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Erin's Children
In 1851 Irish Famine survivor, Meg O'Connor, buys passage to America for her younger sister, Kathleen, and arranges employment for her as a maid. Kathleen's feisty spirit soon puts her at odds with her employers, the bigoted and predatory Pratts. Driven from their home, Kathleen ends up on a wild adventure taking her to places she could never have imagined.
As a domestic servant in the Worcester, Massachusetts home of the kindly Claprood family, Meg enjoys a life beyond her wildest imaginings. Yet she must keep her marriage to Rory Quinn a secret. Rory, still in Ireland, eagerly awaits the day he will join her. But as the only jobs open to Irish men pay poorly, Rory's imminent arrival threatens to plunge her back into dire poverty.
On the eve of the Civil War, while America is being rent asunder by the fight over slavery, Irish Catholics wage their own war with the growing anti-immigrant Know Nothing party. Through grave doubts, dangers, and turmoil, Meg and Kathleen must rely on their faith and the resilient bonds of sisterhood to survive and claim their destinies in a new and often hostile land.
As a domestic servant in the Worcester, Massachusetts home of the kindly Claprood family, Meg enjoys a life beyond her wildest imaginings. Yet she must keep her marriage to Rory Quinn a secret. Rory, still in Ireland, eagerly awaits the day he will join her. But as the only jobs open to Irish men pay poorly, Rory's imminent arrival threatens to plunge her back into dire poverty.
On the eve of the Civil War, while America is being rent asunder by the fight over slavery, Irish Catholics wage their own war with the growing anti-immigrant Know Nothing party. Through grave doubts, dangers, and turmoil, Meg and Kathleen must rely on their faith and the resilient bonds of sisterhood to survive and claim their destinies in a new and often hostile land.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2020
5 people are currently reading
1446 people want to read
About the author
Eileen O'Finlan
6 books220 followersEileen O’Finlan lives in central Massachusetts with a calico Maine Coon cat named Autumn Amelia who likes to "help" her with her historical research and writing mostly by shoving her research books onto the floor, sleeping on her keyboard, and demanding treats at inopportune moments. Eileen loves Autumn Amelia.
Eileen also loves history which is why she went back to college in her late twenties to earn an undergraduate degree in it. She later retunred to college for a Master's degree in Pastoral Ministry. Now she teaches online courses for the University of Dayton, Ohio. Seems she can't get enough of college.
She also can't get enough of books - reading and writing them. And cats. She can't get enough of cats. Since she's had at least one since the age of six, she can't comprehend life without a cat.
Find out more about Eileen O’Finlan at www.eileenofinlan.com , https://www.facebook.com/eileenofinla... , https://www.bookbub.com/profile/eilee... , https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B07B...
Eileen also loves history which is why she went back to college in her late twenties to earn an undergraduate degree in it. She later retunred to college for a Master's degree in Pastoral Ministry. Now she teaches online courses for the University of Dayton, Ohio. Seems she can't get enough of college.
She also can't get enough of books - reading and writing them. And cats. She can't get enough of cats. Since she's had at least one since the age of six, she can't comprehend life without a cat.
Find out more about Eileen O’Finlan at www.eileenofinlan.com , https://www.facebook.com/eileenofinla... , https://www.bookbub.com/profile/eilee... , https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B07B...
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 22, 2021
In the early 1850’s, Massachusetts experienced a large influx of immigrants from Ireland as a result of the Great Famine which claimed thousands of lives there.
Eileen O’Finlan’s thoroughly researched novel, brings that era to life as she depicts the lives of Margaret and Kathleen O’Connor who fled Ireland and travelled to Worcester, Massachusetts hoping to build better lives for themselves there. I didn’t want this novel to end! Margaret and Kathleen’s story is hard to put down as they face the challenges of life in a new country. The Irish immigrants experienced resentment and hostility as well as kindness and generosity.
This is an unforgettable and well written novel about history, family, kindness, loyalty, love and perseverance. With its likeable and realistic characters, vivid sense of place, and wonderful plot, this novel will appeal to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and a great story. It’s also a very timely story as the United States currently experiences a new wave of immigrants.
Many thanks to author Eileen O’Finlan who provided an ARC of this delightful novel to me to read and review.
NOTE: Even though this novel is a sequel to Kelegeen, it can be read as a stand alone.
Eileen O’Finlan’s thoroughly researched novel, brings that era to life as she depicts the lives of Margaret and Kathleen O’Connor who fled Ireland and travelled to Worcester, Massachusetts hoping to build better lives for themselves there. I didn’t want this novel to end! Margaret and Kathleen’s story is hard to put down as they face the challenges of life in a new country. The Irish immigrants experienced resentment and hostility as well as kindness and generosity.
This is an unforgettable and well written novel about history, family, kindness, loyalty, love and perseverance. With its likeable and realistic characters, vivid sense of place, and wonderful plot, this novel will appeal to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and a great story. It’s also a very timely story as the United States currently experiences a new wave of immigrants.
Many thanks to author Eileen O’Finlan who provided an ARC of this delightful novel to me to read and review.
NOTE: Even though this novel is a sequel to Kelegeen, it can be read as a stand alone.
November 15, 2020
Oh, how I enjoyed this book! The 1850s era is a remarkable one to read and learn about and The Great Famine (or The Hunger as in this book) is central here. Before reading the author's notes it was clear that her heart, soul and a lot of research and knowledge went into this. Some historical fiction books make scant historical references but this...this is full of them at every turn, yet not in a patronizing way, which captured my heart! I allowed myself to melt into the book today, utterly.
Two sisters, Meg and Kathleen, leave Ireland in abject poverty in desperation for better lives in America. They had barely just survived The Hunger. Many didn't. Both girls, hard workers, gain employment in America, starting from the bottom with similar tasks but very different employers. We follow them as they navigate their daily duties, employers' families, social and cultural differences and mores, weather, their relationships and their faith. Unexpected mysteries swirl around, too. Through brutal tragedies, detestable people and and joy, the author threads hope and heartwarming love. That is what tugged at me most. The book conveys such tenderness and gentleness despite of circumstances and cruelty. The girls remained steadfast. I also like that the author drew on real events.
Historical Fiction readers will adore this sweet well-written book. It's very believable. The level of historical detail is marvelous! Several storylines reveal wonderful surprises, better than biting into premium chocolates.
My sincere thank you to BWL Publishing, Inc., Eileen O'Finlan and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this beautiful, beautiful book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.
Two sisters, Meg and Kathleen, leave Ireland in abject poverty in desperation for better lives in America. They had barely just survived The Hunger. Many didn't. Both girls, hard workers, gain employment in America, starting from the bottom with similar tasks but very different employers. We follow them as they navigate their daily duties, employers' families, social and cultural differences and mores, weather, their relationships and their faith. Unexpected mysteries swirl around, too. Through brutal tragedies, detestable people and and joy, the author threads hope and heartwarming love. That is what tugged at me most. The book conveys such tenderness and gentleness despite of circumstances and cruelty. The girls remained steadfast. I also like that the author drew on real events.
Historical Fiction readers will adore this sweet well-written book. It's very believable. The level of historical detail is marvelous! Several storylines reveal wonderful surprises, better than biting into premium chocolates.
My sincere thank you to BWL Publishing, Inc., Eileen O'Finlan and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this beautiful, beautiful book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.
July 13, 2021
After surviving the Irish Potato Famine and watching many of their loved ones succumbing to starvation, Meg O'Connor makes the journey to America in search of a better life. After two years, she is able to send for her sister, Kathleen. Together the two of them struggle and flourish to make new lives for themselves and send money back home to help what's left of their family. Life for Irish immigrants in the 1850s was quite difficult as they faced racism and poor wages.
Erin's Children by Eileen O'Finlan is a powerful story of two strong women facing injustices and hardship while searching for a better life. This is the second book in the series, but it works well as a standalone as well. I never felt like I was missing something from not having previously read the first book. Well written and thoroughly researched, I really enjoyed learning more about what life was life for Irish immigrants in the 1850s. The story also explores the political landscape in the United States leading up to the Civil War and the rise of the abolitionist and nativist movements. This was my first book by Eileen O'Finlan, but I look forward to reading more.
Thanks so much to HFVBT and the author for the copy in exchange for an honest review!
Erin's Children by Eileen O'Finlan is a powerful story of two strong women facing injustices and hardship while searching for a better life. This is the second book in the series, but it works well as a standalone as well. I never felt like I was missing something from not having previously read the first book. Well written and thoroughly researched, I really enjoyed learning more about what life was life for Irish immigrants in the 1850s. The story also explores the political landscape in the United States leading up to the Civil War and the rise of the abolitionist and nativist movements. This was my first book by Eileen O'Finlan, but I look forward to reading more.
Thanks so much to HFVBT and the author for the copy in exchange for an honest review!
December 16, 2020
Every now and then, as a reader, I find myself lucky enough to begin a book so rich in characters, setting, and plot that within a few pages, the world around me disappears. Erin’s Children by Eileen O’Finlan, is just that book. The only disappointing part of the book is that it eventually ended, and I am now anxiously awaiting the next book by O’Finlan!
While romantic, funny, and plot-driven, the book is also a timely exploration of the history of immigration. The story follows the lives of Meg and Kathleen O’Connor who have fled Ireland during the Great Famine in hopes of a better life in Worcester, Massachusetts. The two women struggle to survive in the young and growing city. As difficult as that struggle proves, they still experience a great deal of friendship, love, and meaning along the way. They are both housemaids in wealthy families and are truly “the help”. Meg has landed a job in a family that cares genuinely about her well-being, while Kathleen is not as lucky. Yet each young woman, in her own spirited manner, survives and eventually, thrives.
If you are seeking a book that will propel you into the lives of intriguing characters, then Erin’s Children is for you. Exquisitely written, meticulously researched, and perfectly paced-- Erin’s Children is a delight from beginning to end.
While romantic, funny, and plot-driven, the book is also a timely exploration of the history of immigration. The story follows the lives of Meg and Kathleen O’Connor who have fled Ireland during the Great Famine in hopes of a better life in Worcester, Massachusetts. The two women struggle to survive in the young and growing city. As difficult as that struggle proves, they still experience a great deal of friendship, love, and meaning along the way. They are both housemaids in wealthy families and are truly “the help”. Meg has landed a job in a family that cares genuinely about her well-being, while Kathleen is not as lucky. Yet each young woman, in her own spirited manner, survives and eventually, thrives.
If you are seeking a book that will propel you into the lives of intriguing characters, then Erin’s Children is for you. Exquisitely written, meticulously researched, and perfectly paced-- Erin’s Children is a delight from beginning to end.
February 8, 2021
In 1855, Melville published "The Paradise of Bachelors and the Tartarus of Maids," a story contrasting the care-free lives of single young men and the difficult lives of single young women at the time. In Ms. O'Finlan's novel set at the same time as Melville's story, things are rather the opposite for Irish immigrants in Massachusetts. The two young women at the center of the novel, Meg and Kathleen, are able to find employment as maids in upper middle class families. Coming from literal starvation conditions in Ireland, life in these large well appointed houses, with food in abundance represents tremendous improvement in living conditions. However, the Irish men start new lives in America working in difficult, low paying factories and living in tenement housing. A central tension in the book is whether Meg will have to give up this sort of paradise when her husband is finally able to join her in America.
Of course, the paradise of Meg and Kathleen is only relative to where they came from. For Kathleen in particular, there is a snake in this American Eden in the form of the anti-Irish and Anti-Catholic sentiments of her host family, and one of the sons in particular. However, through a combination of hard work, skill, and good luck, many of the new immigrants are able to overcome difficult conditions and improve their lives. Others succumb to alcoholism and lack of ambition. The story of these Irish immigrants rises to a timeless story of the immigrant experience in America, with the joys and challenges that this entails.
However, Erin's Children is more than the story of immigrants in America. this deeply researched book also provides insight into the lives of Meg and Kathleen's American hosts. One gains a new appreciation for the politics and lives of America on the verge of Civil War. The story touches upon nativism, and the burgeoning anti-slavery movement that helped defined the era.
Erin's Children represents a development and expansion of Ms. O'Finlan's talent on display in Kelegeen and will be an enjoyable read for anyone interested in the immigrant experience or America on the verge of Civil War.
Of course, the paradise of Meg and Kathleen is only relative to where they came from. For Kathleen in particular, there is a snake in this American Eden in the form of the anti-Irish and Anti-Catholic sentiments of her host family, and one of the sons in particular. However, through a combination of hard work, skill, and good luck, many of the new immigrants are able to overcome difficult conditions and improve their lives. Others succumb to alcoholism and lack of ambition. The story of these Irish immigrants rises to a timeless story of the immigrant experience in America, with the joys and challenges that this entails.
However, Erin's Children is more than the story of immigrants in America. this deeply researched book also provides insight into the lives of Meg and Kathleen's American hosts. One gains a new appreciation for the politics and lives of America on the verge of Civil War. The story touches upon nativism, and the burgeoning anti-slavery movement that helped defined the era.
Erin's Children represents a development and expansion of Ms. O'Finlan's talent on display in Kelegeen and will be an enjoyable read for anyone interested in the immigrant experience or America on the verge of Civil War.
November 27, 2020
Wonderful continuation of Meg and her family from Kelegeen. Now in America in a Massachusetts mill town of the 1850s, Meg is working as a live in servant and pays for her sister Kathleen to book passage. Together the sisters spend long working hours in two very different households. Meg patiently waits for the right time to bring over the love of her life. Kathleen faces racism and sexual harassment. Wonderful series, I recommend it highly.
February 15, 2021
Memories of home
I lived in Worcester for 64 years. I moved to Florida three years ago. Reading this book, brought back many happy memories of my city. I easily recognised the streets mentioned. I have read many books on the history of Worcester. This one was one of the best.
I lived in Worcester for 64 years. I moved to Florida three years ago. Reading this book, brought back many happy memories of my city. I easily recognised the streets mentioned. I have read many books on the history of Worcester. This one was one of the best.
April 24, 2021
Once I picked this book up I could not put it down. I loved the characters and how they brought the time they lived in to life . Loved the setting in Worcester and reading about how the lives of the characters improved .
I am looking forward to finding more books by this author.
I am looking forward to finding more books by this author.
June 28, 2021
4.5
This was an interesting read into the Irish immigrants who came to American after the potato famine and how terribly they were treated. I need to buy the first book, and read that one now! The novel followed two maids who had come to America to work to send money back to help their families survive in Ireland, meanwhile trying to save to eventually bring them over as well.
Kathleen and Margaret have both found employment in the homes of middle class families. They serve as maids, and are expected to cook and clean as well as to handle anything else that is asked of them, meanwhile not being seen or heard. Kathleen has a struggle in the household she lives in, in that she is treated differently than how some of her friends are treated. She is often tested to her limits, and also terrified of the one son but she has more than she could have ever imaged when she was in Ireland.
Margaret, who goes by Meg is loving her life in America. She has a wonderful family that seems to care for her, she has managed to bring her sister over and soon hopefully she can bring her husband over as well. Although, having heard some of that Kathleen endures at her household, Meg feels a bit guilty in that she brought her here and helped her get employment.
As more and more immigrants come, and elections are nearing- there is much talk of different parties forming as well as laws and acts potentially being passed that could force all of these immigrants back to where they came from. There is also murmurs about the slaves from the south, and what would happen if they were ever free’d.
This was a very well written novel, and gave very good insight into how these poor girls were treated. Some were made to feel like family and given everything they could have ever dreamed of, and others were treated as if they were the lowest of the low and often were in fear of being sent back to where they came from. I loved the storyline of these two sisters, as well as the other immigrant characters in the story. I am not very interested in reading the first novel.
Thank you to HFVBT for the invite, and to the author for the free book. I am curious to see if there would be another one – possibly Amy’s story- or what other historical fiction the author may write.
This was an interesting read into the Irish immigrants who came to American after the potato famine and how terribly they were treated. I need to buy the first book, and read that one now! The novel followed two maids who had come to America to work to send money back to help their families survive in Ireland, meanwhile trying to save to eventually bring them over as well.
Kathleen and Margaret have both found employment in the homes of middle class families. They serve as maids, and are expected to cook and clean as well as to handle anything else that is asked of them, meanwhile not being seen or heard. Kathleen has a struggle in the household she lives in, in that she is treated differently than how some of her friends are treated. She is often tested to her limits, and also terrified of the one son but she has more than she could have ever imaged when she was in Ireland.
Margaret, who goes by Meg is loving her life in America. She has a wonderful family that seems to care for her, she has managed to bring her sister over and soon hopefully she can bring her husband over as well. Although, having heard some of that Kathleen endures at her household, Meg feels a bit guilty in that she brought her here and helped her get employment.
As more and more immigrants come, and elections are nearing- there is much talk of different parties forming as well as laws and acts potentially being passed that could force all of these immigrants back to where they came from. There is also murmurs about the slaves from the south, and what would happen if they were ever free’d.
This was a very well written novel, and gave very good insight into how these poor girls were treated. Some were made to feel like family and given everything they could have ever dreamed of, and others were treated as if they were the lowest of the low and often were in fear of being sent back to where they came from. I loved the storyline of these two sisters, as well as the other immigrant characters in the story. I am not very interested in reading the first novel.
Thank you to HFVBT for the invite, and to the author for the free book. I am curious to see if there would be another one – possibly Amy’s story- or what other historical fiction the author may write.
February 1, 2021
As I read this book I found I really cared what happened to so many of the characters. As a lifelong resident of Worcester, Massachusetts it was especially enjoyable to me. I would have appreciated an 1850's street map of locations in the story since the streets are referenced quite often. Pictures of 1850's houses in the Crown Hill neighborhood would have been another nice addition.
September 27, 2023
I loved this book. And then to find out some of the things did happen, made it even better.It brings the 1850’s to life. I being of Irish descent am glad I didn’t live back then.Very good job of historical writing.
January 22, 2021
“I still love Rory. I know I do,” she whispered to the darkness of her attic room. But do I love the life I’m living now even more?
It has been several years since Meg has left Kelegeen, Ireland, for America to find a better life for her family after the famine. Right before she stepped on the boat, she married Rory, but the marriage was not consummated in case they never saw each other again. Meg finds work as a live-in maid and sends money home, but also saves some and buys herself some new things every once in a while. The money makes a huge difference back home, Rory tells her in the letters he sends. He is training to take care of horses, but he doesn’t feel right coming to America to be with her until both have a way to be taken care of without him. Meg is starting to worry, though, that when Rory comes their life will be much different than the one she’s accustomed to living in a big house with a bed.
I read Eileen O’Finlan’s Kelegeen in the summer of 2018. I really enjoyed the story of Meg and Rory and what their families and village faced during Ireland’s potato famine. I’ve been waiting for the sequel to come out so I could find out what happened next to the couple. The author provided me a free copy of Erin’s Children in exchange for a fair review. The book was released in December 2020.
While Erin’s Children is set years after the first book, it starts with Meg’s sister Kathleen joining her in America. Meg finds her a place to be a live-in maid, but the family is very anti-Catholic and doesn’t follow through on their promise to provide her a room with a bed. She sleeps on a straw mattress on the kitchen floor and has to avoid the advances of the oldest son. Meg fears for her sister, but because they need the money, there is not much to be done about the situation. The book also follows friends of Meg’s who came over on the same ship and their struggles to make ends meet as married women were not allowed to work except by doing sewing work at home. At every turn, they seem to face people wanting the Irish to leave because of their Catholic beliefs.
Erin’s Children is a fascinating historical fiction book giving a glimpse into life for Irish immigrants in America in the times shortly before the Civil War. Fans of historical fiction will love both Kelegeen and Erin’s Children.
Read more here: https://sarahannecarter.com/erins-chi...
It has been several years since Meg has left Kelegeen, Ireland, for America to find a better life for her family after the famine. Right before she stepped on the boat, she married Rory, but the marriage was not consummated in case they never saw each other again. Meg finds work as a live-in maid and sends money home, but also saves some and buys herself some new things every once in a while. The money makes a huge difference back home, Rory tells her in the letters he sends. He is training to take care of horses, but he doesn’t feel right coming to America to be with her until both have a way to be taken care of without him. Meg is starting to worry, though, that when Rory comes their life will be much different than the one she’s accustomed to living in a big house with a bed.
I read Eileen O’Finlan’s Kelegeen in the summer of 2018. I really enjoyed the story of Meg and Rory and what their families and village faced during Ireland’s potato famine. I’ve been waiting for the sequel to come out so I could find out what happened next to the couple. The author provided me a free copy of Erin’s Children in exchange for a fair review. The book was released in December 2020.
While Erin’s Children is set years after the first book, it starts with Meg’s sister Kathleen joining her in America. Meg finds her a place to be a live-in maid, but the family is very anti-Catholic and doesn’t follow through on their promise to provide her a room with a bed. She sleeps on a straw mattress on the kitchen floor and has to avoid the advances of the oldest son. Meg fears for her sister, but because they need the money, there is not much to be done about the situation. The book also follows friends of Meg’s who came over on the same ship and their struggles to make ends meet as married women were not allowed to work except by doing sewing work at home. At every turn, they seem to face people wanting the Irish to leave because of their Catholic beliefs.
Erin’s Children is a fascinating historical fiction book giving a glimpse into life for Irish immigrants in America in the times shortly before the Civil War. Fans of historical fiction will love both Kelegeen and Erin’s Children.
Read more here: https://sarahannecarter.com/erins-chi...
January 23, 2021
Fun
These characters were so good. I felt they were so real that I was cheering for them. A fun read.😁
These characters were so good. I felt they were so real that I was cheering for them. A fun read.😁
September 5, 2021
This was a follow up to Kelegreen- story of a families life during the Irish Famine- I did not read book one but book 2 can be read alone. That being said I will be going back to read book one because book 2 was so good.
.
Meg has made it to America, leaving her new husband and family behind. She lost so many during the famine but she was in America to start new and send money home. Worcester Massachusetts was not overly excited about hiring their new Irish residents but they did as maids and cooks because they could pay them less than the rest. Meg worked hard and made enough to send for her sister Kathleen.
.
Their story describes what it was like to be an Irish servant, the hours, the work, the demeaning names, but also how they continued to love, hope, and dream. As their lives continued on they witnessed politics change, people fight to get rid of the Irish Immigrants by force, rise of the abolitionist movement, and the stirrings of war.
.
It is a very detailed read that gives a good look into their lives. Rich in detail and world building with well done characters that created rivalry and comradery
.
Meg has made it to America, leaving her new husband and family behind. She lost so many during the famine but she was in America to start new and send money home. Worcester Massachusetts was not overly excited about hiring their new Irish residents but they did as maids and cooks because they could pay them less than the rest. Meg worked hard and made enough to send for her sister Kathleen.
.
Their story describes what it was like to be an Irish servant, the hours, the work, the demeaning names, but also how they continued to love, hope, and dream. As their lives continued on they witnessed politics change, people fight to get rid of the Irish Immigrants by force, rise of the abolitionist movement, and the stirrings of war.
.
It is a very detailed read that gives a good look into their lives. Rich in detail and world building with well done characters that created rivalry and comradery
December 4, 2020
Erin's Children is a good story, if you can get past the beginning. It took me a while to read this book, but I did read through it and it was a good story, just slow in the beginning. The story surrounds Meg and her sister Kathleen. Both are from Ireland, and have obtained work as housekeepers in fine houses in the town they live in. Meg, who married before boarding the ship, hasn't seen her husband in years. Eventually, he travels to America and they do get together. It Just takes a long time. Kathleen gets unwanted attention from her employer's oldest son, and must escape him. Its a good story overall.
March 17, 2021
I was struck with the history in this book about the potato famine in Ireland and about the story of the Irish immigrants moving to America for a better life. The author detailed the hardships endured by the families in Ireland after the potato famine and the trials of making a life in a new country in the mid-1800s. This book is set against a historical background which I enjoyed learning more about. The fictional characters are well-written. I engaged with the story immediately. I really cared about their struggles. If you read historical fiction novels, you will be thrilled to dive deeply into this saga about the Irish family in America.
December 6, 2020
1848, Father O’Malley had put Margaret “Meg” Quinn (Irish Catholic, Megeen, nee O'Connor) & Mrs. O’Sullivan (mother) & Aoife O’Sullivan (daughter) on a ship so they could immigrate to America from Ireland which was experiencing a Potato Famine.
They would stay with Maureen Linton (laundry cleaning) & Darien Linton (wire works).
Worcester, MA. Employment service waiting room. Nuala (BFF, maid) was giving Meg some strong advice.
Mrs. Harriet Cane hired Meg for a job as a domestic servant for Emily Claprood (wife/mother,
abolitionist society), Chester Claprood (husband/father, Claprood/Pratt Iron Foundry co-owner), Pamela Claprood (16, daughter/sister, horticulture), Deborah Claprood (14, daughter/sister), & Oliver Claprood (19, son/brother).
Meadows, MA. She had room/board at the Arcade Malleable Iron Works where other Irish immigrants stayed.
Meg had been taught how to use the beast (stove) as she called it.
4/3/1851, Meg bought a passage to America for her/Kathleen O'Connor (14, younger sister).
Foster St. station. Meg went to get her when she arrived.
Meg got employment for Kathleen with Sophronia Pratt (wife/mother) as a maid.
The other family members are: Arthur Pratt (husband/father), Clara Pratt (daughter/sister), Lemuel Pratt (18, son/brother), Harvey Pratt (16, son/brother).
Mrs. Pratt explained they would go to her sister’s in Concord for Thanksgiving.
Kathleen was teaching Clara how to make rhubarb pie.
In the Crown Hill section new homes in various stages of completion were going up all over the neighborhood.
Ned MacBrody (Irish) has taken a fancy to Aoife O'Connor daughter/sister.
Kathleen's sassy attitude puts her at odds with her employers: the Pratts (bigoted/predatory).
Rory Quinn (Meg’s husband, brother) & Meg exchange letters quite often.
Brendan O'Connor (15, son/brother) was deported to Australia for theft.
Liddy Dooley (sister) has died.
Saint Mary's Church. Father O’Malley presiding. Do you Edward Michael MacBrody, take thee, Aoife Mary O'Sullivan, to be your lawful wedded wife.
father Boyce read the Catholic rights.
1853, Mayor John Knowlton was elected to serve the next term.
Kathleen set Clara (14) to shelling peas, while she peeled potatoes.
Clara has taken a strong interest in learning how to cook.
1854, Kelegeen, Ireland. Brendan was finally allowed to return & Sir Alfred Stokes offered him a job as a stable groom.
It seems Seamus O'Herilhy was seeing/courting Nuala O'Flaherty (nee O'Connor).
Kathleen informed Sophronia & Arthur that Clara had come down with a fever.
They were blaming her. She was fired immediately.
Mrs. Annie Nichols (widow) hired her to take of the boarding house on Cherry St.
What did Kathleen O'Connor write to Clara about?
Meg interviewed Aoife MacBrody.
Will she get the housekeeping job?
What was Rory saying to Megeen “Meg”.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written Irish historical fiction book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters & facts to keep track of. This could also make another great Irish family movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an amazingly easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Author; BWL publishing Inc.; Goodreads; Making Connections; Making Connections discussion group talk; ARR; PDF; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
They would stay with Maureen Linton (laundry cleaning) & Darien Linton (wire works).
Worcester, MA. Employment service waiting room. Nuala (BFF, maid) was giving Meg some strong advice.
Mrs. Harriet Cane hired Meg for a job as a domestic servant for Emily Claprood (wife/mother,
abolitionist society), Chester Claprood (husband/father, Claprood/Pratt Iron Foundry co-owner), Pamela Claprood (16, daughter/sister, horticulture), Deborah Claprood (14, daughter/sister), & Oliver Claprood (19, son/brother).
Meadows, MA. She had room/board at the Arcade Malleable Iron Works where other Irish immigrants stayed.
Meg had been taught how to use the beast (stove) as she called it.
4/3/1851, Meg bought a passage to America for her/Kathleen O'Connor (14, younger sister).
Foster St. station. Meg went to get her when she arrived.
Meg got employment for Kathleen with Sophronia Pratt (wife/mother) as a maid.
The other family members are: Arthur Pratt (husband/father), Clara Pratt (daughter/sister), Lemuel Pratt (18, son/brother), Harvey Pratt (16, son/brother).
Mrs. Pratt explained they would go to her sister’s in Concord for Thanksgiving.
Kathleen was teaching Clara how to make rhubarb pie.
In the Crown Hill section new homes in various stages of completion were going up all over the neighborhood.
Ned MacBrody (Irish) has taken a fancy to Aoife O'Connor daughter/sister.
Kathleen's sassy attitude puts her at odds with her employers: the Pratts (bigoted/predatory).
Rory Quinn (Meg’s husband, brother) & Meg exchange letters quite often.
Brendan O'Connor (15, son/brother) was deported to Australia for theft.
Liddy Dooley (sister) has died.
Saint Mary's Church. Father O’Malley presiding. Do you Edward Michael MacBrody, take thee, Aoife Mary O'Sullivan, to be your lawful wedded wife.
father Boyce read the Catholic rights.
1853, Mayor John Knowlton was elected to serve the next term.
Kathleen set Clara (14) to shelling peas, while she peeled potatoes.
Clara has taken a strong interest in learning how to cook.
1854, Kelegeen, Ireland. Brendan was finally allowed to return & Sir Alfred Stokes offered him a job as a stable groom.
It seems Seamus O'Herilhy was seeing/courting Nuala O'Flaherty (nee O'Connor).
Kathleen informed Sophronia & Arthur that Clara had come down with a fever.
They were blaming her. She was fired immediately.
Mrs. Annie Nichols (widow) hired her to take of the boarding house on Cherry St.
What did Kathleen O'Connor write to Clara about?
Meg interviewed Aoife MacBrody.
Will she get the housekeeping job?
What was Rory saying to Megeen “Meg”.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written Irish historical fiction book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters & facts to keep track of. This could also make another great Irish family movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an amazingly easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Author; BWL publishing Inc.; Goodreads; Making Connections; Making Connections discussion group talk; ARR; PDF; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
January 2, 2022
“Erin’s Children” is a sequel to O’Finlan’s “Kelegren” that was set in Ireland in the first part of the 1800s when crop failures and the Great Potato Famine hit that already poor country. This book is the story of principally two young adult sisters who left that town and starvation in Ireland risking the long journey across the ocean to first survive, then find a new life in the US. The story begins in Worchester, MA in 1848. One sister has been hired to work as a domestic in the home of a fairly well to do co-owner of a foundry and his family. O’Finlan has really well researched both the history of that era and of the Worchester of those times. She makes us intimate not only with culture and politics but also with the city itself having even studied records of a tunnel system beneath the streets that plays a part in her well written story as well. It is interesting that most of us with Irish ancestry have heard of the great famine of the 1840s that drove many Irish immigrants to the east coast of the US, but few of us realize the prejudice and even cruelty those immigrants were often greeted with by those of other European descent who were already firmly established here. The not so nice details of the pre Civil War xenophobia of the Know Nothing Party is similarly not well known to anyone anymore. O’Finian skillfully brings her heroine Meg into the dynamics and struggles of the life of an Irish housemaid of those times. Meg then sends much of her hard earned money home and not only aids the family’s plight there, but also pays for her sister to follow her to Worchester as well. Their stories as well as those of other immigrant Irish in this strange new world then intertwine as they interact with the rest of Worchester encountering many surprises and plot twists on the way. O’Finlan’s book recalls an often forgotten part of our history and tells an interesting story that keeps you wanting to know more as well.
March 26, 2021
ERIN'S CHILDREN by Eileen O'Finlan
A long family saga revolving around the eldest daughter Margaret (Meg) O'Conner Quinn who has managed to escape from the Great Potato Famine in the middle 1800s. She came to America by ship and became a live-in domestic, working for a kind family and sent money back to Ireland to her mum, siblings, and her husband Rory.
Meg eventually saved enough money for her sister Kathleen to immigrate to America. Kathleen excelled as a cook, back home in Ireland, they only had a small room for her entire family, no bathroom or kitchen or beds. She was amazed at the splendor of the Americans. She couldn't believe how much they wasted, every single day.
I enjoyed the book, it was refreshing, to get a take on the Famine along with the racism and religious persecution faced by the hordes of Irish escaping from the hunger after watching many of their family members starve to death before their very eyes.
This book is one in a series, but I never did understand who Erin was. It is a standalone book.
The Irish were told over and over, NO IRISH NEED TO APPLY. Many Americans were prejudiced against the Irish, making them do the worst jobs and paying them a pittance.
Much gratitude to #netgalley for the complimentary copy of #erinschildren I was under no obligation to post a review.
A long family saga revolving around the eldest daughter Margaret (Meg) O'Conner Quinn who has managed to escape from the Great Potato Famine in the middle 1800s. She came to America by ship and became a live-in domestic, working for a kind family and sent money back to Ireland to her mum, siblings, and her husband Rory.
Meg eventually saved enough money for her sister Kathleen to immigrate to America. Kathleen excelled as a cook, back home in Ireland, they only had a small room for her entire family, no bathroom or kitchen or beds. She was amazed at the splendor of the Americans. She couldn't believe how much they wasted, every single day.
I enjoyed the book, it was refreshing, to get a take on the Famine along with the racism and religious persecution faced by the hordes of Irish escaping from the hunger after watching many of their family members starve to death before their very eyes.
This book is one in a series, but I never did understand who Erin was. It is a standalone book.
The Irish were told over and over, NO IRISH NEED TO APPLY. Many Americans were prejudiced against the Irish, making them do the worst jobs and paying them a pittance.
Much gratitude to #netgalley for the complimentary copy of #erinschildren I was under no obligation to post a review.
August 23, 2021
This was a great book. I enjoyed every minute of it. It had delightful characters and an intriguing story. The fact that it was set in Worcester was a bonus. As far as I know none of my Irish ancestors were domestic servants. Most of them worked in the woolen mills. I look forward to any future books by this author.
Want to read
December 1, 2020Today's the Day! Erin's Children is now available in print and digital formats!Click here for more information.
January 28, 2021
I loved this one! A full 5 stars and more. The other reviews pretty much cover the story perfectly.
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