fiction, I cannot say the time of the Irish potato famine is high on my list of interests. I am so happy to have read it and to have learned more about this time in history.
We follow two principal characters, Meg and Father O'Malley, in the small town of Kelegeen. Entering into this book, I knew very little about it...I didn't even realize it was the great famine that I'd heard about in history class. In a way, that amplified the experience for me, as the town slowly descended into worse and worse shape. Eileen O'Finlan masterfully handled the plot's progression - while I cannot say it always felt like a lot was happening, the narrative was constantly engaging me. She portrays the characters' plights in such a real way without over-dramatizing it. In relation to the food availability in particular, anytime I put the book down to eat, I was about ten times as grateful than usual for the food I had available to eat myself. I will admit, it was sometimes difficult to follow characters as there were so many, particularly the siblings of our two main families, but the characters that we principally followed were crafted so well, they felt like living, breathing humans. I absolutely loved the depth we got in all of them, seeing what they were forced to do as they fell deeper and deeper into starvation, the slow but steady toll that hunger was taking on them, the tragedies that befell them, by sickness, hunger or the British (I never realized the extent of the British's animosity towards the Irish in those days...) how eventually they could not even stomach a solid piece of food when presented to them...it hurt so much to see these beautiful people go through this living hell. And yet it was so inspiring to see the strength and faith that they had in spite of it all.
Kevin's arc was interesting, how his seemingly harmless ways began to have consequences and how they turned much more serious, and how Father O'Malley saw in him someone who was severely misguided but just needed help, and then gave that help.
I especially loved the character depth and background we got with Father O'Malley, how his backstory and romance was nearly reminiscent of an Irish fairy tale, the tragedy that happened, and the glimpse we got of the dark place he went to and how he was saved. These experiences humanized him so much...I think many people forget how priests are human, just like the rest of us. :-)
As a side note, the back of the book is a little misleading, as the entire possibility of going to America is only introduced near the end of the book, whilst the main plot is, very simply, survival.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. The empathy these characters cultivate, especially when you realize how there are people today who are truly suffering from starvation, abuse and hopelessness...well, it certainly moved me to be far more aware of those in need, and ready to offer a helping hand.
A dear friend of mine, who knows Eileen O'Finlan, gifted me this book, and I am so grateful to her - otherwise, I doubt I would have had the pleasure of reading this gem. While I like a good historical fiction, I cannot say the time of the Irish potato famine is high on my list of interests. I am so happy to have read it and to have learned more about this time in history.
We follow two principal characters, Meg and Father O'Malley, in the small town of Kelegeen. Entering into this book, I knew very little about it...I didn't even realize it was the great famine that I'd heard about in history class. In a way, that amplified the experience for me, as the town slowly descended into worse and worse shape. Eileen O'Finlan masterfully handled the plot's progression - while I cannot say it always felt like a lot was happening, the narrative was constantly engaging me. She portrays the characters' plights in such a real way without over-dramatizing it. In relation to the food availability in particular, anytime I put the book down to eat, I was about ten times as grateful than usual for the food I had available to eat myself. I will admit, it was sometimes difficult to follow characters as there were so many, particularly the siblings of our two main families, but the characters that we principally followed were crafted so well, they felt like living, breathing humans. I absolutely loved the depth we got in all of them, seeing what they were forced to do as they fell deeper and deeper into starvation, the slow but steady toll that hunger was taking on them, the tragedies that befell them, by sickness, hunger or the British (I never realized the extent of the British's animosity towards the Irish in those days...) how eventually they could not even stomach a solid piece of food when presented to them...it hurt so much to see these beautiful people go through this living hell. And yet it was so inspiring to see the strength and faith that they had in spite of it all.
Kevin's arc was interesting, how his seemingly harmless ways began to have consequences and how they turned much more serious, and how Father O'Malley saw in him someone who was severely misguided but just needed help, and then gave that help.
I especially loved the character depth and background we got with Father O'Malley, how his backstory and romance was nearly reminiscent of an Irish fairy tale, the tragedy that happened, and the glimpse we got of the dark place he went to and how he was saved. These experiences humanized him so much...I think many people forget how priests are human, just like the rest of us. :-)
As a side note, the back of the book is a little misleading, as the entire possibility of going to America is only introduced near the end of the book, whilst the main plot is, very simply, survival.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. The empathy these characters cultivate, especially when you realize how there are people today who are truly suffering from starvation, abuse and hopelessness...well, it certainly moved me to be far more aware of those in need, and ready to offer a helping hand.
January 11, 2019
While novel is for the most part enjoyable, it could have been better.
I would have liked to have seen sections of dialogue cut and replaced with a narrative that paints a picture of 1840s Ireland. This could have been achieved with vivid description of the surrounds, buildings, clothing, etc.
O’Finlan assumes readers are aware of the political and societal details of 1840s Ireland along with having medical knowledge on how famine affects the human body. Without this historical and medical context, I was left with many questions: Why do the farmers rely so heavily on potatoes and lack vegetable gardens? What is the Irish government like? How does life for the Irish living in the village differ from those living on farms? How does starvation and malnutrition affect the body? Do the changes happen slowly or drastically? This is all information the characters would have known and could have been explained in a few sentences or paragraphs.
Without historical content, the repeated references to filth and stench mean nothing, because readers aren’t given a clear picture of life before the famine in order to be able to compare and contrast.
I would have liked to have seen sections of dialogue cut and replaced with a narrative that paints a picture of 1840s Ireland. This could have been achieved with vivid description of the surrounds, buildings, clothing, etc.
O’Finlan assumes readers are aware of the political and societal details of 1840s Ireland along with having medical knowledge on how famine affects the human body. Without this historical and medical context, I was left with many questions: Why do the farmers rely so heavily on potatoes and lack vegetable gardens? What is the Irish government like? How does life for the Irish living in the village differ from those living on farms? How does starvation and malnutrition affect the body? Do the changes happen slowly or drastically? This is all information the characters would have known and could have been explained in a few sentences or paragraphs.
Without historical content, the repeated references to filth and stench mean nothing, because readers aren’t given a clear picture of life before the famine in order to be able to compare and contrast.
November 7, 2020
Although I didn't give it the highest rating, this book had character. It was kind of hard to read at times because of how accurate the information is. The oppressions that the Irish had to face were horrible and their pleas for help were dismissed without a second thought. Not only was the entire country starved, but on top of that they were forced to give up their religion and speak a language that was not native to their country. The suffering of the Irish is not a very common topic of history generally so this was definitely a good way to get the word out.
September 20, 2018
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: Kelegeen
Subtitle:
Author: Eileen O’Finlan
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance
Part of a series? Not yet, but there may be a follow-up
Order in series: 1st
Best read after earlier books in series? N/A
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5 (+)
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Short Summary of book:
This book tells the story of Meg O’Connor, Rory Quinn and their families and friends. They are planning to get married when the famine strikes. The hardship and the hunger that looms for all the people in Kelegeen where Father Brian O’Malley tries to do his best to look after his flock. He is a very caring man who goes beyond the call of duty. It is a great story, which captures the attention from the start and is hard to put down. I was very sorry when I had finished the book as I wanted to find out more about what would happen next.
What I liked about the book:
I loved the book, it was engaging from the start and I would highly recommend it.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I loved the entire book, it was difficult to put it down and I had to force myself to put the book away in order to do my own work.
My favourite bits in the book:
I loved where the bishop did turn out to not be as hard a man as was first thought. Where Father O’Malley was a rather unconventional priest and talked with his departed sweetheart. There were lots of little positive bits in the book which ensured that I was cheered up after emotionally charged scenes.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I didn’t like the bits where key characters in the book died. It was unavoidable in the vein of the book, but tears were definitely shed.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I understand she is researching a follow up to Kelegeen, I am certainly in favour of this. I can’t wait to find out what happens to the characters now.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book reminded me of ‘La Peste’ by Albert Camus, although it is quite different from this book as well. My French is not as good as my English which makes comparison more difficult.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Possibly
Adult Yes
If you like Historical Fiction/Romance this book is the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author and hope she is planning to write a follow up book on this one. I really want to find out what happens to Meg, Rory, Deirdre, Brendan and the rest of the family. Will they get together again? How will life pan out for them?
Book Description by Author:
On an evening in 1846 engaged couple Meg O’Connor and Rory Quinn join in an exuberant moondance. Observing is the parish priest, Father Brian O’Malley. The moondance brings bittersweet memories of Siobhan, the long-dead love of his youth, with whom he still feels a spiritual connection. Within days of the dance, the villagers of Kelegeen awake to find their potato crops destroyed by blight. They’ve been through famine before. But this is an Gorta Mór, a monster the likes of which Ireland has never seen.
At first Meg and Rory devise ways to help provide for their families, Meg through her sewing, Rory with his wood carving. But when tragedy and a costly mistake end those means of survival they turn to more dangerous ventures.
Father O’Malley reluctantly teams up with an English doctor, Martin Parker, to alleviate Kelegeen’s suffering.
When Meg learns of ships carrying Irish passengers to a new life in America she is determined to go and bring Rory and their families after her. It will take all her strength and courage along with the help of her beloved priest and the English doctor to make the plan succeed.
About the Author:
Eileen O’Finlan’s debut novel, Kelegeen, was released on March 1, 2018 by BWL Publishing, Inc. Quotes from five star Amazon reader reviews include, “This book grabs you from the beginning…”, “It’s not an easy book to put down once you start it, but you also don’t want it to end”, “This was probably one of the best books I have ever read. I would recommend it to all,” “This is what historical fiction is supposed to be,” and the author’s personal favorite review quote: “I have enjoyed many books which I chose from Oprah’s book club and this is one that would fit on her list. I put Kelegeen in the top three books I have ever read.” Due to constant demand from readers for a sequel to Kelegeen, the research phase for this next book is underway.
Eileen was born November of 1963 in Springfield, Massachusetts and has lived in New England all her life. Both of her parents were born and raised in Vermont, a state with which Eileen is head over heels in love. Growing up in a history-loving family where dinner conversation often revolved around the American Revolution or the Peloponnesian War, it is not surprising that she went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in History. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry. A former long time member of the Worcester Writers Workshop, Eileen now facilitates a writing workshop from her home in central Massachusetts. She lives with her 91 year old mother for whom she cares and her two adorable and rather spoiled cats, Smokey and Autumn Amelia.
Eileen loves to weave stories of historical fiction with strong, but very human, characters who prevail against the odds. Fascinated by the unusual and little-known aspects of history her goal is to create a magical experience for readers in which they encounter the unexpected. Eileen attributes her interest in the paranormal, which also makes its appearance in her writing, to the facts that she lived in a haunted house at a very young age and that she has a deep Celtic spirituality.
Find out more about Eileen O’Finlan, her books, her cats (who have a story of their own in the works), and her ongoing endeavor to transition her entire front yard into a giant flower garden at www.eileenofinlan.com , https://www.facebook.com/eileenofinla... , https://www.bookbub.com/profile/eilee... , https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B07B...
Basic Details:
Book Title: Kelegeen
Subtitle:
Author: Eileen O’Finlan
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance
Part of a series? Not yet, but there may be a follow-up
Order in series: 1st
Best read after earlier books in series? N/A
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5 (+)
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Short Summary of book:
This book tells the story of Meg O’Connor, Rory Quinn and their families and friends. They are planning to get married when the famine strikes. The hardship and the hunger that looms for all the people in Kelegeen where Father Brian O’Malley tries to do his best to look after his flock. He is a very caring man who goes beyond the call of duty. It is a great story, which captures the attention from the start and is hard to put down. I was very sorry when I had finished the book as I wanted to find out more about what would happen next.
What I liked about the book:
I loved the book, it was engaging from the start and I would highly recommend it.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I loved the entire book, it was difficult to put it down and I had to force myself to put the book away in order to do my own work.
My favourite bits in the book:
I loved where the bishop did turn out to not be as hard a man as was first thought. Where Father O’Malley was a rather unconventional priest and talked with his departed sweetheart. There were lots of little positive bits in the book which ensured that I was cheered up after emotionally charged scenes.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I didn’t like the bits where key characters in the book died. It was unavoidable in the vein of the book, but tears were definitely shed.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I understand she is researching a follow up to Kelegeen, I am certainly in favour of this. I can’t wait to find out what happens to the characters now.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book reminded me of ‘La Peste’ by Albert Camus, although it is quite different from this book as well. My French is not as good as my English which makes comparison more difficult.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Possibly
Adult Yes
If you like Historical Fiction/Romance this book is the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author and hope she is planning to write a follow up book on this one. I really want to find out what happens to Meg, Rory, Deirdre, Brendan and the rest of the family. Will they get together again? How will life pan out for them?
Book Description by Author:
On an evening in 1846 engaged couple Meg O’Connor and Rory Quinn join in an exuberant moondance. Observing is the parish priest, Father Brian O’Malley. The moondance brings bittersweet memories of Siobhan, the long-dead love of his youth, with whom he still feels a spiritual connection. Within days of the dance, the villagers of Kelegeen awake to find their potato crops destroyed by blight. They’ve been through famine before. But this is an Gorta Mór, a monster the likes of which Ireland has never seen.
At first Meg and Rory devise ways to help provide for their families, Meg through her sewing, Rory with his wood carving. But when tragedy and a costly mistake end those means of survival they turn to more dangerous ventures.
Father O’Malley reluctantly teams up with an English doctor, Martin Parker, to alleviate Kelegeen’s suffering.
When Meg learns of ships carrying Irish passengers to a new life in America she is determined to go and bring Rory and their families after her. It will take all her strength and courage along with the help of her beloved priest and the English doctor to make the plan succeed.
About the Author:
Eileen O’Finlan’s debut novel, Kelegeen, was released on March 1, 2018 by BWL Publishing, Inc. Quotes from five star Amazon reader reviews include, “This book grabs you from the beginning…”, “It’s not an easy book to put down once you start it, but you also don’t want it to end”, “This was probably one of the best books I have ever read. I would recommend it to all,” “This is what historical fiction is supposed to be,” and the author’s personal favorite review quote: “I have enjoyed many books which I chose from Oprah’s book club and this is one that would fit on her list. I put Kelegeen in the top three books I have ever read.” Due to constant demand from readers for a sequel to Kelegeen, the research phase for this next book is underway.
Eileen was born November of 1963 in Springfield, Massachusetts and has lived in New England all her life. Both of her parents were born and raised in Vermont, a state with which Eileen is head over heels in love. Growing up in a history-loving family where dinner conversation often revolved around the American Revolution or the Peloponnesian War, it is not surprising that she went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in History. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry. A former long time member of the Worcester Writers Workshop, Eileen now facilitates a writing workshop from her home in central Massachusetts. She lives with her 91 year old mother for whom she cares and her two adorable and rather spoiled cats, Smokey and Autumn Amelia.
Eileen loves to weave stories of historical fiction with strong, but very human, characters who prevail against the odds. Fascinated by the unusual and little-known aspects of history her goal is to create a magical experience for readers in which they encounter the unexpected. Eileen attributes her interest in the paranormal, which also makes its appearance in her writing, to the facts that she lived in a haunted house at a very young age and that she has a deep Celtic spirituality.
Find out more about Eileen O’Finlan, her books, her cats (who have a story of their own in the works), and her ongoing endeavor to transition her entire front yard into a giant flower garden at www.eileenofinlan.com , https://www.facebook.com/eileenofinla... , https://www.bookbub.com/profile/eilee... , https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B07B...
December 27, 2019
Although I have only given this book 3 stars I am really glad that I read it and have learned quite a bit about the great potato famine in Ireland and it's history of oppression by the British. I just felt that the telling in detail of all the starving, diseases, hardships and deaths seemed to go on and on, so much so, that it became repetitive and no longer had the impact that I think was intended. I also would have liked an "Afterword" giving some information about the history and statistics of this backstory.
May 26, 2020
The Potato Famine is well known as a tragic event in Irish history. As crops failed because of the blight, people were left scrambling to find work. It would appear, however, that the English began a systematic effort of thinning the Irish population. They took the land and became unrepentant landlords, evicting the occupants and destroying the cottages, boycotting stores of food sent by other populations, and placing a tax which starving populations had no way of paying.
This novel focuses mainly on two families, the O'Connors and the Quinn's of Kelegeen, along with priest Father O'Malley. Villagers became susceptible to diseases that starvation promotes. The Quinn family runs the worst of bad luck and soon the craft Rory was using to bring in money is squashed, literally, with his hand.
The character of Father O'Malley is exceptional and so completely sympathetic you want to cry with him when he must perform Last Rites. He seems to have an inexhaustible fortitude and always goes out of his way to care for his parishioners. Meg O'Connor is a scrapper. She manages whatever the heinous task she must perform, along with her mother who steadfastly teaches by example and holds the family together.
There is an English doctor that appeared to be trying too hard to be accepted by the Irish in his territory and I wondered what mischief he could heap on those susceptible patients. Meg eventually decides that she must go to America.
I was left trying to figure out where Kelegeen is located. I would have loved descriptions of the town and people. The Catholic priest at the forefront commanded a great deal of philosophy but the narrative might have been tightened or shortened somewhat, reducing redundancy. It certainly pointed out issues over-riding the major problem (that of the blight) exacerbating the tragedy. It was well-plotted, highly researched, and detailed.
For the sensitive, the conclusion is emotional, wringing out all the poignant issues of leaving loved ones behind. I received this digital download from the author and publisher for a book tour. It's powerful and recommended.
See our complete reviews at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
This novel focuses mainly on two families, the O'Connors and the Quinn's of Kelegeen, along with priest Father O'Malley. Villagers became susceptible to diseases that starvation promotes. The Quinn family runs the worst of bad luck and soon the craft Rory was using to bring in money is squashed, literally, with his hand.
The character of Father O'Malley is exceptional and so completely sympathetic you want to cry with him when he must perform Last Rites. He seems to have an inexhaustible fortitude and always goes out of his way to care for his parishioners. Meg O'Connor is a scrapper. She manages whatever the heinous task she must perform, along with her mother who steadfastly teaches by example and holds the family together.
There is an English doctor that appeared to be trying too hard to be accepted by the Irish in his territory and I wondered what mischief he could heap on those susceptible patients. Meg eventually decides that she must go to America.
I was left trying to figure out where Kelegeen is located. I would have loved descriptions of the town and people. The Catholic priest at the forefront commanded a great deal of philosophy but the narrative might have been tightened or shortened somewhat, reducing redundancy. It certainly pointed out issues over-riding the major problem (that of the blight) exacerbating the tragedy. It was well-plotted, highly researched, and detailed.
For the sensitive, the conclusion is emotional, wringing out all the poignant issues of leaving loved ones behind. I received this digital download from the author and publisher for a book tour. It's powerful and recommended.
See our complete reviews at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
September 16, 2018
Kelegeen by Eileen O’Finlan is a wonderful story, a tale of a people and a place in trying times. It is Ireland in 1846 and while engaged couple Meg O’Connor and Rory Quinn are happily preparing for their wedding, while they join other villagers in the moon dance, they are unaware that a painful scourge is about to hit the land. The people who depend on the soil for their livelihood wake up a few days after the moon dance to a horrible sight — their crops are being destroyed by blight. The people have known hunger, but this time it is something different. Meg and Rory work hard to find other ways of providing for their family, but tragedy and their own mistakes end their source of income. Only one way is left to save their families and Meg is ready to grab the opportunity, no matter how uncertain it seems: she will join the ship to America, and hopefully bring their families after.
This is a compelling story filled with emotion, a beautiful story beautifully told. It features memorable characters like Father O’Malley and the British Doctor, Martin Parker. The author captures the culture of the Irish people with skill, creating a setting that readers can easily visualize. The writing is confident and gorgeous, filled with wonderful descriptions and dialogues. Eileen O’Finlan has a gift for plot and character and readers feel the sense of despair in the community and Meg’s resolve to find solutions. The conflict is introduced from the moment the villagers discover the blight and how the lives of the characters are changed irreversibly. Kelegeen features themes of love, family, friendship, and survival. It is a gripping story that is suspenseful and hard to put down, filled with historical references and social commentaries that allow readers a glimpse of the Irish soul.
This is a compelling story filled with emotion, a beautiful story beautifully told. It features memorable characters like Father O’Malley and the British Doctor, Martin Parker. The author captures the culture of the Irish people with skill, creating a setting that readers can easily visualize. The writing is confident and gorgeous, filled with wonderful descriptions and dialogues. Eileen O’Finlan has a gift for plot and character and readers feel the sense of despair in the community and Meg’s resolve to find solutions. The conflict is introduced from the moment the villagers discover the blight and how the lives of the characters are changed irreversibly. Kelegeen features themes of love, family, friendship, and survival. It is a gripping story that is suspenseful and hard to put down, filled with historical references and social commentaries that allow readers a glimpse of the Irish soul.
September 3, 2018
Reviewed by Amanda Rofe for Readers' Favorite
Kelegeen by Eileen O'Finlan is an historical novel set in the village of Kelegeen in Ireland during the potato famine. The parish priest, Father Brian O'Malley, teams up with a British doctor to assist the families of those affected by poverty and disease. They visit families in the village but words of comfort are often all they can offer. A young couple, Meg and Rory, try to earn money through sewing and wood carving. However, Rory is badly injured and loses his income. Meg is strong and determined to get through the devastating tragedy that has befallen the village. She carves out a plan to board a ship to a new life in America. She hopes she will be able to organize the means for Rory and their two families to join her.
Eileen O'Finlan paints a haunting and emotional tale of the struggles of ordinary people in the village of Kelegeen during the mid-1800s. The poverty depicted is tangible, the suffering endured extreme, and the loss of life absolutely shocking. At times I could almost feel the thick fog and smell the foul stench of the blackened potatoes which were lost due to blight. Kelegeen is a compelling and atmospheric book which contains an important story in Ireland's history. A sensitively written narrative of the horrors of famine will stun readers simply because it recounts the horrors of a true story. However, despite the unendurable suffering, the strength of the people does shine through and there was hope for many through emigration. Those who enjoy historical fiction should find this book an engrossing read.
Kelegeen by Eileen O'Finlan is an historical novel set in the village of Kelegeen in Ireland during the potato famine. The parish priest, Father Brian O'Malley, teams up with a British doctor to assist the families of those affected by poverty and disease. They visit families in the village but words of comfort are often all they can offer. A young couple, Meg and Rory, try to earn money through sewing and wood carving. However, Rory is badly injured and loses his income. Meg is strong and determined to get through the devastating tragedy that has befallen the village. She carves out a plan to board a ship to a new life in America. She hopes she will be able to organize the means for Rory and their two families to join her.
Eileen O'Finlan paints a haunting and emotional tale of the struggles of ordinary people in the village of Kelegeen during the mid-1800s. The poverty depicted is tangible, the suffering endured extreme, and the loss of life absolutely shocking. At times I could almost feel the thick fog and smell the foul stench of the blackened potatoes which were lost due to blight. Kelegeen is a compelling and atmospheric book which contains an important story in Ireland's history. A sensitively written narrative of the horrors of famine will stun readers simply because it recounts the horrors of a true story. However, despite the unendurable suffering, the strength of the people does shine through and there was hope for many through emigration. Those who enjoy historical fiction should find this book an engrossing read.
September 2, 2018
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
The potato famine is causing everyone in Kelegeen great hardships. Meg and Rory plan to be married but are forced to put it off in order to survive. The food is scarce, sickness and dying plague every household, and without the potato crop there is little or no money, leaving everyone to beg or steal for their next meal. Father O’Malley tries to be there for everyone, as does Dr. Parker, but there is little they can do. Each and every person must make sacrifices, watch their loved ones die, but they all pray and wait for better days. It is hardest on Meg because she is faced with a life altering plan that will surely change her life forever.
Kelegeen by Eileen O'Finlan is sad, happy, loving, faithful and a really good book. I was transported back in time to the Potato Famine in Ireland and quickly became immersed in the story. Meg and Rory, their families, their priest and the neighbors jumped off the pages and became very real to me. There is much sadness in Kelegeen but also there is also much love, prayer and faithfulness. Eileen O'Finlan is a talented author who writes with vivid descriptions and creates very real and likable characters. I don’t know if there is going to be a follow-up, but I am hoping that I can once again visit with Meg and Rory and see where the future took them. This is a perfect read for all and especially those who enjoy historical events being brought to life. Kelegeen is a definite winner!
The potato famine is causing everyone in Kelegeen great hardships. Meg and Rory plan to be married but are forced to put it off in order to survive. The food is scarce, sickness and dying plague every household, and without the potato crop there is little or no money, leaving everyone to beg or steal for their next meal. Father O’Malley tries to be there for everyone, as does Dr. Parker, but there is little they can do. Each and every person must make sacrifices, watch their loved ones die, but they all pray and wait for better days. It is hardest on Meg because she is faced with a life altering plan that will surely change her life forever.
Kelegeen by Eileen O'Finlan is sad, happy, loving, faithful and a really good book. I was transported back in time to the Potato Famine in Ireland and quickly became immersed in the story. Meg and Rory, their families, their priest and the neighbors jumped off the pages and became very real to me. There is much sadness in Kelegeen but also there is also much love, prayer and faithfulness. Eileen O'Finlan is a talented author who writes with vivid descriptions and creates very real and likable characters. I don’t know if there is going to be a follow-up, but I am hoping that I can once again visit with Meg and Rory and see where the future took them. This is a perfect read for all and especially those who enjoy historical events being brought to life. Kelegeen is a definite winner!
January 13, 2020
The Irish Potato Famine was part of our studies years ago when I was at school. I thought I knew all about it until I read this book. In clean, sometimes poetical prose O’Finlan takes back to those days of horror at finding potato crops rotting in the ground and hope born of blind faith that the next crop will be better.
As much as a blight as the famine itself was the political activism at the time, one that sadly is still perpetrated around the world today. That the Irish managed to find beauty and love in their squalor says a lot for the people themselves especially in the characters of Meg O’Connor and Rory Quinn and the all too human Father O’Malley who did his utmost for his flock. O’Finlan clearly defines the difference between being hungry and starving, the decisions that people at the time were forced to make, all of them heartbreaking.
Kelegeen is not an easy read but a very worthwhile one. I fully recommend it.
This book was offered by YourNewBooks in exchange for an honest review.
As much as a blight as the famine itself was the political activism at the time, one that sadly is still perpetrated around the world today. That the Irish managed to find beauty and love in their squalor says a lot for the people themselves especially in the characters of Meg O’Connor and Rory Quinn and the all too human Father O’Malley who did his utmost for his flock. O’Finlan clearly defines the difference between being hungry and starving, the decisions that people at the time were forced to make, all of them heartbreaking.
Kelegeen is not an easy read but a very worthwhile one. I fully recommend it.
This book was offered by YourNewBooks in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2018
This book swept me off to a far off place: Ireland in the 1800's during the time of the potato blight and famine. It is a heart-wrenching, haunting tale of Ireland suffering and emigration, a poignant story about the hardships of a time oft forgotten. I look forward to reading a sequel about the young lass Meg or the tender priest (the book's two main protagonists). I recommend a big box of tissues as you experience the injustice and pain of this time and its effect on the families of this village and country.
September 13, 2020
I'm drawn to books that depict life during the Potato Famine personally to get a better understanding of how my great-grandparents may have lived and survived the famines in Donegal. This book was more than I expected. It was very engaging and I look forward to reading more books by Eileen O'Finlan.
June 1, 2021
This book was so good I found it hard to put down when I needed to get up to do something else. It was so sad how cruel the British were to the Irish people. But then again they were cruel to everyone whose land they stole. Having Irish ancestors who came to America in the mid 1800’s, I can only wonder how the Great Hunger affected them. I look forward to reading Eileen’s second book.
June 1, 2020
While I truly enjoyed it, I will admit this book is not for someone who is not a true Historical Fiction fan. This is not a happy book and many of the images are disturbing, but as a realistic account of what the Irish suffered during the potato famine it is deeply moving and heart wrenching.
November 12, 2020
Excellent book. Beautifully written with compelling characters. A must read!
January 19, 2021
Hard to put down but.....
The characters were vibrant but there were too many of them. I had to look up some of the words as it seems like the Irish references were just kind of slipped in there because the author researched them. I have to say I finished the book but the ending was predictable. The book was good for a first time author and was interesting but too sad.
The characters were vibrant but there were too many of them. I had to look up some of the words as it seems like the Irish references were just kind of slipped in there because the author researched them. I have to say I finished the book but the ending was predictable. The book was good for a first time author and was interesting but too sad.
March 31, 2021
Eileen , I truly was enlightened by the story with such interesting characters and the struggles they faced. I had heard about the potato famine but NOW I see the struggles and and heartaches through the eyes of your characters . I cannot wait to read your next book to see the continuing saga of your beloved characters.
July 30, 2024
Beautiful! Renews faith in goodness and God
Without being too maudlin, A serious account of the Irish famine, ending with the mass exodus to America, yet also a love story and a tale of a little village and its families, friends, and priest. Best tale I've read in a long time.
Without being too maudlin, A serious account of the Irish famine, ending with the mass exodus to America, yet also a love story and a tale of a little village and its families, friends, and priest. Best tale I've read in a long time.
August 18, 2024
Hope and heartache
Keep the tissue box close with this one. Th e Irish potato famine comes to life as though you lived it. But threaded throughout is the story of family, community, resilience, love, faith, courage and hope.
Keep the tissue box close with this one. Th e Irish potato famine comes to life as though you lived it. But threaded throughout is the story of family, community, resilience, love, faith, courage and hope.
November 2, 2018
“I hate this famine,” Meg whispered in his ear. “’Tis the cruelest thing in all creation.”
The village of Kelegeen in Ireland is struck by the potato famine and each family does what it takes to survive. The first year isn’t so bad as most have pigs or services they can sell to have money for food and rent for the land they work. As each year passes with failing potato crops, starvation, disease and death take over the countryside. A young couple, engaged to be married, set plans in motion to do anything to help their two families survive. Hope is often found in the eyes of the local priest or visiting British doctor, but is hope enough?
I was asked to review Kelegeen by its author through my blog. I was given a free copy in exchange for a fair review. I thought the plot looked interesting, and as much as I love historical fiction, I had yet to read a book set during the potato famine in Ireland.
Meg and Rory postpone their plans to marry after the first famine, not wanting to bring “bairns” into the world when there is not enough food to feed those already alive. Meg and her mother and sisters take in mending work to earn more money. Rory carves wooden figures, boxes and combs and sells them for good prices in town to get money for food. However, the famine combined with the British landlords’ lack of compassion leads the families to face one tragedy after another. The priest tries to help, but his own heart needs mending. Finally, Meg hears of people leaving for America. Could they hope for a better life elsewhere?
I was captivated by the story in Kelegeenand will recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I learned a lot about the potato famine and the descriptions of what the people suffered through will stick with me for a long time. Children eating bark off trees and complete villages dying to disease are both described and knowing it was a true even struck my heart. I look forward to seeing what the author writes next.
Read more here: http://sarahannecarter.com/kelegeen-b...
The village of Kelegeen in Ireland is struck by the potato famine and each family does what it takes to survive. The first year isn’t so bad as most have pigs or services they can sell to have money for food and rent for the land they work. As each year passes with failing potato crops, starvation, disease and death take over the countryside. A young couple, engaged to be married, set plans in motion to do anything to help their two families survive. Hope is often found in the eyes of the local priest or visiting British doctor, but is hope enough?
I was asked to review Kelegeen by its author through my blog. I was given a free copy in exchange for a fair review. I thought the plot looked interesting, and as much as I love historical fiction, I had yet to read a book set during the potato famine in Ireland.
Meg and Rory postpone their plans to marry after the first famine, not wanting to bring “bairns” into the world when there is not enough food to feed those already alive. Meg and her mother and sisters take in mending work to earn more money. Rory carves wooden figures, boxes and combs and sells them for good prices in town to get money for food. However, the famine combined with the British landlords’ lack of compassion leads the families to face one tragedy after another. The priest tries to help, but his own heart needs mending. Finally, Meg hears of people leaving for America. Could they hope for a better life elsewhere?
I was captivated by the story in Kelegeenand will recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I learned a lot about the potato famine and the descriptions of what the people suffered through will stick with me for a long time. Children eating bark off trees and complete villages dying to disease are both described and knowing it was a true even struck my heart. I look forward to seeing what the author writes next.
Read more here: http://sarahannecarter.com/kelegeen-b...
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