What do you think?
Rate this book
So Much Owed
January,1918 – Dunderrig House, West Cork, Ireland.
Dr Richard Buckley returns to his beloved Dunderrig, disillusioned and damaged by the futility of war. At his side is Solange Allingham, his best friend’s widow who has lost everything she ever loved.
Richard’s wife Edith is bitter at what she sees as her husband’s betrayal of his country by wearing a British uniform. After giving birth to twins, she withdraws into a silent world, finally leaving her family for strange new bedfellows. Solange is obliged to overcome her own heartbreak to become the mother Edith’s children so badly need. James and Juliet are inseparable and incorrigible and the life blood of Dunderrig. As they grow up, they come of age into a world where despite the horrors of the past, war looms large yet again.
From tranquil West Cork to wartime Belfast, from neutral Dublin to occupied France, the twins lives diverge in unforeseen ways as Dunderrig waits anxiously once more for the safe return of its children.
Dr Richard Buckley returns to his beloved Dunderrig, disillusioned and damaged by the futility of war. At his side is Solange Allingham, his best friend’s widow who has lost everything she ever loved.
Richard’s wife Edith is bitter at what she sees as her husband’s betrayal of his country by wearing a British uniform. After giving birth to twins, she withdraws into a silent world, finally leaving her family for strange new bedfellows. Solange is obliged to overcome her own heartbreak to become the mother Edith’s children so badly need. James and Juliet are inseparable and incorrigible and the life blood of Dunderrig. As they grow up, they come of age into a world where despite the horrors of the past, war looms large yet again.
From tranquil West Cork to wartime Belfast, from neutral Dublin to occupied France, the twins lives diverge in unforeseen ways as Dunderrig waits anxiously once more for the safe return of its children.
376 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2013
4044 people are currently reading
2410 people want to read
About the author
Jean Grainger
88 books1,584 followersJean Grainger was born in Cork, Ireland. She has been a tour guide of her beloved home country, a teacher, a university lecturer and a playwright. She began writing fiction at the suggestion of her clients on tours, many of whom were sure all the stories she told them would make for a great book. Her first book, The Tour, has become a Number 1 bestseller on Amazon. It tells the story of a disparate group of American visitors to Ireland, who, along with their Irish tour guide have a life changing experience in the magical Emerald Isle.
Her second book, So Much Owed, is a family saga set during the Second World War. The story centres on the Buckley family of West Cork and how their lives are pulled in different directions as they become embroiled in the war. It is a sweeping family saga of intrigue and romance against the background of occupied Europe.
In her third novel, Shadow of a Century, she tells a tale of a battered old flag found in New York in 2016, a century after it was used during the Easter Rising, when Ireland made her final bid for freedom from Great Britain. This tells the story of a journalist who uncovers a story, one with much more to it than a flag.
Her fourth novel, due out in Spring 2016, Under Heaven’s Shining Stars, is set in the 1970s in Cork, Ireland and is a novel about friendship. Three boys, Liam, Patrick and Hugo, though from very different backgrounds are united in a deep but often times challenging friendship. As their lives progress, only by staying strong, can they prevail. Or fail.
Her novella, Letters of Freedom, tells the story of Carmel, stuck in a pointless marriage, when a figure from her past emerges and changes everything with a ‘like’ on Facebook. This quick read will touch your heart.
She lives in Cork with her husband and her two youngest children. The older two come home occasionally with laundry and to raid the fridge.
Her second book, So Much Owed, is a family saga set during the Second World War. The story centres on the Buckley family of West Cork and how their lives are pulled in different directions as they become embroiled in the war. It is a sweeping family saga of intrigue and romance against the background of occupied Europe.
In her third novel, Shadow of a Century, she tells a tale of a battered old flag found in New York in 2016, a century after it was used during the Easter Rising, when Ireland made her final bid for freedom from Great Britain. This tells the story of a journalist who uncovers a story, one with much more to it than a flag.
Her fourth novel, due out in Spring 2016, Under Heaven’s Shining Stars, is set in the 1970s in Cork, Ireland and is a novel about friendship. Three boys, Liam, Patrick and Hugo, though from very different backgrounds are united in a deep but often times challenging friendship. As their lives progress, only by staying strong, can they prevail. Or fail.
Her novella, Letters of Freedom, tells the story of Carmel, stuck in a pointless marriage, when a figure from her past emerges and changes everything with a ‘like’ on Facebook. This quick read will touch your heart.
She lives in Cork with her husband and her two youngest children. The older two come home occasionally with laundry and to raid the fridge.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
February 19, 2017
This is an excellent historical fiction book. The plot is well developed as are the characters. I am definitely pleased to have been introduced to this author via Good Reads. While I thoroughly enjoyed Shadow of A Century, I can see Jean's maturity as a writer develop with this book. It is a book I did not want to stop reading, so I highly recommend it to anyone who likes reading historical fiction.
January 18, 2017
It's rarely that I can't finish a book, but I'm 20% through this one and can't move on. I'm just so tired of cliche; the plot, the characterisations, the writing.... I can see a lot of people loved this but it's not for me.
September 10, 2017
So Much Owed: An Irish World War 2 Story is by Jean Grainger. My first reaction on completing this book was “WOW!”. Words just escaped me. I had started the book last night and read off and on all night, between catnaps. It was simply too good to put down. What people will do to protect the ones they love is amazing. The book does take place mainly in Southern Ireland just prior to and during World War 2.
Dr. Richard Buckley returned to Dunderrig, Ireland after World War I with the wife of his very best friend Jeremy. In an agreement with Jeremy, the one who survived would take care of the other’s wife. So, Richard and Edith were to care for Solange. When they arrived at Dunderrig, Edith was ready to deliver Richard’s child. Edith was cold and remote and did not lend herself to forming friendships with anyone here. She did not warm up to Solange even after Solange delivered her twins. Solange even took care of the twins after their birth. She became their nanny and second mother. Until she finally left them, Edith remained a cold figure to the twins.
When the twins grew up, Juliet wanted to become a doctor while James wanted to be an artist. Both professions were frowned upon by their Father. In the end, only James got what he wanted; but that was after quite a production. While her twin became involved with their Mother, Juliet was recruited by the SOE and trained to be a spy. She was sent to France where she infiltrated the highest ranks of the Nazis.
Will peace ever come to the family at Dunderrig?
Dr. Richard Buckley returned to Dunderrig, Ireland after World War I with the wife of his very best friend Jeremy. In an agreement with Jeremy, the one who survived would take care of the other’s wife. So, Richard and Edith were to care for Solange. When they arrived at Dunderrig, Edith was ready to deliver Richard’s child. Edith was cold and remote and did not lend herself to forming friendships with anyone here. She did not warm up to Solange even after Solange delivered her twins. Solange even took care of the twins after their birth. She became their nanny and second mother. Until she finally left them, Edith remained a cold figure to the twins.
When the twins grew up, Juliet wanted to become a doctor while James wanted to be an artist. Both professions were frowned upon by their Father. In the end, only James got what he wanted; but that was after quite a production. While her twin became involved with their Mother, Juliet was recruited by the SOE and trained to be a spy. She was sent to France where she infiltrated the highest ranks of the Nazis.
Will peace ever come to the family at Dunderrig?
November 15, 2015
When Dr. Richard Buckley returned to him home in Dunderrig after service in France in WWI, he was disillusioned with war and only wanted to be with his family. Returning with him was Solange Allingham, the widow of his best friend. Unfortunately, Buckley’s wife, Edith, bitter at him for serving in the British Army, sworn enemies of the nationalist Irish, becomes even more withdrawn after the birth of twins, James and Juliet, leaving them to Solange’s care. Eventually, Edith leaves him and goes to Dublin where she eventually marries a German national, despite never having officially divorcing.
The twins grow up under Solange’s care, considering her more their mother than the woman who gave birth to them. As the world enters the horror unleashed by the rise of Hitler in Germany, the twins grow into adulthood and their lives take divergent paths—paths that threaten the unity of the Buckley family.
So Much Owed by Jean Grainger is a stirring tale of the horrors of war and its impact on one family during a time of cataclysmic change. It reveals the depths of human emotion; love, betrayal, loyalty, and bravery in a way that most novels only touch on sketchily. The author takes a reader into the hearts and minds of the characters in such a way you come away feeling as if you know them as well as your next door neighbor—or best friend. This is s book that will bring tears to your eyes while at the same time leave you with a warm feeling in your heart.
The twins grow up under Solange’s care, considering her more their mother than the woman who gave birth to them. As the world enters the horror unleashed by the rise of Hitler in Germany, the twins grow into adulthood and their lives take divergent paths—paths that threaten the unity of the Buckley family.
So Much Owed by Jean Grainger is a stirring tale of the horrors of war and its impact on one family during a time of cataclysmic change. It reveals the depths of human emotion; love, betrayal, loyalty, and bravery in a way that most novels only touch on sketchily. The author takes a reader into the hearts and minds of the characters in such a way you come away feeling as if you know them as well as your next door neighbor—or best friend. This is s book that will bring tears to your eyes while at the same time leave you with a warm feeling in your heart.
Want to read
October 12, 2017FREE on Amazon today (10/12/2017)!
January 27, 2021
Entertaining and hard to put down, though a bit over the top here and there; the author has a very energetic style and her characters do not dissapoint while the combined themes of Irishness and the relation of the Irish people with the British from WW1, The Troubles to WW2 and neutrality, appear again in this standalone; there is a little bit too much melodrama especially in the stories of Ingrid in Dunderrig and Juliet in France, but the novel works well and delivers an excellent story
April 15, 2021
3.5–4 Stars. A few parts of the story lagged and some plot elements were predictable, but overall, an interesting WWII-era tale. If you enjoyed The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah, you will probably enjoy this book as well.
July 6, 2020
I thought this a very engaging read. It was a bit of a different viewpoint of the war years for me, as it was written with an Irish perspective for the most part, so I appreciated seeing a little different side of it.
I found the characters interesting and relatable, some I really loved and warmed to, others I didn't, but it was the nature of the character. The story was compelling and kept my interest.
I also enjoyed the authors writing and will definitely seek out other books by her.
I found the characters interesting and relatable, some I really loved and warmed to, others I didn't, but it was the nature of the character. The story was compelling and kept my interest.
I also enjoyed the authors writing and will definitely seek out other books by her.
January 13, 2018
All and all, a good story with fantastic characters!
While there are parts of this book that I felt were too long and other that weren’t expanded upon enough, the development of the characters turned out to be extraordinary. By the second half of the book, I couldn’t wait to hear what their lives would bring and I’m sad to see it end. It was a great story of one family’s journey through much hardship and happiness.
While there are parts of this book that I felt were too long and other that weren’t expanded upon enough, the development of the characters turned out to be extraordinary. By the second half of the book, I couldn’t wait to hear what their lives would bring and I’m sad to see it end. It was a great story of one family’s journey through much hardship and happiness.
March 20, 2017
Begins at the end of WW I and continues through most of WW II. Again, may favourite genre of historical fiction. The intertwining of lives, of events, of doing things during wartime that one would not do otherwise. Such a gripping story, with the full range of human feelings and experiences. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this masterfully told story.
September 20, 2017
Stumbled upon this book randomly and I couldn't put it down!
March 21, 2019
Jean Grainger is a good storyteller. I cared about these people and felt sad when the book ended. I think that is a good recommendation.
June 17, 2023
I am not sure how to review this book w/o spoilers, so there are some.
Sickened by the butchery, Richard returns home to his native Ireland after being a doctor for the British in WWI. He lost his best friend there, so takes his friend's bride, Solange, home w/ him b/c she lost everyone during the War. Richard's wife is pregnant; gives birth to twins; then leaves him. The years pass until the twin children have graduated. I felt that the story was uninspired; went on too long w/o revealing the plot; and it is really hard to become invested in the story.
Then finally - at 56% into the book! - the story becomes more interesting as one of the now-grown children resolves to become involved in the WWII effort, even though she, Juliet, is Irish and the country is officially neutral. Her twin, James, wants to be an artist and reconnects w/ their long-last mother in Dublin. He becomes involved w/ a young German woman, as Edith runs in a circle of Germans in Dublin. We can see the coming plot denouement from a mile away in this plot line. But Juliet's story becomes downright gripping. However, after the extremely-lengthy start to the story, it feels like it rushes into the denouement.
The writing is repetitive to the point of boredom. We hear many, MANY times about how Solange only talks to the twins in French and therefore they speak the language like natives, which does become an important plot point for Juliet. The dialogue of household "help" (honestly, the housekeeper is my favorite character) is written as colloquial, almost stereotypical. But the greatest problem is simply how S-L-O-W the plot moves, until it doesn't. Perhaps better editing to decrease the amount of lead-up to the actual story would have saved this promising story line. The book finally made it to three stars b/c Juliet's plot line gets pretty suspenseful.
Sickened by the butchery, Richard returns home to his native Ireland after being a doctor for the British in WWI. He lost his best friend there, so takes his friend's bride, Solange, home w/ him b/c she lost everyone during the War. Richard's wife is pregnant; gives birth to twins; then leaves him. The years pass until the twin children have graduated. I felt that the story was uninspired; went on too long w/o revealing the plot; and it is really hard to become invested in the story.
Then finally - at 56% into the book! - the story becomes more interesting as one of the now-grown children resolves to become involved in the WWII effort, even though she, Juliet, is Irish and the country is officially neutral. Her twin, James, wants to be an artist and reconnects w/ their long-last mother in Dublin. He becomes involved w/ a young German woman, as Edith runs in a circle of Germans in Dublin. We can see the coming plot denouement from a mile away in this plot line. But Juliet's story becomes downright gripping. However, after the extremely-lengthy start to the story, it feels like it rushes into the denouement.
The writing is repetitive to the point of boredom. We hear many, MANY times about how Solange only talks to the twins in French and therefore they speak the language like natives, which does become an important plot point for Juliet. The dialogue of household "help" (honestly, the housekeeper is my favorite character) is written as colloquial, almost stereotypical. But the greatest problem is simply how S-L-O-W the plot moves, until it doesn't. Perhaps better editing to decrease the amount of lead-up to the actual story would have saved this promising story line. The book finally made it to three stars b/c Juliet's plot line gets pretty suspenseful.
August 27, 2021
I so enjoyed this book which took place during World War II but there was little on it. Such a nice read into the last Ives of the Buckley family and the inner workings of their family. Delightful
March 13, 2017
Great book!!
March 1, 2017
So Much Owed
I really enjoyed reading So Much Owed. The depth that Ms. Grainger uses in her book is fantastic. I'm not a big fan of history, but she made me understand what life was like during the time frame of the book.
I really enjoyed reading So Much Owed. The depth that Ms. Grainger uses in her book is fantastic. I'm not a big fan of history, but she made me understand what life was like during the time frame of the book.
August 5, 2018
So Much Owed - An awesome, must read book. WWII is the time frame and the story is set in Ireland and England. Interesting, multidimensional characters that keep the reader caring about them and their journey during the war. There's past history, WWI and the Troubles, faced by some of the characters that shape the decisions made during WWII. The storyline is mesmerizing and intense, immersing the reader in a world of joy, pain, sorrow and happiness. Ms. Grainger is a talented storyteller and I enjoyed everything I've read so far by her. 5*
Shadow of a Century - A well written, sad but uplifting story set in both Ireland and New York. The characters are well developed and interesting. The storylines are well thought out and hold your attention, especially the last three-quarters of the book. If you enjoyed Maeve Binchy's books, you'll enjoy both books by Jean: Shadow of a Century and Letters of Freedom. I disagreed with the main character's comments on a gun-crazed USA and the Democrats fixing all problems if in power. US politics aside, the story is worth reading. 3*
Under Heaven's Shining Stars - This story reminded me so much of Angela's Ashes. Both stories are so well told about life in a poor Irish neighborhood; although Angela's is a true story written by her son about their lives. The story is mesmerizing and I took days to devour this intense story of love, caring, acceptance and terror. The characters just blossomed, growing into maturity and grace as their lives unfolded. The story and neighborhood is typical regardless of where you live, especially during that time period when people were closer with their neighbors and communities.
Even with the bad parts, the story left warmhearted and loving and happy feelings, along with the horror. There so many ways these characters could have gone and become, but their love and support kept an even keel and good won. All the books written by this author have been very good to excellent; I highly recommend her work. This is my favorite book so far. 5*
Jean Grainger Box Set end.
What Once Was True - A well written, well thought out novel with interesting people, events and places. The historical parts are well done and personal as told by the participants of those events. The storyline blends history with the growth of all the characters. Ranging in ages and social status, the effects of the Troubles and World War II are clearly seen. If you love Binchy and Pilcher, and authors like Pearl S. Buck, this heartwarming and heart breaking world that Ms. Grainger crafted will sweep you away with her vivid descriptions and characters. 5*
Shadow of a Century - A well written, sad but uplifting story set in both Ireland and New York. The characters are well developed and interesting. The storylines are well thought out and hold your attention, especially the last three-quarters of the book. If you enjoyed Maeve Binchy's books, you'll enjoy both books by Jean: Shadow of a Century and Letters of Freedom. I disagreed with the main character's comments on a gun-crazed USA and the Democrats fixing all problems if in power. US politics aside, the story is worth reading. 3*
Under Heaven's Shining Stars - This story reminded me so much of Angela's Ashes. Both stories are so well told about life in a poor Irish neighborhood; although Angela's is a true story written by her son about their lives. The story is mesmerizing and I took days to devour this intense story of love, caring, acceptance and terror. The characters just blossomed, growing into maturity and grace as their lives unfolded. The story and neighborhood is typical regardless of where you live, especially during that time period when people were closer with their neighbors and communities.
Even with the bad parts, the story left warmhearted and loving and happy feelings, along with the horror. There so many ways these characters could have gone and become, but their love and support kept an even keel and good won. All the books written by this author have been very good to excellent; I highly recommend her work. This is my favorite book so far. 5*
Jean Grainger Box Set end.
What Once Was True - A well written, well thought out novel with interesting people, events and places. The historical parts are well done and personal as told by the participants of those events. The storyline blends history with the growth of all the characters. Ranging in ages and social status, the effects of the Troubles and World War II are clearly seen. If you love Binchy and Pilcher, and authors like Pearl S. Buck, this heartwarming and heart breaking world that Ms. Grainger crafted will sweep you away with her vivid descriptions and characters. 5*
March 21, 2017
good book to read at the beach. Though some parts of the story seemed far fetched the characters did draw me into caring what happened to them. It paints a picture of 'neutral' Ireland during both World Wars.
February 6, 2017
Dr Richard returns from the war disillusioned by all he has seen. His wife can't understand why he wore a British uniform. Edith gives birth to twins and then disappears into her own world. His best friend 's widow Solange helps with the children as their mother is no longer available. It's an intriguing story of people and their lives during a war. Amazing story by a great author
January 15, 2017
I like this story, the characters and the environment. It is a story full of emotions, which reveals love, friendships and bravery in a world that changes due to the war.
It seems that you will be into the life of the characters and it will be difficult to left the book before its end.
I received this book from InstaFreebie.
It seems that you will be into the life of the characters and it will be difficult to left the book before its end.
I received this book from InstaFreebie.
August 5, 2025
It is incredible to me to think about how well the author wove together four people's stories across 3 decades so seamlessly!! I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I'm so glad I continued reading it after the first 15 minutes of the audio book.
The narrator's voice and inflection and accents annoyed me greatly! I almost put the book down simply because I could hardly bear the thought of listening to 13 hours of Michael Healy's voice. Before listening to this book, I did not completely understand how much a narrator could influence my enjoyment of a book. Now I know. Granted, he did have the hard job of 5 different accents and two languages. I'm sure he did much better than I would have done. But still - he managed to make every female character sound insufferable.
Ok, I'm done ranting about the narrator.
I can see why the book is so highly rated. Good thing it was, or I wouldn't have convinced myself and my husband (we listened to it together on a road trip) to keep listening after the first chapter. We coped with the horrible narration by pausing the book periodically to express our vexation to each other, then we could carry on with reading.
I guess I wasn't done ranting...
This book felt more alive to me because I had just visited Ireland and knew the streets and parks and cities and counties referenced. Whenever we knew a landmark or food that we recognized, we turned to each other and would exclaim. "Rashers!" or "Cork!" or "St. Stephen's Green!" or "Michael Collins... isn't he the guy who signed the treaty with England to end the war for Ireland's independence? And he said that when he did he felt like he was signing his death warrant and then was killed while driving on a country road?"
I better understand the nuances of the different political stances of the characters because of all the museums we went to in Dublin 🤓
So, in summary, go to visit Ireland first, then read this book. And read it, don't listen to it :)
The narrator's voice and inflection and accents annoyed me greatly! I almost put the book down simply because I could hardly bear the thought of listening to 13 hours of Michael Healy's voice. Before listening to this book, I did not completely understand how much a narrator could influence my enjoyment of a book. Now I know. Granted, he did have the hard job of 5 different accents and two languages. I'm sure he did much better than I would have done. But still - he managed to make every female character sound insufferable.
Ok, I'm done ranting about the narrator.
I can see why the book is so highly rated. Good thing it was, or I wouldn't have convinced myself and my husband (we listened to it together on a road trip) to keep listening after the first chapter. We coped with the horrible narration by pausing the book periodically to express our vexation to each other, then we could carry on with reading.
I guess I wasn't done ranting...
This book felt more alive to me because I had just visited Ireland and knew the streets and parks and cities and counties referenced. Whenever we knew a landmark or food that we recognized, we turned to each other and would exclaim. "Rashers!" or "Cork!" or "St. Stephen's Green!" or "Michael Collins... isn't he the guy who signed the treaty with England to end the war for Ireland's independence? And he said that when he did he felt like he was signing his death warrant and then was killed while driving on a country road?"
I better understand the nuances of the different political stances of the characters because of all the museums we went to in Dublin 🤓
So, in summary, go to visit Ireland first, then read this book. And read it, don't listen to it :)
July 26, 2017
So Much Owed
So many very detailed reviews of the storyline have already been left, and it's not my preference to offer that anyway; a story synopsis is always provided that's carefully worded not to provide any pesky spoilers after all. What I do want to leave here is a strong recommendation for anyone who enjoys being completely drawn into the world's of families, history, loves, and, truly, just the amazing beauty of stepping into the lives and minds of practically real characters as they experience all of those and more to please read this gem. Ms. Grainger uses a magically deft brushstroke to create each character, location and timeline so that, in her softly concise narrative, one is never left confused about even a single one of the eventually large cast of characters, their relationships to one another, or even to experience an awareness of being led through so many details. She even manages to give us the full realm of their thoughts and emotional lives without once the jarring device of being told. We're seduced into becoming one with them and their world, seeing, thinking and feeling right along with them. What more can we ask of fiction? This is a Must Read and be prepared to dedicate the time to finish it quickly; you not only won't want to leave them, but you'll be terribly saddened to find the last word and period of the book.
So many very detailed reviews of the storyline have already been left, and it's not my preference to offer that anyway; a story synopsis is always provided that's carefully worded not to provide any pesky spoilers after all. What I do want to leave here is a strong recommendation for anyone who enjoys being completely drawn into the world's of families, history, loves, and, truly, just the amazing beauty of stepping into the lives and minds of practically real characters as they experience all of those and more to please read this gem. Ms. Grainger uses a magically deft brushstroke to create each character, location and timeline so that, in her softly concise narrative, one is never left confused about even a single one of the eventually large cast of characters, their relationships to one another, or even to experience an awareness of being led through so many details. She even manages to give us the full realm of their thoughts and emotional lives without once the jarring device of being told. We're seduced into becoming one with them and their world, seeing, thinking and feeling right along with them. What more can we ask of fiction? This is a Must Read and be prepared to dedicate the time to finish it quickly; you not only won't want to leave them, but you'll be terribly saddened to find the last word and period of the book.
June 11, 2020
I really loved this story!
"An Irish country doctor is sickened by all he saw in the First World War. His children are now determined to fight in World War 2. How far can you stretch the ties that bind a family?
In the turbulent and uncertain times of Ireland in 1919, the birth of two children revitalise a small town.
Dr. Richard Buckley returns home to his wife and beloved hometown of Dunderrig, weary and heart-sick over the horror and pointlessness of The Great War.
Soon, trouble is coming from all sides—Richard’s unhappy wife leaves Dunderrig, and a Nazi occupied Europe marches steadily closer to home.
In the blink of an eye, the peace he’d craved and enjoyed since his days on the battlefield are gone.
Meantime, James and Juliet come of age in a world on the brink of chaos, where the remnants of rebellion at home have snowballed into the horrors of yet another world war." Synopsis copied
Hard to put down!
Their father doesn’t see the twins choosing different paths—dangerous paths—that will test everything, including their love for their country, their family, and each other.
Historically rich and moving, the tale of two children from the Irish countryside caught in the throes of wartime Europe is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and its willingness to endure.
"An Irish country doctor is sickened by all he saw in the First World War. His children are now determined to fight in World War 2. How far can you stretch the ties that bind a family?
In the turbulent and uncertain times of Ireland in 1919, the birth of two children revitalise a small town.
Dr. Richard Buckley returns home to his wife and beloved hometown of Dunderrig, weary and heart-sick over the horror and pointlessness of The Great War.
Soon, trouble is coming from all sides—Richard’s unhappy wife leaves Dunderrig, and a Nazi occupied Europe marches steadily closer to home.
In the blink of an eye, the peace he’d craved and enjoyed since his days on the battlefield are gone.
Meantime, James and Juliet come of age in a world on the brink of chaos, where the remnants of rebellion at home have snowballed into the horrors of yet another world war." Synopsis copied
Hard to put down!
Their father doesn’t see the twins choosing different paths—dangerous paths—that will test everything, including their love for their country, their family, and each other.
Historically rich and moving, the tale of two children from the Irish countryside caught in the throes of wartime Europe is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and its willingness to endure.
July 26, 2021
The beginning of this story was good but a bit slow for me, however as the story builds, the plot becomes more complex and certainly pulls it into a high 4-star rating. It was so easy to visualize the characters and landscapes due to great descriptive writing, and although I often find it tiresome to switch back and forth between two characters, I can honestly say that I was equally excited by the alternating stories of James and Juliet. Grainger is a wonderful storyteller and while a few of the turns were predictable, there was always a suspenseful corner ahead that kept me intrigued until the end. Not knowing much about Ireland’s war history, I liked learning about ‘neutral’ Ireland during both World Wars, the opposing opinions of North and South Ireland, as well as a generation who experienced WWI and wanted to remain independent of the second war vs. a younger generation who could not find peace at home while Hitler was inflicting such cruelty and torture on others. The melding of fiction and history was beautifully accomplished, and I was so swept into the lives of the characters that as I turned the last page of the story, I was truly hoping the ‘Acknowledgements’ might be just one more chapter … haha! There are so many interesting themes explored in this book and I highly recommend it. I plan to read much more of Jean Grainger’s work.
June 7, 2017
Wow - This is an amazing story of three generations of life starting in 1918 with Richard Buckley returning from sacrificially serving as a medical doctor for the British to his cold, uncaring and unresponsive wife, Edith. It doesn't help Edith much that Solange, Richard's best friend's wife also returns with him from medical service without her husband and the love of her life who died in the last days of 'the troubles' as Richard liked to call it. The story goes on through the birth of twins, James and Juliet, and follows them through their various stages of childhood, heartaches and careers totally different and unexpected or encouraged by their father, Richard. The author will let you "live through the war" of 1941 with Germany and France which also involved England and Ireland. The story certainly has some fiction but it also has lots of historical history and I understand from the end that some of the characters, Ewan McCrae, e.g. were real life characters. This story has it all, history, romance, war, suspense, and lots of family characterization. You will not want to put it down.
Thanks Jean Grainger for an amazingly well done story. I look forward to reading more and more of your stories. You write what I like to read.
Thanks Jean Grainger for an amazingly well done story. I look forward to reading more and more of your stories. You write what I like to read.
June 22, 2020
A spellbinding story about WWII in Ireland and everyone who featured in it. Jean Grainger is a very fine historian who weaves the facts of the Irish Free State, North Ireland and it's alliances into very intriguing stories. As a descendant of Irish Free State folks, most who came to the US prior to the Anglo Irish Treaty, I still am enthralled. After all, my great grand aunts uncles and cousins lived in Cork City, Mitchelstown Cork and surrounding Tipperary and Limerick, many in 1921.
This particular story, spanning a generation, pulled South and Northern Irish as well as British, into European wars with Germany. The twins James and Juliet, in their contrasting relationship with the mother who abandoned them, had incredibly different paths through this conflict. Their father, who had fought in the earlier war in France, tried to stay neutral, as did others. He and the Cork community were their touchstones and eventually pulled them back home.
I could not put this one down, as is often the case with Jean Graingers novels. Remarkably complex, it is a must read!
This particular story, spanning a generation, pulled South and Northern Irish as well as British, into European wars with Germany. The twins James and Juliet, in their contrasting relationship with the mother who abandoned them, had incredibly different paths through this conflict. Their father, who had fought in the earlier war in France, tried to stay neutral, as did others. He and the Cork community were their touchstones and eventually pulled them back home.
I could not put this one down, as is often the case with Jean Graingers novels. Remarkably complex, it is a must read!
Read
November 12, 2020So Much Owed: An Irish World War 2 Story is by Jean Grainger. Jean Grainger is an Irish author who has outdone herself with this book. Once you begin reading the book, it is almost impossible to put down. This book tops all her other books dealing with World War II. She takes us from Southern Ireland to the North portion Ireland and beyond her shores to France and the German occupation.
We get a chance to watch Richard Buckley’s twins grow up with Solange Allingham as their surrogate Mother. As the twins grow up, they have to face whether or not to confront their mother, Edith, about their birth and upbringing which causes the first crack in their relationship. Eventually they go their separate ways to face a hostile world. Will time bring them back together or would it be a different world?
Jean takes us into the world of World War II in Ireland and France. The characters become so real they are our dearest relatives and we laugh and cry at their activities. Will peace ever come to their small Irish town?
We get a chance to watch Richard Buckley’s twins grow up with Solange Allingham as their surrogate Mother. As the twins grow up, they have to face whether or not to confront their mother, Edith, about their birth and upbringing which causes the first crack in their relationship. Eventually they go their separate ways to face a hostile world. Will time bring them back together or would it be a different world?
Jean takes us into the world of World War II in Ireland and France. The characters become so real they are our dearest relatives and we laugh and cry at their activities. Will peace ever come to their small Irish town?
August 28, 2022
Couldn’t put it down. Really liked following the events and connections that showed where Ireland, both North and South, fit into the picture in World War 2. I listen to this as an audiobook and found The male narrators voice both soothing and interesting. However, there was a lot of French spoken during the story and one would have expected, based on the presumed knowledge of the characters that their pronunciation would be very correct… but the narrator made so many mistakes with French pronunciation. Even though the accent sounded very “pretty” so many words were mispronounced, that it was distracting. Regarding the characters I also had some problems with them finding them not too believable in some cases and very unlikable in many cases. But I still enjoyed the action and fitting the pieces of the plot together.One question that seemed to be left open to me, was the reason why Edith liked her son so much and despised her daughter so much. It seemed a bit arbitrary And I kept thinking there was going to be a revelation of some mystery that would explain this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2018
Christmas 1918 - Dunderrig House, West Cork, Ireland. Dr Richard Buckley returns to his beloved Dunderrig, disillusioned and damaged by the futility of war. At his side is Solange Allingham, his best friend's widow who has lost everything she ever loved. Richard's wife Edith is bitter at what she sees as her husband's betrayal of his country by wearing a British uniform. After giving birth to twins, she withdraws into a silent world, finally leaving her family for strange new bedfellows. Solange is obliged to overcome her own heartbreak to become the mother Edith's children so badly need. James and Juliet are inseparable and incorrigible and the life blood of Dunderrig. As they grow up, they come of age into a world where despite the horrors of the past, war looms large yet again. From tranquil West Cork to wartime Belfast, from neutral Dublin to occupied France, the twins lives diverge in unforeseen ways as Dunderrig waits anxiously once more for the safe return of its children.
February 24, 2018
I was really enjoying this book! Christian values are important to me, and I didn't care for a couple of 'F-Bombs' earlier in the book, but kept reading. I really thought I would be able to recommend it...but then Solange, a sort of stepmother, is remembered as having told the pretty young lady whom she had raised from birth that "I know you did not have sex with Danny. It was one of the reasons I knew you and he were wrong for each other." Then she goes on to say, "I know the nuns (I'm not Catholic) told you in school that you must not ever have sex before you are married, and then, only to make a baby, but it is not so." I was very disappointed!...and that was as far as I got. Although I agree that sex is not only for making babies, I still believe in morality: Abstinence outside of marriage, and fidelity within. At least by reading 41% of the book, I learned a little bit about Ireland, and its relations with England during that time. It could have been such a good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews