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The Blue Washing Bag
Denied her real identity, she will find the truth behind her birth!
1940
The Payton twins, born to an unmarried mother in a small town in rural Ireland, are brought to the children’s home by the Parish Priest. Constantly reminded of their mother’s unforgivable fall from grace, they suffer the consequences of her shameful act. Separated without warning at the age of eight, the bond they shared is broken.
1960
Molly Payton arrives in town. Shiny red suitcase in her hand – looking forward to a clean slate – hopeful of a bright future. She is forced to leave again less than a year later, traumatized … having left her baby behind.
1985
Years later, Daisy discovers the distressing truth of her past. Abandoned at birth, left at the side of the street in a washing bag. She has encountered many hardships on her journey which only serve to strengthen her resolve, to prepare her as she sets out to find those who are responsible … and make them pay.
1940
The Payton twins, born to an unmarried mother in a small town in rural Ireland, are brought to the children’s home by the Parish Priest. Constantly reminded of their mother’s unforgivable fall from grace, they suffer the consequences of her shameful act. Separated without warning at the age of eight, the bond they shared is broken.
1960
Molly Payton arrives in town. Shiny red suitcase in her hand – looking forward to a clean slate – hopeful of a bright future. She is forced to leave again less than a year later, traumatized … having left her baby behind.
1985
Years later, Daisy discovers the distressing truth of her past. Abandoned at birth, left at the side of the street in a washing bag. She has encountered many hardships on her journey which only serve to strengthen her resolve, to prepare her as she sets out to find those who are responsible … and make them pay.
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2020
45 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Mary Clancy
3 books8 followersMary Clancy lives in County Kildare, Ireland. She was born in Tipperary Town. Mary began writing in earnest after retiring from her job as social worker (Child Protection and Fostering).
Mary writes historical fiction, family dramas – stories about women who battle their way towards resilience, juggling the unpredictable cards of life dealt to them. Mary's books are character driven, raw and emotional at times. She writes about real-life, often covert issues, in a sensitive manner.
Mary has articles published in the Irish Daily Mail - in Woman's Way magazine and Writing.ie. Mary's books are published by Poolbeg Books. They are available in paperback and ebook/kindle on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart and other book shops.
Her books to date:
The Blue Washing Bag.
Between Love And Betrayal.
The Pretend Daughters
Please follow Mary on Instagram marybaclancy1
X Marybaclancy1
Mary writes historical fiction, family dramas – stories about women who battle their way towards resilience, juggling the unpredictable cards of life dealt to them. Mary's books are character driven, raw and emotional at times. She writes about real-life, often covert issues, in a sensitive manner.
Mary has articles published in the Irish Daily Mail - in Woman's Way magazine and Writing.ie. Mary's books are published by Poolbeg Books. They are available in paperback and ebook/kindle on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart and other book shops.
Her books to date:
The Blue Washing Bag.
Between Love And Betrayal.
The Pretend Daughters
Please follow Mary on Instagram marybaclancy1
X Marybaclancy1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 16, 2021
The Blue Washing Bag by Mary Clancy was truly an outstanding book that I thoroughly enjoyed. The book started out with a bang and continued on a fast pace the rest of the way.
It has a very strong plotline that is carefully developed throughout the rest of the book. Outside the local Catholic Church, a small group finds a baby in a blue washing bag. Off we go!
The book then continues on to tell the story of this baby, Daisy O’Neill and how she went through a journey of life that had painful ips and downs. When very young she married because she was pregnant. We find that her husband was a drunk and someone who is not particularly fond of working. Fortunately this is very stereotypical of Irish couples in novels.
It was fantastic to see her recover from her early struggles and put herself in her proper place.
The characterization was outstanding. I could relate to Daisy and I could feel the pains when she went through an abusive situations and the joy when she was more successful late in life. I also felt strong dislike for her husband. All well developed.
Like I said earlier my one I stumble what is the typical Irish stereotype of the drunk husband who doesn’t work.
Finally, I thought that the book was well researched and portrayed the Ireland that I have encountered as I’ve traveled throughout the country.
I received an advanced review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily
It has a very strong plotline that is carefully developed throughout the rest of the book. Outside the local Catholic Church, a small group finds a baby in a blue washing bag. Off we go!
The book then continues on to tell the story of this baby, Daisy O’Neill and how she went through a journey of life that had painful ips and downs. When very young she married because she was pregnant. We find that her husband was a drunk and someone who is not particularly fond of working. Fortunately this is very stereotypical of Irish couples in novels.
It was fantastic to see her recover from her early struggles and put herself in her proper place.
The characterization was outstanding. I could relate to Daisy and I could feel the pains when she went through an abusive situations and the joy when she was more successful late in life. I also felt strong dislike for her husband. All well developed.
Like I said earlier my one I stumble what is the typical Irish stereotype of the drunk husband who doesn’t work.
Finally, I thought that the book was well researched and portrayed the Ireland that I have encountered as I’ve traveled throughout the country.
I received an advanced review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily
September 25, 2020
Daisy O'Neill's life begins when she is found in a blue bag on the church steps after mass. Her biological mother, Molly Payton, has reluctantly abandoned her baby at the behest of her suspicious married boyfriend, who then puts her on a train and washes his hands of both of them as he returns to his comfortable life. Daisy is eventually adopted by a childless widow, Rose, and their bond is strong until Daisy becomes a teenager when she is besotted with the older, seemingly worldly David. She becomes pregnant, losing the baby shortly after their forced marriage. Her ties with Rose are severed when she has to choose her or David. David is an alcoholic who becomes increasingly verbally and physically abusive, while Daisy's resolve to leave him strengthens with Rose's warnings about him ringing in her ears.
Meanwhile, Molly, who was separated from her twin brother in a children's home after their mother dies, is becoming increasingly mentally ill and is hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital. This story follows Daisy's resolve to reunite with a terminally ill Rose, and to learn the truth about her birth parents. Daisy's confidence in herself grows exponentially after a series of bad decisions, and she is able to right the injustices done to her and her birth mother.
This is a very good debut novel by a promising author. The characters are well developed, and the ending ties up all the loose ends.
Meanwhile, Molly, who was separated from her twin brother in a children's home after their mother dies, is becoming increasingly mentally ill and is hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital. This story follows Daisy's resolve to reunite with a terminally ill Rose, and to learn the truth about her birth parents. Daisy's confidence in herself grows exponentially after a series of bad decisions, and she is able to right the injustices done to her and her birth mother.
This is a very good debut novel by a promising author. The characters are well developed, and the ending ties up all the loose ends.
March 1, 2021
A wonderful debut novel by Mary Clancy. Wonderful, strong and interesting characters, and a disturbing story of a Catholic Ireland that victimized unmarried, pregnant women.
It follows the lives of Molly And the newborn baby, Daisy that she abandoned, because she was poor, mentally ill, and unable to care for her baby. It’s the story of the men in their lives that abused and violated them, and the support systems that took advantage of their plight, and offered them nothing.
My appreciation to Poolbeg Press and NetGalley for the ARC. I loved this book and the new author I’ve been introduced to! I look forward to her next offering.
It follows the lives of Molly And the newborn baby, Daisy that she abandoned, because she was poor, mentally ill, and unable to care for her baby. It’s the story of the men in their lives that abused and violated them, and the support systems that took advantage of their plight, and offered them nothing.
My appreciation to Poolbeg Press and NetGalley for the ARC. I loved this book and the new author I’ve been introduced to! I look forward to her next offering.
December 5, 2020
It's a surprise that this is actually Mary's debut! I was thoroughly impressed. The characters were so fleshed out, in fact, that sometimes it's as if they were right here with me, acting out their scenes in front of me. The issues of mental health and domestic violence were dealt with in such a realistic manner, and I, for one, am very appreciative of that fact. They are not issues to be handled lightly, or skimmed over, yet that it what you see happening in many books. Its sad, really. Overall I give Washing Bag 4 gold stars. Awesome job! Very entertaining read (:
Thanks BookSirens for giving me the PDF in advance so that I can share my thoughts and opinions with y'all 💛
Thanks BookSirens for giving me the PDF in advance so that I can share my thoughts and opinions with y'all 💛
February 2, 2021
This is a very good novel (4.5 stars) about a blue washing bag found outside a church and the people if effects. The characters are well developed and interesting. There is suspense and a twisted ending. There are two stories in this novel regarding two women. I felt sorry for the two women who dominate the story while feeling rage and contempt for others. The beginning dovetails nicely with the ending of the story. Societal behavior in Ireland during the timeframe (early 60’s to mid 80’s) impacting the lives of the women were well represented. This debut novel was written by a former social worker who accurately describes how society and upbringing can shape and influence one’s life. I am amazed that this is a debut novel and look forward to reading more from this author. The book was an advanced review copy for my honest review. I thank the author and Poolbeg publishing as well as BookSiren for this opportunity.
December 1, 2020
The Blue Washing Bag by Mary Clancy was published September 2020 with Poolbeg Press and is described as ‘a gripping 1940s Irish family saga’ Following the lives of a family from the 1940s to the 1980s it takes the reader on a journey through a very different Ireland when communities kept many secrets close to their hearts.
Daisy O’ Neill grew up in a home where she was very much loved but also very much protected. Her mother, Rose, was an older lady when she adopted Daisy but this truth was never revealed to Daisy until Rose lay on her death-bed many years later. Daisy’s beginnings were very sad, a child abandoned outside a church in 1965, in a blue washing bag. Rose very much wanted to keep this shocking truth from Daisy but in doing so, alienated her daughter through the teenage years. Rose was quite set in her ways but her love for Daisy was always evident. Rose had lost her husband and never had children of her own so Daisy was very dear and very special to her.
Against all her mother’s advice Daisy married in her early twenties. Her husband, Tom, was older than her, a man about town and Daisy thought that he would take her away from the suffocation of her life with Rose. But Daisy was about to make a disastrous mistake. Tom was not all that she had hoped for as married life took a completely unexpected and troublesome turn.
The year before Daisy was born, Molly Payton came to town. Escaping her own past, one that caused her much pain, Molly had hoped for a new life, a new beginning but Molly’s dreams were to be shattered. Within twelve months she was leaving town again and abandoning a part of her that she would, and could, never forget. Molly’s story was a heart-breaking one, one that was all too real for many young girls who became pregnant in an Ireland of long ago. There was great shame attached to any young woman who gave birth out of wedlock and terrible pressures were put on them to give up their babies. Molly herself had grown up in a care-home, so had herself experienced that feeling of abandonment, that feeling of being unwanted. Molly Payton’s story is tragic and quite a disturbing one.
Mary Clancy is a writer who is fascinated by a time in our society when some women and young girls were treated with disdain and, ofttimes, shamed for their very existence. Behind the closed doors of too many houses there was a woman on her knees begging forgiveness, a young girl hiding away, for fear of a secret being discovered, in absolute terror of what would come next. In The Blue Washing Bag, Mary Clancy digs deep into many of these themes, with multiple stories interwoven into this, at times, bleak depiction of times past. The male characters in this book are predominantly portrayed as rather unlikable and weak individuals who prey on the weak and the innocent.
Daisy herself was a character I had very mixed feelings towards. I wanted to have more empathy for her but some of her actions were just not pleasant. She suffered a difficult life but, in turn, she treated some people in her life quite harshly. Was she a product of her upbringing? Did society play a hand in how her life transpired? There is an anger running through Daisy, a frustration grown out of how her life began. Daisy did make her own bed and paid dearly for it. In her haste to break away bad decisions were made, ones that she was challenged to overturn. Forgiveness is a trait that Daisy struggled with but can we blame her for this?
Mary Clancy worked for many years as a social worker and in child protection so she brings her own knowledge and experiences to The Blue Washing Bag, a book that was one she felt she needed to write.
“Loving the countryside, and the way of life of the Irish people, I have always found it intriguing to hear stories of long ago. Stories about how young Irish women and men lived their lives in a society where the Church and State were not to be reckoned with. Stories about those who faltered against the norms of the society in which they lived. And the moral police who morally policed the lives of others within their own communities. Nine times out of ten it was the women who suffered.”– Mary Clancy
The Blue Washing Bag is very much about finding the strength deep within to keep going, to keep the head up and navigate a personal course through life against great difficulties. An unusual book in that I couldn’t fully empathise with Daisy but, in saying that, probably a more realistic depiction of the impact of societal behaviour on the development of a person. We are all moulded by our past and it can prove very challenging for some to completely move beyond the scars, both physical and emotional, that are left behind.
Daisy O’ Neill grew up in a home where she was very much loved but also very much protected. Her mother, Rose, was an older lady when she adopted Daisy but this truth was never revealed to Daisy until Rose lay on her death-bed many years later. Daisy’s beginnings were very sad, a child abandoned outside a church in 1965, in a blue washing bag. Rose very much wanted to keep this shocking truth from Daisy but in doing so, alienated her daughter through the teenage years. Rose was quite set in her ways but her love for Daisy was always evident. Rose had lost her husband and never had children of her own so Daisy was very dear and very special to her.
Against all her mother’s advice Daisy married in her early twenties. Her husband, Tom, was older than her, a man about town and Daisy thought that he would take her away from the suffocation of her life with Rose. But Daisy was about to make a disastrous mistake. Tom was not all that she had hoped for as married life took a completely unexpected and troublesome turn.
The year before Daisy was born, Molly Payton came to town. Escaping her own past, one that caused her much pain, Molly had hoped for a new life, a new beginning but Molly’s dreams were to be shattered. Within twelve months she was leaving town again and abandoning a part of her that she would, and could, never forget. Molly’s story was a heart-breaking one, one that was all too real for many young girls who became pregnant in an Ireland of long ago. There was great shame attached to any young woman who gave birth out of wedlock and terrible pressures were put on them to give up their babies. Molly herself had grown up in a care-home, so had herself experienced that feeling of abandonment, that feeling of being unwanted. Molly Payton’s story is tragic and quite a disturbing one.
Mary Clancy is a writer who is fascinated by a time in our society when some women and young girls were treated with disdain and, ofttimes, shamed for their very existence. Behind the closed doors of too many houses there was a woman on her knees begging forgiveness, a young girl hiding away, for fear of a secret being discovered, in absolute terror of what would come next. In The Blue Washing Bag, Mary Clancy digs deep into many of these themes, with multiple stories interwoven into this, at times, bleak depiction of times past. The male characters in this book are predominantly portrayed as rather unlikable and weak individuals who prey on the weak and the innocent.
Daisy herself was a character I had very mixed feelings towards. I wanted to have more empathy for her but some of her actions were just not pleasant. She suffered a difficult life but, in turn, she treated some people in her life quite harshly. Was she a product of her upbringing? Did society play a hand in how her life transpired? There is an anger running through Daisy, a frustration grown out of how her life began. Daisy did make her own bed and paid dearly for it. In her haste to break away bad decisions were made, ones that she was challenged to overturn. Forgiveness is a trait that Daisy struggled with but can we blame her for this?
Mary Clancy worked for many years as a social worker and in child protection so she brings her own knowledge and experiences to The Blue Washing Bag, a book that was one she felt she needed to write.
“Loving the countryside, and the way of life of the Irish people, I have always found it intriguing to hear stories of long ago. Stories about how young Irish women and men lived their lives in a society where the Church and State were not to be reckoned with. Stories about those who faltered against the norms of the society in which they lived. And the moral police who morally policed the lives of others within their own communities. Nine times out of ten it was the women who suffered.”– Mary Clancy
The Blue Washing Bag is very much about finding the strength deep within to keep going, to keep the head up and navigate a personal course through life against great difficulties. An unusual book in that I couldn’t fully empathise with Daisy but, in saying that, probably a more realistic depiction of the impact of societal behaviour on the development of a person. We are all moulded by our past and it can prove very challenging for some to completely move beyond the scars, both physical and emotional, that are left behind.
May 8, 2021
When a blue canvas bag is left on a Catholic priest’s doorstep, Ballygore residents are left wondering what to do with the orphaned baby carefully tucked inside. When a reclusive widow steps in to raise the infant child, a headstrong girl named Daisy grows up under the watchful eye of a very sheltered woman. Readers initially meet the birth mother, Molly Payton, on the day of the child’s merciful abandonment in 1965, but as the plot jumps back in time, it becomes clear what sort of woman Molly truly is. Orphaned at an extremely young age herself, she and her twin brother James were sent to a children’s home in 1935. A traumatic separation at the age of eight triggered a cascade of emotional reactions that left her permanently sullen, subdued, and scarred. Repeated admissions to a psychiatric hospital in Dublin became her primary state of existence.
As the plot progresses forward to 1985, readers become privy to the private life of Daisy, as she begins to encounter and experience her own accidental pregnancy woes and marriage complications. Having grown up completely unaware of her canvas-bag beginnings, she receives quite the shock when the truth is finally revealed. Determined to finally uncover the identities of her true birth parents, she sets out on a quest to find a reliable eyewitness and meet her familial contributors.
Being Clancy’s debut novel, I greatly enjoyed how various time segments of the storyline were interwoven. Through several creative character associations, Clancy was able to reintroduce certain personalities back into the plot in fresh and unexpected ways. I also appreciated seeing Daisy begin to embrace her survivalist instincts while determining what it was she truly deserved.
Readers will encounter several mentions of alcoholism, infidelity, and spousal conflict. Since several instances involve disturbing physical abuse and verbal threats, readers who are sensitive to intimate partner violence should be forewarned. Repeated instances of panicked desperation, bargaining, emotional abuse, and accidental pregnancies put many of the characters in very tough spots, and members of both genders will do almost anything to avoid the shame of scandalous offspring.
I would gladly recommend this story to readers who appreciate works of historical fiction. As Daisy begins to embrace a brave sense of defiance, she sheds her restrictive vulnerabilities and stops feeling like a paralyzed victim, but her investigative mission leads her down a path of vengeful retribution that tests her moral conscience. Clancy effectively pulls readers into her world of intense family sagas and emotionally dramatic interactions, making us all contemplate how we got to where we are today.
As the plot progresses forward to 1985, readers become privy to the private life of Daisy, as she begins to encounter and experience her own accidental pregnancy woes and marriage complications. Having grown up completely unaware of her canvas-bag beginnings, she receives quite the shock when the truth is finally revealed. Determined to finally uncover the identities of her true birth parents, she sets out on a quest to find a reliable eyewitness and meet her familial contributors.
Being Clancy’s debut novel, I greatly enjoyed how various time segments of the storyline were interwoven. Through several creative character associations, Clancy was able to reintroduce certain personalities back into the plot in fresh and unexpected ways. I also appreciated seeing Daisy begin to embrace her survivalist instincts while determining what it was she truly deserved.
Readers will encounter several mentions of alcoholism, infidelity, and spousal conflict. Since several instances involve disturbing physical abuse and verbal threats, readers who are sensitive to intimate partner violence should be forewarned. Repeated instances of panicked desperation, bargaining, emotional abuse, and accidental pregnancies put many of the characters in very tough spots, and members of both genders will do almost anything to avoid the shame of scandalous offspring.
I would gladly recommend this story to readers who appreciate works of historical fiction. As Daisy begins to embrace a brave sense of defiance, she sheds her restrictive vulnerabilities and stops feeling like a paralyzed victim, but her investigative mission leads her down a path of vengeful retribution that tests her moral conscience. Clancy effectively pulls readers into her world of intense family sagas and emotionally dramatic interactions, making us all contemplate how we got to where we are today.
December 5, 2020
A decent read about the struggles of women in Ireland from the 1950’s-1980’s and probably right up to 2020. Having a child out of wedlock , then forced to give it up for adoption is never easy. This book chronicles the life of women who are single , women who become pregnant without support, women who are abused , neglected and suffer from mental health issues. It also shows the strength of women and their determination to make wrongs - right.
March 24, 2021
Well written, sad and uplifting. Although it is fictional it really does tell the story of Ireland from 1940s to 1980s.
March 15, 2021
Excellent book, could not put it down once I turned the first page, kept my attention until the very end, with an fantastic ending, well worth the read.
May 1, 2021
A gripping emotional read about an abandoned baby in Ireland you can relate to the characters in this novel especially about the baby that grew up into a mature sensible adult a happy romantic ending for the baby which was abandoned all those years ago in Ireland.
February 9, 2021
This was such a heart provoking read and so in touch with what is going on in Ireland at present between the mother and baby scandal and the coercive control laws we finally have ..the author brought her obvious lived experience into her writings and brought the characters to life that I could relate to ..loved the end twist wasn’t expecting that ..looking forward to the next one!
November 17, 2020
Thank you Book Sirens and Mary Clancy for this ARC of The Blue Washing Bag. When I chose this book I only had the name and description to go by, I'd never heard of the author and with this being her debut novel I'd obviously never read anything from her. I love the adventure of reading from a new author and the anticipation of their words. I must be honest and say prior to opening this one I'd just finished two John Steinbeck books, so the bar was high for Ms. Clancy. I was not disappointed.
The Blue Washing Bag was much better than I anticipated. After I completed the first few chapters I knew it was going to be one I wouldn't be able to put down and did in fact finish it in one day! The story lines were captivating especially when she touched on mental illness right off the bat, then delved into domestic violence, both of which I've experienced and survived. I'm a pretty tough critic on those topics and hold the author to the fire when they choose to use these topics as story lines. I found Clancy was pretty dead on with her descriptions, feelings and experiences of these characters in these situations. Either she's got experience or has done her research! To us survivors this is important and necessary!
The story was tragic and sad, yet as I continued reading I also found it uplifting and grand. The story of Daisy and Rose was so touching while being so complicated, as most mother daughter relationships are, but theirs had the twist of the unknown. There was also the suspense of wondering when Daisy would find out what really happened when she was a baby and how would Rose handle it when that truth came out. The characters were all written in a real and touchable way. They were almost three dimensional on the page and although not all of them were likeable, I was able to cheer for most of them as they struggled to come to terms with the past, especially Daisy. Then we have Molly, the poor dear who never really stood a chance in life and was used and thrown away at every turn in life only to be finally dropped off and left to be forgotten when all was said and done. Thank goodness for Daisy and her persistence and determination to know her history! There are many twists and turns that may require you to hold on, but the ending is not to be missed! The twist at the end left me with my mouth dropped open, as it will you too I'm sure! Hang on you won't see it coming!
Seriously, this is a really good book and I'm really glad I chose it. It's always a random pick when I choose a new author to read, but I love to read from new talent and see what they've got to offer. Kind of like opening a treasure box not knowing what to expect. I opened this box up and found a literary treasure. I'm going to keep my eyes open for more from Mary Clancy for sure. I say read this one!
The Blue Washing Bag was much better than I anticipated. After I completed the first few chapters I knew it was going to be one I wouldn't be able to put down and did in fact finish it in one day! The story lines were captivating especially when she touched on mental illness right off the bat, then delved into domestic violence, both of which I've experienced and survived. I'm a pretty tough critic on those topics and hold the author to the fire when they choose to use these topics as story lines. I found Clancy was pretty dead on with her descriptions, feelings and experiences of these characters in these situations. Either she's got experience or has done her research! To us survivors this is important and necessary!
The story was tragic and sad, yet as I continued reading I also found it uplifting and grand. The story of Daisy and Rose was so touching while being so complicated, as most mother daughter relationships are, but theirs had the twist of the unknown. There was also the suspense of wondering when Daisy would find out what really happened when she was a baby and how would Rose handle it when that truth came out. The characters were all written in a real and touchable way. They were almost three dimensional on the page and although not all of them were likeable, I was able to cheer for most of them as they struggled to come to terms with the past, especially Daisy. Then we have Molly, the poor dear who never really stood a chance in life and was used and thrown away at every turn in life only to be finally dropped off and left to be forgotten when all was said and done. Thank goodness for Daisy and her persistence and determination to know her history! There are many twists and turns that may require you to hold on, but the ending is not to be missed! The twist at the end left me with my mouth dropped open, as it will you too I'm sure! Hang on you won't see it coming!
Seriously, this is a really good book and I'm really glad I chose it. It's always a random pick when I choose a new author to read, but I love to read from new talent and see what they've got to offer. Kind of like opening a treasure box not knowing what to expect. I opened this box up and found a literary treasure. I'm going to keep my eyes open for more from Mary Clancy for sure. I say read this one!
December 1, 2020
Molly Payton is forced by her unscrupulous lover to abandon her illegitimate baby girl outside the church and leave town. Years later, the now-grown-up Daisy has no clue of her background. She is suffering through an abusive marriage, and just when she has had enough, she finds out her secret from her adoptive mother. All she has as a clue is the blue washing bag she was swaddled in.
The book is a valiant debut attempt. Rather than sticking to a straightforward narrative, the author Mary Clancy attempts an ingenious method. The initial chapters kept changing the narrative perspective to a different character. While still in 3rd person, the shifts in character viewpoint help us to look at the background and thought process of all the key players of the story. However, after a point, you realise that this serves more as a handicap rather than as an advantage. Because of the frequent jumps, you can't connect in depth to any of the characters. You just keep flitting from character to character in every chapter. While the author does keep the story moving ahead during these changes, it still restricts the pace of the book. The first 8 chapters go this way. It's only from chapter 8 onwards that the narrative viewpoint is mostly that of Daisy.There are many characters that have the potential to be loved. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen because of the writing style.
The book covers difficult themes such as mental illness and domestic violence. I did expect to like the book a lot more because it is from one of my favourite genres. But somehow, I couldn't connect with it. The story just drags a lot midway and I was forced to skip and skim my way to the end.
I received an advance review copy of the book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
*************************************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
The book is a valiant debut attempt. Rather than sticking to a straightforward narrative, the author Mary Clancy attempts an ingenious method. The initial chapters kept changing the narrative perspective to a different character. While still in 3rd person, the shifts in character viewpoint help us to look at the background and thought process of all the key players of the story. However, after a point, you realise that this serves more as a handicap rather than as an advantage. Because of the frequent jumps, you can't connect in depth to any of the characters. You just keep flitting from character to character in every chapter. While the author does keep the story moving ahead during these changes, it still restricts the pace of the book. The first 8 chapters go this way. It's only from chapter 8 onwards that the narrative viewpoint is mostly that of Daisy.There are many characters that have the potential to be loved. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen because of the writing style.
The book covers difficult themes such as mental illness and domestic violence. I did expect to like the book a lot more because it is from one of my favourite genres. But somehow, I couldn't connect with it. The story just drags a lot midway and I was forced to skip and skim my way to the end.
I received an advance review copy of the book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
*************************************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
November 17, 2020
Brilliant from start to finish thoroughly. enjoyed it i woud highly recommended it woud rate it Five stars cant wait for next one 👏👏🦋
November 11, 2020
Wow! The Blue Washing Bag is amazing. The author did a wonderful job of bringing this story to life. Although fiction, I feel like this could have been non-fiction. Characters and connections that twist and turn like a roller coaster ride that you don't want to get off of. I was so deeply enthralled that I stayed up all night reading. I absolutely could not put it away. By far the best book I've read this year.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 4, 2021
I didn't think I would, but I enjoyed this book from start to finish. (I read it in one day.) It was beautifully and sadly written at times, but a wonderful story of triumph over adversity. Sometimes very adverse circumstances!
The span of time and shifting of characters was smoothly done, never loosing a beat. Both mother and daughter, Molly and Daisy, were strong women each in their own unique ways. Some may say, "no, not Molly", but I vehemently disagree. Parents being gone, being separated from her twin brother and eventually an unwed mother in the sixties one has to have some intestinal fortitude. Unfortunately, maybe not enough.
Daisy may have been on the same path, but she toughened up quickly and became the mistress of her own destiny. Determined to find the truth of her own family, armed only with the strength of character learned from her adopted mother, she eventually triumphs.
In the end a crucial question remains unanswered. Is Ms. Clancy working on a second book? Who knows? I'm always game for a good series. How about you?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you, BookSirens for the opportunity to read and offer my opinion.
#BookSirens, #TheBlueWashingBag
The span of time and shifting of characters was smoothly done, never loosing a beat. Both mother and daughter, Molly and Daisy, were strong women each in their own unique ways. Some may say, "no, not Molly", but I vehemently disagree. Parents being gone, being separated from her twin brother and eventually an unwed mother in the sixties one has to have some intestinal fortitude. Unfortunately, maybe not enough.
Daisy may have been on the same path, but she toughened up quickly and became the mistress of her own destiny. Determined to find the truth of her own family, armed only with the strength of character learned from her adopted mother, she eventually triumphs.
In the end a crucial question remains unanswered. Is Ms. Clancy working on a second book? Who knows? I'm always game for a good series. How about you?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you, BookSirens for the opportunity to read and offer my opinion.
#BookSirens, #TheBlueWashingBag
November 10, 2020
I was drawn in from the start, into Daisy's life. The story fascinates because it's so hard to imagine these things happening now. It's a wonderful tale of the time, the conditions but also one of hope. For me, a lot of the pleasure in reading this book came from Mary Clancy's writing style, so easy and a natural storyteller. I highly recommend this and can't wait for the next instalment.
October 30, 2020
What a story!! Have no where to begin. A woman finds a bag with a newborn baby girl takes her buns raises her as her own. There is some background on the mother who had the baby and why she was given up. Then you have this little girl growing up with just a mom and she turns 18 and off to her own life she goes! Follow Daisy 's life as she grows up,and what she faces as she leaves and goes on her own and marries. This is such a emotional story of Daisy and whats happens in her marriage.. Where is her mom while all of this is going on in this trouble abusive marriage. If you were in a abusive marriage or relationship it's in this book and I don't know if it will upset you or not but it did me some but I got through it.It wasn't as bad as I have read before.. Follow Daisy and her life,her not many relationships with others as she has no friends she can turn to! Grab your tissues ,you will need them! I so really enjoyed the book and it gets you to thinking,especially if you are or were in a abusive relationship. As much as I cried,it was a really good book.
October 4, 2020
A very absorbing and exciting debut novel! Well written it tells about the conditions of Irish single mothers and married women in the 1960's and 1980's. Men still had power over women and their body. Daisy shows how she fights to get independence and revenge over them, not only on an emotional level, but also through the search for her own identity.
Thank you, Mary for letting me read this story for free on BookSirens.
Thank you, Mary for letting me read this story for free on BookSirens.
February 9, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this first novel by author Mary Clancy Having grown up in a rural irish town in the 50s and 60s, I could recognize the characters. Mary's portrayal of them s was very real and her dialogue flowed freely . I loved each chapter with its twists and turns. I was transported by her writing and look forward eagerly to her next book, which I hope will thrill and delight as this did.
November 21, 2020
What a fantastic book, so enjoyed reading it. The story line was gripping which resulted in me wanting to read the book in one sitting. Cant wait for her next book.
This is a too buy book for Xmas presents, people will love it.
This is a too buy book for Xmas presents, people will love it.
September 26, 2020
Very good debut novel, looking forward to more books from Mary .
January 13, 2021
Couldn't put it down
Fantastic read a real page turner, finished it in 2 days. Crazy Ireland in the 1960s and what women went through
Fantastic read a real page turner, finished it in 2 days. Crazy Ireland in the 1960s and what women went through
November 14, 2020
The story begins in the year 1965, when Molly Payton leaves a Blue Washing Bag near the church on a Sunday morning and vanishes. Her whereabouts are unknown. The bag has a few days old baby.
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During the 1980s, Daisy falls in love with Tom Arnold and leaves everything to marry him despite her mother, Rose objecting to it. A few weeks into the marriage, Tom starts showing his true colours. He is an alcoholic, wife-beater and a control-freak. He successfully isolates her and makes her a target of his violence. After 5 years of bearing his brutality, she gathers the courage to leave him when she finds that her mother is terminally ill.
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Rose reveals the secret of Daisy's birth and it shatters Daisy. Determined to find her birth mother, she comes to know about the Payton Twins born in the 1940s and the story of their lives.
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Daisy is now on a quest to find her real identity by finding her real parents. How and what she finds out about herself? What realisations she has in the course of the search?
.
The premise of the story is strong and interesting. It travels through various timelines in a smooth manner. The characters are well-built and make the story come alive.
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I did feel that the story dragged and got repetitive at some points. As a reader, it made me impatient to find what happened next. But then towards the end, it just got better.
.
I recommend this book for the mystery around the characters and a strong storyline.
.
During the 1980s, Daisy falls in love with Tom Arnold and leaves everything to marry him despite her mother, Rose objecting to it. A few weeks into the marriage, Tom starts showing his true colours. He is an alcoholic, wife-beater and a control-freak. He successfully isolates her and makes her a target of his violence. After 5 years of bearing his brutality, she gathers the courage to leave him when she finds that her mother is terminally ill.
.
Rose reveals the secret of Daisy's birth and it shatters Daisy. Determined to find her birth mother, she comes to know about the Payton Twins born in the 1940s and the story of their lives.
.
Daisy is now on a quest to find her real identity by finding her real parents. How and what she finds out about herself? What realisations she has in the course of the search?
.
The premise of the story is strong and interesting. It travels through various timelines in a smooth manner. The characters are well-built and make the story come alive.
.
I did feel that the story dragged and got repetitive at some points. As a reader, it made me impatient to find what happened next. But then towards the end, it just got better.
.
I recommend this book for the mystery around the characters and a strong storyline.
September 17, 2024
“The Blue Washing Bag” is the second advanced reader’s copy of a book written by Mary Clancy and provided by BookSirens that I have had the privilege and pleasure to have read. The first was “The Pretend Daughters” published last summer and which I enjoyed immensely but found just a bit difficult to follow. “The Blue Washing Bag,” however, was a better read for me, as the timeline was linear and the language far less colloquial. I thoroughly enjoyed reading both books and think that Ms. Clancy is a wonderful storyteller. She’s able to capture the essence of people and portray her characters as real people, who think and act as real people might in their circumstances. That’s not to say that there isn’t a bit of some exaggeration here and there or stereotypical characteristics, but on the whole her characters are believable. What I enjoy most about her writing are the plot twists and turns, though some may be a bit predictable. I definitely would read another one of her novels if given the chance. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 2, 2020
Mary Clancy created characters that you can understand – I can’t say I relate to them as their lives are vastly different from my own, but I certainly understand them. From the beginning, the reader is drawn in to wonder why the child was left outside the church in The Blue Washing Bag. We’re shown the life of the birth mother, having been raised in an orphanage herself, as well as the life of the child who we really get to know from the time she’s 18.
Daisy O’Neill is the baby in the washing bag. Her life in an Irish Catholic community shows us the hardships of women in Ireland in the 80s and her birth mother’s life in the 50s and 60s. Both women endured cruel treatment, and yet Daisy finds her voice and her resolve to not allow anyone to take advantage of her again. This is a story of redemption.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Daisy O’Neill is the baby in the washing bag. Her life in an Irish Catholic community shows us the hardships of women in Ireland in the 80s and her birth mother’s life in the 50s and 60s. Both women endured cruel treatment, and yet Daisy finds her voice and her resolve to not allow anyone to take advantage of her again. This is a story of redemption.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 6, 2020
Who is Daisy
The story is about a baby left next to a Catholic church in a blue washing bag by a desperate young mother with no other options. It is about the woman that raised that child as her own and about the child Daisy. It is a story of love and a story of desperation. How Daisy grew up and the secret she found when Rose died.
I think the characters are realistic and fit very well in the story. I liked how the character of Daisy ended up and was sad at how Molly ended up. I am glad that Daisy got revenge on those that wronged her.
There was a lot of Karma going on in this book. It was well deserved for the deeds the villains committed. I loved how it all came about.
It was a good book, kept me reading. I would recommend it.
Thanks to Mary Clancy and Book Sirens for allowing me to read and review the book.
The story is about a baby left next to a Catholic church in a blue washing bag by a desperate young mother with no other options. It is about the woman that raised that child as her own and about the child Daisy. It is a story of love and a story of desperation. How Daisy grew up and the secret she found when Rose died.
I think the characters are realistic and fit very well in the story. I liked how the character of Daisy ended up and was sad at how Molly ended up. I am glad that Daisy got revenge on those that wronged her.
There was a lot of Karma going on in this book. It was well deserved for the deeds the villains committed. I loved how it all came about.
It was a good book, kept me reading. I would recommend it.
Thanks to Mary Clancy and Book Sirens for allowing me to read and review the book.
October 24, 2020
3.5 There is a lot to this story. Twins separated at birth, many years later a mother forced to leave her baby behind and then we have the story of the baby as she becomes an adult. So much to like, and the simmering disgust of the antagonist will keep you turning the pages. I found this novel to be interesting and enjoyed how strength is found. However, I didn't connect to the main character as much as I would have liked to. The writing style is enjoyable and the pace is good. I would look for more stories from this author again.
A special thank you to BookSirens for an ecopy in exchange for an honest review.
A special thank you to BookSirens for an ecopy in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2022
It's a surprise that this is actually Mary's debut! I was thoroughly impressed. The characters were so fleshed out, in fact, that sometimes it's as if they were right here with me, acting out their scenes in front of me. The issues of mental health and domestic violence were dealt with in such a realistic manner, and I, for one, am very appreciative of that fact. They are not issues to be handled lightly, or skimmed over, yet that it what you see happening in many books. Its sad, really. Overall I give Washing Bag 4 gold stars. Awesome job! Very entertaining read (:
Thanks BookSirens for giving me the PDF in advance so that I can share my thoughts and opinions with y'all 💛
Thanks BookSirens for giving me the PDF in advance so that I can share my thoughts and opinions with y'all 💛
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