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Michael Sweeney
Based on a true story, this is a heart-rending and poignant tale of crushing loss and enduring love, a homage to one man’s struggle against overwhelming injustice.
Tucked away in the mountains in a corner of Ireland Michael Sweeney thought he was safe from the forces that raged beyond the quiet confines of his life. The inequalities of a class-ridden society, a country hurtling headlong towards civil war and a continent ripping itself apart were nothing to do with him. Though he asked little of the world it came crashing down upon him, hissing and snarling, to claim all he held dear. There is a limit to the loss that a heart can endure but its capacity for love is infinite, and that can never be taken away.
It was only when I moved to Ireland that I discovered a family history I had been unaware of. Michael Sweeney was my great-grandfather, a simple man who fell prey to a series of extraordinary events at a turbulent time in history, whose destiny was shaped by the ambition and bigotry of others. The narrative of his life is at times harrowing and there is a pervading sense of loss, but there is also an underlying warmth; the suffering is tempered by humour and there is love and joy amidst the hatred and pain. It is a tale that needed to be told.
Tucked away in the mountains in a corner of Ireland Michael Sweeney thought he was safe from the forces that raged beyond the quiet confines of his life. The inequalities of a class-ridden society, a country hurtling headlong towards civil war and a continent ripping itself apart were nothing to do with him. Though he asked little of the world it came crashing down upon him, hissing and snarling, to claim all he held dear. There is a limit to the loss that a heart can endure but its capacity for love is infinite, and that can never be taken away.
It was only when I moved to Ireland that I discovered a family history I had been unaware of. Michael Sweeney was my great-grandfather, a simple man who fell prey to a series of extraordinary events at a turbulent time in history, whose destiny was shaped by the ambition and bigotry of others. The narrative of his life is at times harrowing and there is a pervading sense of loss, but there is also an underlying warmth; the suffering is tempered by humour and there is love and joy amidst the hatred and pain. It is a tale that needed to be told.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2021
24 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
Dennis Cronin
1 book9 followersI grew up in Birmingham, U.K., the son of Irish parents, and after a career in the public sector I moved to Ballingeary, County Cork, Ireland. I now live in Lincolnshire.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 1, 2021
This real life historical novel is so sympathetically and tenderly embellished into fiction.
Cronin paints a vivid picture of the era, the landscape and it’s inhabitants. Tales of multiple households are told over decades and generations of interconnected families.
I was so behind these lovely people who were living such small, basic lives: short of opportunity, making the most of limited choice.
The pain of losing and the joy of loving are both present in equal measure and that’s what I love to read.
Cronin paints a vivid picture of the era, the landscape and it’s inhabitants. Tales of multiple households are told over decades and generations of interconnected families.
I was so behind these lovely people who were living such small, basic lives: short of opportunity, making the most of limited choice.
The pain of losing and the joy of loving are both present in equal measure and that’s what I love to read.
November 30, 2025
So satisfying and deeply moving; beautiful story with lovely telling
I will be reading this book again. I love a good historical novel. I especially love a novel based on real people and situations that actually happened, even with some creative license included. Character development is my number one, completion of evolving experiences is a close second along with emotional connection with the lives of the story. This first novel of DM Cronin checked all of those boxes.
The author and his manner of speaking; For American readers used to Kristin Hannah, John Grisham, Sandra Brown, or other best selling authors of dramatic stories, know upfront that this author speaks eloquently; about 25% in, I went back and read the synopsis and about the author…from the UK. Understood. And while initially I had to “think” while reading, I very soon settled into the smooth, matter of fact, lovely manner of expression Cronin employed. Several times he made a statement, I paused, reread it, and cracked a smile at his smooth delivery of sarcasm or a thinly veiled slight. I also found myself returning to the beginning of a section after an unexpected realization. This is a new style of writing for me, and I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from Cronin.
The story; I am not exactly certain what I expected, but it was not entirely this story. In our world of quick trips to another continent, social media updates, and endless 24/7 news broadcasts, I shared young Michael’s confusion for the “wake”. I also realized the finality of the event right alongside him. From that first major life event for our hero, I began to recognize subtle clues leading to yet another shocking turn of events, and then another, and another, but rarely did I see the actual outcome before it happened. I will be reading this book again and again.
The end; I was very thankful for the detailed explanations Cronin gave his readers after the story ended. I was already sweetly satisfied with the finale, but hearing the “rest of the story” brought so much more to this era and culture. I will now be seeking out other historical dramas from my ancestral home, while I dream of one day experiencing what Cronin did; an unexpected encounter with my long forgotten Irish roots. If I ever make it to Ireland, that is….
To the author; write more! If this truly is your first, you have found your craft. I will be waiting for the next one.
I will be reading this book again. I love a good historical novel. I especially love a novel based on real people and situations that actually happened, even with some creative license included. Character development is my number one, completion of evolving experiences is a close second along with emotional connection with the lives of the story. This first novel of DM Cronin checked all of those boxes.
The author and his manner of speaking; For American readers used to Kristin Hannah, John Grisham, Sandra Brown, or other best selling authors of dramatic stories, know upfront that this author speaks eloquently; about 25% in, I went back and read the synopsis and about the author…from the UK. Understood. And while initially I had to “think” while reading, I very soon settled into the smooth, matter of fact, lovely manner of expression Cronin employed. Several times he made a statement, I paused, reread it, and cracked a smile at his smooth delivery of sarcasm or a thinly veiled slight. I also found myself returning to the beginning of a section after an unexpected realization. This is a new style of writing for me, and I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from Cronin.
The story; I am not exactly certain what I expected, but it was not entirely this story. In our world of quick trips to another continent, social media updates, and endless 24/7 news broadcasts, I shared young Michael’s confusion for the “wake”. I also realized the finality of the event right alongside him. From that first major life event for our hero, I began to recognize subtle clues leading to yet another shocking turn of events, and then another, and another, but rarely did I see the actual outcome before it happened. I will be reading this book again and again.
The end; I was very thankful for the detailed explanations Cronin gave his readers after the story ended. I was already sweetly satisfied with the finale, but hearing the “rest of the story” brought so much more to this era and culture. I will now be seeking out other historical dramas from my ancestral home, while I dream of one day experiencing what Cronin did; an unexpected encounter with my long forgotten Irish roots. If I ever make it to Ireland, that is….
To the author; write more! If this truly is your first, you have found your craft. I will be waiting for the next one.
October 7, 2021
I enjoyed every word of this historical novel, you can truly appreciate the time and passion that author put in to the effort of writing his family’s story. I love reading anything around Ireland, but especially it’s history.
I fully embraced Michael Sweeney and enjoyed following his journey, especially his married life and raising their children.
I felt so many emotions whilst reading this, especially the parts with Kate. The section with the ‘black and Tans’ entering the home especially resonated with me as this happened to my own family with a dire outcome.
The author also gives detailed notes at the end which were interesting especially around Mary Shea.
This book is a must for history lovers and I highly recommend it.
I fully embraced Michael Sweeney and enjoyed following his journey, especially his married life and raising their children.
I felt so many emotions whilst reading this, especially the parts with Kate. The section with the ‘black and Tans’ entering the home especially resonated with me as this happened to my own family with a dire outcome.
The author also gives detailed notes at the end which were interesting especially around Mary Shea.
This book is a must for history lovers and I highly recommend it.
April 17, 2023
This was a very well written book. I love how this was based on a true story. What a life of grieving and sorrow for Michael Sweeney. I would definitely recommend.
I won this in a Goodreads book giveaway!
I won this in a Goodreads book giveaway!
October 7, 2025
The Irish
I really enjoyed this book as I do most stories related to my family’s back history of being Irish and the older folks in our family who made the passage to America from Ireland. I hope to find more books just as interesting written by Michael Sweeney. ☘️
I really enjoyed this book as I do most stories related to my family’s back history of being Irish and the older folks in our family who made the passage to America from Ireland. I hope to find more books just as interesting written by Michael Sweeney. ☘️
August 30, 2021
I won this Kindle edition book in a Goodreads
Giveaway. Thank you to everyone involved.
Great characters.
Giveaway. Thank you to everyone involved.
Great characters.
December 29, 2021
Won in a goodreads giveaway. A really moving novel about life and the heartbreak it can bring.
January 3, 2022
Michael Sweeney is based on a true tale of the author’s great grandfather. Michael’s life was basically decided for him as a young son without much prospects. He marries who he was told and has children, one of which was murdered, two went to America, one killed in the war, and another suffered shell shock after the war. The remaining child was the author’s grandmother. The author takes facts he has discovered about his family history and spins a tale. The reader can’t help but feel for Michael. It is good that he includes relevant information in the author’s note at the end. I wish he’d kept all the names the same. Some were changed slightly.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews