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A Woman Undefeated
This engrossing saga is based on author Vivienne Dockerty’s own family history, taking the story of her Great-Aunt as the inspiration for the main character, Maggie.
Life is hard for Maggie, an Irish emigrant who must make a new life for herself when the famine forces her to leave her country. Bound into a loveless marriage – and viewed with suspicion by people who do not want the immigrants to take their jobs – Maggie must play the dutiful wife and daughter-in-law until fate can play its part.
Vivienne Dockerty has written a gripping historical novel, about Irish Emigration and the determination of one woman to build a better life, made all the more fascinating by the historical fact that encompasses the story being told.
Life is hard for Maggie, an Irish emigrant who must make a new life for herself when the famine forces her to leave her country. Bound into a loveless marriage – and viewed with suspicion by people who do not want the immigrants to take their jobs – Maggie must play the dutiful wife and daughter-in-law until fate can play its part.
Vivienne Dockerty has written a gripping historical novel, about Irish Emigration and the determination of one woman to build a better life, made all the more fascinating by the historical fact that encompasses the story being told.
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 21, 2017
Another stunner by Vivienne Dockerty. This is one of those thick, engaging books that are difficult to put down. A young Irish woman’s life is turned upside down when she flees the failed potato crop and disrupted family. She comes with her new husband and family to England.
Dockerty holds a close point of view and we are with Maggie all of the way. She does not have an easy life but she is feisty and brave. All of Dockerty’s characters are well drawn. They are rounded, believable and consistent.
There is pace and tension a plenty in this tale.
Here we can admire the craft of a master story-teller.
I am so pleased that I have the sequel, Dreams Can Come True, waiting on my shelf. I do hope this writer will continue producing these satisfying novels for us.
Dockerty holds a close point of view and we are with Maggie all of the way. She does not have an easy life but she is feisty and brave. All of Dockerty’s characters are well drawn. They are rounded, believable and consistent.
There is pace and tension a plenty in this tale.
Here we can admire the craft of a master story-teller.
I am so pleased that I have the sequel, Dreams Can Come True, waiting on my shelf. I do hope this writer will continue producing these satisfying novels for us.
January 6, 2022
A beautiful rolling story of a young girl in the midst of the devastating potato famine in Ireland. She is married against her will and taken by her husband and in-laws to England to start a new life. From humble poverty stricken beginnings she slowly drags herself up to a better life
July 23, 2024
Lovely book to read. Takes me back to listening to stories of my ancestors from my mum. Read on holiday in just a couple of days. The characters were all believable and with their own unique ways about them. I have the sequels waiting for me at home and am looking forward to reading them.
July 27, 2021
A great read
I found this story quite engrossing, right to the very end, and really recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-written historical novel.
I found this story quite engrossing, right to the very end, and really recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-written historical novel.
November 22, 2021
A Woman Undefeated by Vivienne Dockerty has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award.
www.chillwithabook.com
www.chillwithabook.com
April 15, 2022
I enjoyed this book so much that I've already got hold of the sequel!
April 29, 2023
An enjoyable read. I enjoy the writing style.
April 11, 2017
A bit long winded. Maggie ended up in Neston, which was quite interesting. Ended abruptly with Maggie and two babies living with dressmaker friend in Parkgate and husband Jack in America. Don't think I will read sequel.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews