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The Spindle Tree: A Story of Lost Childhood and Redemption in the Irish Midlands
Authentic, moving inspiring .....you cannot help but fall in love with the characters. The Spindle Tree is an authentic and moving story set in 1940s rural Ireland, of a young family struggling to cope with the sudden loss of their mother. With no sign of their father returning from England, young Sarah and her brothers risk everything to keep their tight family together when everything seems to be working against them. They are thrown into a web of events that will challenge them in ways they never imagined. They must grapple with pretending to be 'normal' while living a lie, and bravely take on the roles necessary to keep their family together in the face of a very uncertain future. Events transpire, ultimately drawing them back many years later to confront their past. As the plot twists and turns, readers will fall in love with these characters and find solace within the intricate and gripping setting of The Spindle Tree. Despite the tragedy of this story, there is also a powerful underlying theme of hope and redemption that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.Prepare to be captivated until the last page. So if you're looking for an emotionally powerful yet gripping read, pick up The Spindle Tree for an unforgettable journey through pain, hope, fear, courage - and ultimately - love!
484 pages, Paperback
Published May 24, 2018
3 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 9, 2018
Thank you danny dunne for this wonderful story. I was emotionally involved with the characters from the get go, i found myself thinking about them during the day and excited to get back to the story each night.
The plot was amazing, so well written, i loved the use of the old irish way of talking. Just when you think you know whats going to happen it takes a huge turn. Ive never spoken to my kindle as much as i did during this read.
I have fallen in love with these charcters, i miss them already now ive finished.
If you fancy a book that grabs you from the get go and sucks you in so you feel you are part of the cregan journey this is a must read. I laughed hysterically, cried, got so angry, its an emotional rollercoaster.
Il be watching for this author in future
Now time for "a cup of tea" to get my emotions in check
The plot was amazing, so well written, i loved the use of the old irish way of talking. Just when you think you know whats going to happen it takes a huge turn. Ive never spoken to my kindle as much as i did during this read.
I have fallen in love with these charcters, i miss them already now ive finished.
If you fancy a book that grabs you from the get go and sucks you in so you feel you are part of the cregan journey this is a must read. I laughed hysterically, cried, got so angry, its an emotional rollercoaster.
Il be watching for this author in future
Now time for "a cup of tea" to get my emotions in check
July 29, 2018
Having taken The Spindle Tree with me on holidays, I found myself quickly immersed in the life of 15 year old Sarah Cregan and her family.
The story, set in a recently forgotten Ireland, transports the reader on a nostalgic journey to 1960s Avenstown in the heart of Ireland. A young family, with dreams of a better future, ekes out a living from a humble homestead. Sarah cares for her ailing mother and her three younger brothers as they eagerly await the return of their father John from England.
As we are lulled into a sense of security through the eyes of an innocent young girl, we quickly become aware of the impending tragedy that is about to unfold.
Just like the twists and turns in the branches of the spindle tree, life of the Cregan household changes as each page turns.
Members of the local community and friends of the family show their support for the Cregans in their greatest time of need, but even they unwittingly become entangled in the family's misfortunes.
Danny Dunne cleverly crafts the story to ensure the reader is welcomed into the Cregan family, sharing in their joys and sorrows and willing Sarah and her brothers to succeed, especially as their world begins to crumble.
A great read from this author. Be prepared to get emotionally involved.
The story, set in a recently forgotten Ireland, transports the reader on a nostalgic journey to 1960s Avenstown in the heart of Ireland. A young family, with dreams of a better future, ekes out a living from a humble homestead. Sarah cares for her ailing mother and her three younger brothers as they eagerly await the return of their father John from England.
As we are lulled into a sense of security through the eyes of an innocent young girl, we quickly become aware of the impending tragedy that is about to unfold.
Just like the twists and turns in the branches of the spindle tree, life of the Cregan household changes as each page turns.
Members of the local community and friends of the family show their support for the Cregans in their greatest time of need, but even they unwittingly become entangled in the family's misfortunes.
Danny Dunne cleverly crafts the story to ensure the reader is welcomed into the Cregan family, sharing in their joys and sorrows and willing Sarah and her brothers to succeed, especially as their world begins to crumble.
A great read from this author. Be prepared to get emotionally involved.
July 14, 2018
This book is a tour-de-force from the beginning to its bitter sweet ending, spanning forty years in the life of the Cregan children. Not to give the story away, I would recommend any reader to keep a secret the twists and tangles in this wonderful story of lost childhood and redemption in the Irish midlands. It's 1962 and Sarah will stop at nothing to keep her family together, following the death of her mother in early winter. Her father who works in England cannot be contacted and what is she going to do? She must hide her body in an old mausoleum. The sad night journey she makes with her brothers across moonlit fields to the old churchyard is a reminder of the flight into Egypt, alone and frightened, they stop at nothing to survive and keep their deed a secret. This is only the start of it. Little does she realize that there were darker and more frightening days to come. But help comes from the most unlikely sources. There's Meg from the travelling theater and Pat their gentle neighbour, whose stammer is a result of abuse from time spent in an orphanage coupled with bullying and abuse from uncaring people in the community. His promise to protect Sarah for the rest of her life resonates through the story. Then there's Seán, her first love and she gets her first kiss. But life has a different path for Seán. The final section pulls the whole story together. Will Sarah find redemption or will the events of 1962/63 come back to haunt her for the rest of her life. This is a story which evokes an era just at the beginning of modern times, with vivid descriptions of landscape- from green fields, lakes, woods and bogs to vast skies and summers long past and forgotten. The author weaves a tense and poignant tale of survival against the odds. For anyone who has ever seen Agatha Christies play 'The Mouse Trap,' one is asked not to reveal the surprise ending. I'd advise anyone who has read this story to do the same. The author has created a wonderful story. It's his first full length novel. I wait with baited breath for his next book
August 25, 2018
'The Spindle Tree', set in Ireland's rural heartlands in the early 60s, provides us with an insight into the lives led by the common people. The book starts with a description of what was a typical summer for the young narrator. "Skipping through the long grass" and the "tell-tale purple lips" from gorging on the ripened blackberries, depict an idyllic childhood. The wistful images evoke feelings of nostalgia for a simpler time that has since passed. They are especially poignant as we realise the difficulties that the narrator and her family are to face. Her mother has fallen ill and the family's future is uncertain. The blissful ignorance of childhood is torn away from the narrator. She is forced to negotiate the world without her mother, while caring for her younger siblings and attempting to create the illusion of normality.
The large cast of characters may be initially overwhelming to the reader. However, their necessity in driving the plot and providing us with an insight into life in Ireland in the 60s quickly becomes apparent. If it weren't for Pat Reardon, the pariah scorned by some locals for his stammer, the narrator and her siblings would have had no means of preserving the family unit in spite of all adversity.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in Irish history of this period, or who grew up during this time. The book is filled with incidents that would draw you into places you thought were merely confined to your memory.
The large cast of characters may be initially overwhelming to the reader. However, their necessity in driving the plot and providing us with an insight into life in Ireland in the 60s quickly becomes apparent. If it weren't for Pat Reardon, the pariah scorned by some locals for his stammer, the narrator and her siblings would have had no means of preserving the family unit in spite of all adversity.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in Irish history of this period, or who grew up during this time. The book is filled with incidents that would draw you into places you thought were merely confined to your memory.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2018
A review on behalf of Margaret Greene. I really enjoyed book. The story has Some funny parts and some very sad parts so the plot played on my emotions. The story brought me back to when I was young and growing up during those times. It was a page turner as I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to Danny's next book.
June 13, 2018
The illustration on the cover of this book depicts a mausoleum covered by the branches of a Spindle Tree. It looks overgrown and forgotten. No one goes there. Nothing happens there any more. The author Danny Dunne is perhaps cleverly teasing us and leading us into a story where everything looks normal but isn't.
The characters, each with a unique recognizable and sometimes heroic personality are true to life and live near a small rural village in the Irish midlands during the early 1960's. We think we know each one. But do we? Again, wait until the very end and then answer that question. All is not what it seems.
The plot has many unexpected twists and turns and leaves you guessing, wondering right throughout the story. This author shows love of country life, nature, animals as well as throwing in snippets of history too.
Above all he shows insight into the interaction of siblings within a family. The theme throughout is the strong urge to keep that family together, no matter what happens.
Dialogue is well written, funny, quick-flowing and the print is suitable for all ages. Prepare to be sad, happy, lonely, afraid and nostalgic. Keep tissues handy-small pack.
The characters, each with a unique recognizable and sometimes heroic personality are true to life and live near a small rural village in the Irish midlands during the early 1960's. We think we know each one. But do we? Again, wait until the very end and then answer that question. All is not what it seems.
The plot has many unexpected twists and turns and leaves you guessing, wondering right throughout the story. This author shows love of country life, nature, animals as well as throwing in snippets of history too.
Above all he shows insight into the interaction of siblings within a family. The theme throughout is the strong urge to keep that family together, no matter what happens.
Dialogue is well written, funny, quick-flowing and the print is suitable for all ages. Prepare to be sad, happy, lonely, afraid and nostalgic. Keep tissues handy-small pack.
January 27, 2019
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
This a wonderful story told from the point of view of fifteen year old Sarah Cregan beginning at the end of summer in 1962. This would be when her childhood would end and she would have to make life changing decisions to keep her and her brothers together after their mother dies and their father has disappeared in England with no way to track him down. Rural Ireland in 1962 was a time where not every house had a phone, a chocolate bar was a rare treat, going to the movies was a big deal and a trip to Dublin was very rare and considered a long journey.
After the death of their Mum, Sarah and her brothers work together to keep it a secret as they do not want to be separated from each other the same way another family got split apart. I got drawn into my time spent with Sarah and her brothers Joe, Tom and Packy, as they go from day to day wondering if their secret will be found out and seeing the affects of their decision has on each of them and the people around them who got drawn into their drama, there was always a sense of suspense in the air.
The book also lends an insight to rural Ireland in the sixties; and for some it should bring back memories of going to the dances, the rarity of cars, where electricity is new and most house do not have running water or a bathroom in the house, things every household in Ireland take for granted today.
I enjoyed my time spent with Sarah and her family and there is a twist at the end; forty years later when everything they thought was not as it seemed.
This a wonderful story told from the point of view of fifteen year old Sarah Cregan beginning at the end of summer in 1962. This would be when her childhood would end and she would have to make life changing decisions to keep her and her brothers together after their mother dies and their father has disappeared in England with no way to track him down. Rural Ireland in 1962 was a time where not every house had a phone, a chocolate bar was a rare treat, going to the movies was a big deal and a trip to Dublin was very rare and considered a long journey.
After the death of their Mum, Sarah and her brothers work together to keep it a secret as they do not want to be separated from each other the same way another family got split apart. I got drawn into my time spent with Sarah and her brothers Joe, Tom and Packy, as they go from day to day wondering if their secret will be found out and seeing the affects of their decision has on each of them and the people around them who got drawn into their drama, there was always a sense of suspense in the air.
The book also lends an insight to rural Ireland in the sixties; and for some it should bring back memories of going to the dances, the rarity of cars, where electricity is new and most house do not have running water or a bathroom in the house, things every household in Ireland take for granted today.
I enjoyed my time spent with Sarah and her family and there is a twist at the end; forty years later when everything they thought was not as it seemed.
June 11, 2018
This very engrossing novel, The Spindle Tree, takes us on a journey filled with suspense as well as reservoirs of deep affection in the 1960’s Irish Midlands.
The final illness of the Cregan family’s much-loved mother sets off an extraordinary chain of events in the lives of her 4 young children who undertake a highly-risky plan to protect themselves from separation. We are quickly drawn into their lives and into the friendships that support them while they await an uncertain fate which will impact the rest of their lives.
Sarah, the eldest, narrates with insight and feeling the day-to-day unfolding drama which has overtaken her and her 3 younger brothers. A sense of foreboding hangs in the air. All their skills and imagination will be needed to escape detection of the daring act they have undertaken.
The life of the Irish countryside is vividly portrayed and the book is rich in atmosphere and characterization.
Very importantly, just when we think we are at the conclusion, we are taken forward some 40 years for the final full revelation.
Having read some of the author’s earlier, carefully researched local histories, I’m now delighted to find this background enriching an immensely satisfying novel, which I highly recommend.
The final illness of the Cregan family’s much-loved mother sets off an extraordinary chain of events in the lives of her 4 young children who undertake a highly-risky plan to protect themselves from separation. We are quickly drawn into their lives and into the friendships that support them while they await an uncertain fate which will impact the rest of their lives.
Sarah, the eldest, narrates with insight and feeling the day-to-day unfolding drama which has overtaken her and her 3 younger brothers. A sense of foreboding hangs in the air. All their skills and imagination will be needed to escape detection of the daring act they have undertaken.
The life of the Irish countryside is vividly portrayed and the book is rich in atmosphere and characterization.
Very importantly, just when we think we are at the conclusion, we are taken forward some 40 years for the final full revelation.
Having read some of the author’s earlier, carefully researched local histories, I’m now delighted to find this background enriching an immensely satisfying novel, which I highly recommend.
June 14, 2018
I read an ARC of this book and found it really engaging and held my attention from cover to cover. Normally I don't read books that are very long as I don't have much free time but I couldn't let this down. There is so much going on to hold my attention, keep me guessing and wondering what would happen next. The characters are very interesting and I find myself identifying with Sarah! This story although set in Ireland during the 60s really resonates with me. Times were hard and tough decisions had to be made and many times families were split up-a simple but harsh fact.
There are a few plots going on at the same time and the author magically weaves them all together to create a book well worth reading.
There are a few plots going on at the same time and the author magically weaves them all together to create a book well worth reading.
July 6, 2018
Anyone with irish connections will love this book. A great insight into the challenges that faced irish families in the 60's and how the love of a family will get them through even the toughest of times. I was totally immersed and read it in 3 days waiting with anticipation to see what would happen next and how they were all going to survive.
Having listened to stories from my parents and relations who grew up in the 60's it allowed me to familiarise myself with the story from start to finish and visualise what each character and the surroundings looked like while emotionally connecting to the story being told which several times brought tears to my eyes.
A truly great read by a great author.
Having listened to stories from my parents and relations who grew up in the 60's it allowed me to familiarise myself with the story from start to finish and visualise what each character and the surroundings looked like while emotionally connecting to the story being told which several times brought tears to my eyes.
A truly great read by a great author.
June 10, 2018
The Spindle Tree
A story of lost childhood and redemption in the Irish Midlands.
I laughed and cried and giggled and gasped with Sarah and her brothers as they navigate through tough times in their young lives.
Danny creates an authentic ,moving and inspiring story which will touch the hearts of many born or living in that era,in the Midlands of Ireland.
The story captured many happy memories of my own childhood and adolescence living in rural Irish society in the 1960's..
If you like Alice Taylor and Kate Morton then you'll love this book. Ann Dardis
A story of lost childhood and redemption in the Irish Midlands.
I laughed and cried and giggled and gasped with Sarah and her brothers as they navigate through tough times in their young lives.
Danny creates an authentic ,moving and inspiring story which will touch the hearts of many born or living in that era,in the Midlands of Ireland.
The story captured many happy memories of my own childhood and adolescence living in rural Irish society in the 1960's..
If you like Alice Taylor and Kate Morton then you'll love this book. Ann Dardis
June 27, 2018
I was so looking forward to reading this book and I was not disappointed I felt I was in the story as a lot of the sayings I grew up with I found it very emotional and by the end of it I was actually crying I can't wait for the next book from Danny 10/10
October 24, 2018
The Spindle tree is a hauntingly moving novel where Dunne successfully brings the characters to life in a story that will keep you wanting more, long after the last page has turned. This story has many subplots that play out throughout the main story; everything from a young mother's struggle to raise a family with an absent husband working in another Country, a fathers struggle to be with his family, a young girls coming of age fighting for her siblings and dealing with a broken heart, an 'aunt' who puts her adopted family before everything else in her life but mostly it's a story of survival. Dunnes' descriptive language paints clear and vivid pictures in our minds making us feel as though a movie is playing out on the pages before us. His writing, very similar to the late and great Maeve Binchy, evokes emotions in the reader as we hang on the cliff at the end of every chapter longing for more. A story of perseverance, loyalty, love an loss, The Spindle Tree is nothing short of magnificent!
December 18, 2023
Sarah Cregan leads us into this story of rural life in the early 1960's and right up to the very last page of this wonderful book, we are still somewhat on edge and anxious to know what is in store for Sarah, her siblings and her acquaintances.
Here, as in "The Road to Bethany", the author Danny Dunne demonstrates the many qualities he has as a storyteller: the language is wholly accessible and simple, evocative and spiritual, authentic and moving. There are echoes of Shakespeare, there's the mournful elegance of a McGahern and in places an eerie, macabre shadow that is almost Dickensian.
But above all else, "The Spindle Tree" is to my mind a dreamlike reminiscence of 1963 woven into the fabric of a family finding peace through adversity.
Here, as in "The Road to Bethany", the author Danny Dunne demonstrates the many qualities he has as a storyteller: the language is wholly accessible and simple, evocative and spiritual, authentic and moving. There are echoes of Shakespeare, there's the mournful elegance of a McGahern and in places an eerie, macabre shadow that is almost Dickensian.
But above all else, "The Spindle Tree" is to my mind a dreamlike reminiscence of 1963 woven into the fabric of a family finding peace through adversity.
August 16, 2019
This was a wonderful story that flowed with ease and had me turning the page it was one I didn't want to end
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews