1691: A Novel

by Joe Joyce

It's May 1691 and the events of the fateful year that still casts its shadow over Ireland are about to begin.The armies of the English King James and his Dutch usurper King William are on the move in Ireland once again, resuming where they had left off for the winter.James's army has been pushed westwards beyond theRiver Shannon by its defeat at the battle of the Boyne the previoussummer. But, with a new general just arrived from France, it is far from beaten.Through the personalities of two opposing generals, theIrish Patrick Sarsfield and the Scottish Hugh Mackay, 1691: A Novel uses the techniques of fiction to bring to life the friendships and enmities that lay behind the coming sieges and the deadliest battle fought onIrish soil.

479 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2020

About the author

Joe Joyce is the author of five thrillers: ECHOLAND, ECHOBEAT and ECHOWAVE (spy novels set during the Second World War in neutral Dublin), THE TRIGGER MAN (set during the Irish 'Troubles' in the late 1980s) and OFF THE RECORD (set in the 1970s world of Irish journalism), as well as a history/biography of THE GUINNESSES and a critically acclaimed play,THE TOWER, about James Joyce and Oliver St John Gogarty. He is co-author with Peter Murtagh of THE BOSS, the classic account of Irish politician Charles Haughey in power, and BLIND JUSTICE, about a celebrated miscarriage of justice. He has worked as a journalist for The Irish Times, The Guardian, and Reuters news agency.

Reviews

[Michael Bully · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a great deal to admire in the novel '1691' written by Irish historian and fiction writer Joe Joyce, perhaps better known for his novels set in Ireland in World War 2- or 'The Emergency' . The author's extensive knowledge of the key events that occurred in Ireland is self evident. The leading military commanders, Tyrconnell, Patrick Sarsfeld, Marquis de Saint-Ruhe, Baron de Ginckel, Hugh Mackay all appear, and the point of view switches between the two sides. The fact that both the Jacobites and Williamite forces were international armies is emphasised. In the former the French antagonised their Irish and Scottish allies. In the latter the Dutch and Germans faced tense relations with the English and Scots. Of course the religious division is significant, and also events took on an international importance. William of Orange was also heading a continental alliance against Louis XIV of France, who in turn aided the Irish Jacobites....who seemed to be continually waiting for another French fleet to save them. The author avoids offering a romantic view of the conflict.

The depiction of the battle of Aughrim ( taking place in County Galway on 12th July 1691) , which began as a potential Jacobite victory but turned into a Williamite success with horrendous loss of life to the Jacobites later in the day, is engaging and authentic. The subsequent siege of Limerick is conveyed well. But perhaps the novel's great triumph concerns how the Treaty of Limerick was concluded. The diplomatic wrangling and the final double crossing is fascinating. Can't think of many historical novels where the signing of a treaty becomes so interesting. '1691' ends with many of the surviving Jacobites departing for France. Some were French soldiers returning home, others were Irishmen ready to fight in Europe.

So heartily recommend this novel. Especially as the Irish war following the Battle of the Boyne gets so overlooked

[E R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable!

This book tells the story of a period in Irish history that I was largely ignorant of and therefore found it extremely interesting. It is very well written and easy to follow. It has sparked an interest in me to seek out further knowledge about this period. I definitely recommend it to anyone with an interest in Irish history.

[Barbara Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

Really good Irish historical fiction on a subject I knew little about. Very well researched and the various characters on both sides are brought to life. Excellent book

[Marie Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

Would love to see this on screen , great story .
As always in Irish history , I wondered what if ...