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Gracelin O'Malley #1
Dochter van Ierland
'Dochter van Ierland' is het eerste deel van de indrukwekkende trilogie 'Grace O’Malley', over een moedige jonge Ierse vrouw die ondanks zware tegenslagen kracht vindt om opnieuw te beginnen.
Het indrukwekkende verhaal van Grace O’Malley vertelt tegelijkertijd de lotgevallen van de Ierse arbeidersbevolking rond 1850, die een grote hongersnood meemaakte waaraan meer dan een miljoen Ieren stierven.
Grace, de sprankelende dochter uit het Ierse landarbeidersgezin O’Malley, wordt op een dorpsfeest opgemerkt door de Engelse landheer Donelly. Hij neemt de vijftienjarige Grace ten huwelijk, hoewel Graces vader ‘slechts’ een van zijn pachters is. Afgezonderd van haar thuis en haar geliefden doet Grace haar best zich te handhaven in het ogenschijnlijk chique milieu en probeert ze aan de verwachtingen van haar echtgenoot te voldoen. De kloof tussen haarzelf en haar ‘eigen mensen’ wordt steeds pijnlijker wanneer keer op keer de aardappeloogsten mislukken en er grote hongersnood uitbreekt onder de Ierse boeren. Ook in Graces eigen familie vallen slachtoffers. De sfeer wordt steeds grimmiger. De boeren protesteren tegen de onredelijke heffingen, maar hun verzet tegen Donelly wordt hardhandig neergeslagen. Wanneer Grace besluit om de arbeiders uit eigen voorraad te eten te geven, krijgt ze zijn woede in volle hevigheid over zich heen. Dan neemt Grace een moedig besluit dat haar leven voorgoed zal veranderen.
Met deze schrijnende geschiedenis weet Moore het hart van de lezer te raken. Tegelijk laat ze zien hoe onvoorstelbaar groot de kracht van hoop, geloof en liefde is.
Het indrukwekkende verhaal van Grace O’Malley vertelt tegelijkertijd de lotgevallen van de Ierse arbeidersbevolking rond 1850, die een grote hongersnood meemaakte waaraan meer dan een miljoen Ieren stierven.
Grace, de sprankelende dochter uit het Ierse landarbeidersgezin O’Malley, wordt op een dorpsfeest opgemerkt door de Engelse landheer Donelly. Hij neemt de vijftienjarige Grace ten huwelijk, hoewel Graces vader ‘slechts’ een van zijn pachters is. Afgezonderd van haar thuis en haar geliefden doet Grace haar best zich te handhaven in het ogenschijnlijk chique milieu en probeert ze aan de verwachtingen van haar echtgenoot te voldoen. De kloof tussen haarzelf en haar ‘eigen mensen’ wordt steeds pijnlijker wanneer keer op keer de aardappeloogsten mislukken en er grote hongersnood uitbreekt onder de Ierse boeren. Ook in Graces eigen familie vallen slachtoffers. De sfeer wordt steeds grimmiger. De boeren protesteren tegen de onredelijke heffingen, maar hun verzet tegen Donelly wordt hardhandig neergeslagen. Wanneer Grace besluit om de arbeiders uit eigen voorraad te eten te geven, krijgt ze zijn woede in volle hevigheid over zich heen. Dan neemt Grace een moedig besluit dat haar leven voorgoed zal veranderen.
Met deze schrijnende geschiedenis weet Moore het hart van de lezer te raken. Tegelijk laat ze zien hoe onvoorstelbaar groot de kracht van hoop, geloof en liefde is.
467 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2001
909 people are currently reading
5400 people want to read
About the author
Ann Moore
33 books129 followersAnn Moore grew up in the misty Pacific Northwest region of Washington State, spending childhood summers on Vashon Island. She is the internationally published author of three historical novels that encompass the 1845 Irish Famine, Young Irelander uprising, and the Irish emigration to America; her fourth novel, a contemporary mystery, is set on a remote island in the San Juan archipelago. Ann lives in Bellingham, Washington, with her family, among good friends and excellent dogs. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for all things bookish.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 405 reviews
September 15, 2014
I knew from the first paragraph that I was going to be pulled into this story. As soon as I read this, it was impossible to put down:
"Campfire flickered in the woods along the far bank of the River Lee. It was early spring and the tinkers had come. If they had waited but another day, they would not have witnessed the terrible thing that happened there, nor saved the life of young Sean from down the glen, a boy whose mother never let them pass without half a loaf and a good word.”
Some things almost always seem to be present in the stories of Ireland of the 1800’s – hardship, starvation, disease, death , religion, and strong family ties. This story is no exception in its portrayal of Ireland in the 1840’s where there the blight brings starvation and death and uprising because of the violence, starvation, and death the Irish suffer at the dependence on the English landowners. There are fathers, who have worked the land for years with nothing to show and their desperation leads them to give up their daughters to hapless marriages or servitude to save their families.
All of those elements are here along with characters that you will love and some you will abhor. Gracelin O'Malley is a character you can admire, but she seems at times a bit too perfect and good until she’s willing to risk it all in order to save her daughter, her family and herself. I found this to be an enjoyable family saga, an easy and fast moving read. I knew from the last paragraph that I would be reading the next book in the trilogy. Definitely recommended for lovers of Irish history and family stories.
Thanks to Open Road Integrated Media for the invitation to read and review this book and to Net Galley .
"Campfire flickered in the woods along the far bank of the River Lee. It was early spring and the tinkers had come. If they had waited but another day, they would not have witnessed the terrible thing that happened there, nor saved the life of young Sean from down the glen, a boy whose mother never let them pass without half a loaf and a good word.”
Some things almost always seem to be present in the stories of Ireland of the 1800’s – hardship, starvation, disease, death , religion, and strong family ties. This story is no exception in its portrayal of Ireland in the 1840’s where there the blight brings starvation and death and uprising because of the violence, starvation, and death the Irish suffer at the dependence on the English landowners. There are fathers, who have worked the land for years with nothing to show and their desperation leads them to give up their daughters to hapless marriages or servitude to save their families.
All of those elements are here along with characters that you will love and some you will abhor. Gracelin O'Malley is a character you can admire, but she seems at times a bit too perfect and good until she’s willing to risk it all in order to save her daughter, her family and herself. I found this to be an enjoyable family saga, an easy and fast moving read. I knew from the last paragraph that I would be reading the next book in the trilogy. Definitely recommended for lovers of Irish history and family stories.
Thanks to Open Road Integrated Media for the invitation to read and review this book and to Net Galley .
November 12, 2014
I just finished this and my mind is still reeling. I'm not even sure I can express in words how wonderful this novel is. It never ceases to amaze me the talent some authors have in literally immersing reads into their stories. That it how it felt reading Gracelin O'Malley. I am so thankful that this is being rereleased because it truly is one of the best books I have read. I don't think I'll ever be able to hear Irish melodies again without a tear coming to my eye.
December 4, 2021
Audio book which I turned out to have read before. I liked it much more now.
October 17, 2014
Gracelin O'Malley is a story of Ireland in the middle of the 19th century, a time of British rule, poverty, varying crop failures and blights and slowly growing Irish rage in a powerless population. Grace herself lives a life that experiences it all: she is born an Irish Protestant child with best friends across the religious divide. She marries an English Squire in an arranged marriage she hopes will help her family. But nothing will help anyone when the potato blight strikes.
The strongest aspect of this novel, to my mind, is the historical detail, the information on the famine, the details of the deaths and the ignorance (in all senses of the word) by present and absentee Irish and English landlords, the growth of rebellion and sympathy among many levels of society. The weaker aspect seemed the romance, the love story, which seemed a token to build a tale around. But the strengths outweigh the weaknesses here and there was much to keep me reading to the end. And truth be told, to keep me wondering how many of these experiences some in the history of my family might have experienced way in the past. I don't know enough about these family members to know exact dates or places of departure from Ireland, but I believe some may have left during these same famine years.
While some of my family history may have increased my wish to read this book and receptivity to the subject, this is a very readable book, shocking at times in the details that I have only imagined before or read in far less detail. I know I need to read much more on the subject. Now isn't that the mark of a good novel?
3.5 rounded to 4
An ecopy of this book was received from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The strongest aspect of this novel, to my mind, is the historical detail, the information on the famine, the details of the deaths and the ignorance (in all senses of the word) by present and absentee Irish and English landlords, the growth of rebellion and sympathy among many levels of society. The weaker aspect seemed the romance, the love story, which seemed a token to build a tale around. But the strengths outweigh the weaknesses here and there was much to keep me reading to the end. And truth be told, to keep me wondering how many of these experiences some in the history of my family might have experienced way in the past. I don't know enough about these family members to know exact dates or places of departure from Ireland, but I believe some may have left during these same famine years.
While some of my family history may have increased my wish to read this book and receptivity to the subject, this is a very readable book, shocking at times in the details that I have only imagined before or read in far less detail. I know I need to read much more on the subject. Now isn't that the mark of a good novel?
3.5 rounded to 4
An ecopy of this book was received from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
January 27, 2019
This book starts right before the Irish potato famine. This is about a family who lives as tenant farmers, struggling every year to harvest their potato crop which they need not only for food but to pay their English landlords. Their fifteen year old daughter Gracelin is to marry the landlord, insuring that the family is not kicked out of their home. It was sometimes hard to read with the descriptions of starvation and cruelty, but the love this family had for each other, their way of life and the kindness they showed to both friends and strangers is what really stands out. This is the first in The Gracelin O'Malley Trilogy.
June 3, 2008
I have to say that I was disappointed by this book. I think that perhaps all of the rave reviews I read lead me to expect an amazing story with amazing writing and I just didn't think it was that great.
I thought that the character development was on the light side and the story was very predictable, cliché even. I was never surprised by anything that happened. And there was a lack of tension throughout that made me feel like I could leave these characters and this story and not miss them or the end of this tale.
I'm very reluctant to ever give up on a book but I never felt like Ann Moore pulled me into the lives of these characters. They all seemed like stereotypes to me, every last one of them.
I think some writers have a way of writing grief that makes it seem effortless, Elizabeth Berg is one. But I didn't feel the depth of emotions that this saga should have evoked. I didn't feel the love between Grace and her man and I didn't feel the sadness for the others around her.
There were things that moved me don't get me wrong but it just didn't live up to my expectations based on the rave reviews I read.
I did find the history of Ireland interesting.
Somewhere this book was compared to The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelley and in my opinion it pales in comparison. I would suggest her books instead of this one.
I thought that the character development was on the light side and the story was very predictable, cliché even. I was never surprised by anything that happened. And there was a lack of tension throughout that made me feel like I could leave these characters and this story and not miss them or the end of this tale.
I'm very reluctant to ever give up on a book but I never felt like Ann Moore pulled me into the lives of these characters. They all seemed like stereotypes to me, every last one of them.
I think some writers have a way of writing grief that makes it seem effortless, Elizabeth Berg is one. But I didn't feel the depth of emotions that this saga should have evoked. I didn't feel the love between Grace and her man and I didn't feel the sadness for the others around her.
There were things that moved me don't get me wrong but it just didn't live up to my expectations based on the rave reviews I read.
I did find the history of Ireland interesting.
Somewhere this book was compared to The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelley and in my opinion it pales in comparison. I would suggest her books instead of this one.
August 7, 2017
3.5 stars Review to follow.
December 23, 2011
This is the first book of the trilogy on Gracelin O'Malley saga.
The historical background covers the Great Famine of 1845 in Ireland. The plot tells the story of Gracelin and her family. When she was 16-years old, she marries an English landlord, Bram Donnelly and then her life is in constant turmoil due to the violent character of her husband.
In the meantime, her brother Sean and her childhood friend Morgan McDonagh became part of Young Irish rebels trying to save Ireland from British dependency. As consequence, the Young Irelander Rebellion of 1848 (also called Famine Rebellion) took place later on but it's not described in this book. Some of the leaders of the Easter Rebellion of 1916 had families affected by this famine, James Connolly among them. This latest rebellion is very well described in the book 1916: A Novel of the Irish Rebellion by Morgan Llywelyn.
Page 320:
"You have robbed us of our land and our right to live here with dignity. You have worked us as slaves, starved us to death, and left us to cope with terrible sickness. This is what we have come to under British rule."..."Ireland has provided you with an endless cradle of our best young men to be fodder to your enemy's cannons. We fight against you now, because we have little left to lose."
Gracelin's saga continues with Leaving Ireland and 'Til Morning Light.
The historical background covers the Great Famine of 1845 in Ireland. The plot tells the story of Gracelin and her family. When she was 16-years old, she marries an English landlord, Bram Donnelly and then her life is in constant turmoil due to the violent character of her husband.
In the meantime, her brother Sean and her childhood friend Morgan McDonagh became part of Young Irish rebels trying to save Ireland from British dependency. As consequence, the Young Irelander Rebellion of 1848 (also called Famine Rebellion) took place later on but it's not described in this book. Some of the leaders of the Easter Rebellion of 1916 had families affected by this famine, James Connolly among them. This latest rebellion is very well described in the book 1916: A Novel of the Irish Rebellion by Morgan Llywelyn.
Page 320:
"You have robbed us of our land and our right to live here with dignity. You have worked us as slaves, starved us to death, and left us to cope with terrible sickness. This is what we have come to under British rule."..."Ireland has provided you with an endless cradle of our best young men to be fodder to your enemy's cannons. We fight against you now, because we have little left to lose."
Gracelin's saga continues with Leaving Ireland and 'Til Morning Light.
October 4, 2021
The first book in Ann Moore’s trilogy, “Gracelin O’Malley” is set in Ireland during the 1840’s and the resulting tragic aftermath of the potato famine. This historical fiction novel follows Grace and her early marriage to an English squire in the hopes of guaranteeing her family’s security during this time of starvation and disease. Her character is written with such strength and admirable qualities despite the hardships she faces, that she quickly became one of my favorite fictional characters. I also loved her wise Granna…and so many other people who populate this wonderful novel. There is a darkness due to the unimaginable horrors suffered by the Irish and the resulting resistance, however, their love of family, their country and God resonates through out.
I highly recommend this novel & am happy I finally read it as I have owned all 3 books for many years. I look forward to starting the next book called “Leaving Ireland” and continuing Grace’s story.
I highly recommend this novel & am happy I finally read it as I have owned all 3 books for many years. I look forward to starting the next book called “Leaving Ireland” and continuing Grace’s story.
June 29, 2015
We live in a time of affluence and plenty. That fact was never more at the forefront of my mind than when I was reading “Gracelin O’Malley“ by Ann Moore.
Set during the horrific years of the Irish Potato Famine in the late 1840s, the novel depicted in excruciating prose the dire circumstances of the Irish with what is (to us who take civil liberty and plenty to eat for granted) unimaginable deprivation and hardship.
The secondary characters of the novel are well rendered and for the most part sympathetic. We learn to love her brilliant though physically crippled brother, Sean. Her long-suffering father Patrick and her beloved Granna.
The tenacity and hope of the Irish farmers is aptly portrayed. By turns heart-wrenching and inspirational, the story is not an up-lifting one. The plight of the 19th century woman was hard to identify with in this modern day and age.
“Gracelin O’Malley” is a well written novel that is bound to appeal to anyone interested in Irish history. I must warn you though that the story of Gracelin O’Malley does not end on the last page. It is the first in a trilogy of novels, the second of which is “Leaving Ireland” and the third ” ‘Til Morning Light“.
I recommend this novel highly. My only reservation is that Gracelin was portrayed as almost too good to be true, a paragon of selflessness and fortitude. However, that being said, she was a memorable character and one which I will long remember.
My full review of Gracelin O'Malley can be found on my blog: Fictionophile
Set during the horrific years of the Irish Potato Famine in the late 1840s, the novel depicted in excruciating prose the dire circumstances of the Irish with what is (to us who take civil liberty and plenty to eat for granted) unimaginable deprivation and hardship.
The secondary characters of the novel are well rendered and for the most part sympathetic. We learn to love her brilliant though physically crippled brother, Sean. Her long-suffering father Patrick and her beloved Granna.
The tenacity and hope of the Irish farmers is aptly portrayed. By turns heart-wrenching and inspirational, the story is not an up-lifting one. The plight of the 19th century woman was hard to identify with in this modern day and age.
“Gracelin O’Malley” is a well written novel that is bound to appeal to anyone interested in Irish history. I must warn you though that the story of Gracelin O’Malley does not end on the last page. It is the first in a trilogy of novels, the second of which is “Leaving Ireland” and the third ” ‘Til Morning Light“.
I recommend this novel highly. My only reservation is that Gracelin was portrayed as almost too good to be true, a paragon of selflessness and fortitude. However, that being said, she was a memorable character and one which I will long remember.
My full review of Gracelin O'Malley can be found on my blog: Fictionophile
May 8, 2009
I can't wait to read the other two books in this series. I instantly fell for the main character, Grace, who we first meet as a young girl in Ireland. I am a relatively new fan of historical fiction and found this story of the Irish struggle for freedom from England and the famine/epidemic-ridden years surrounding that to be very captivating and extremely readable. The author clearly did her research and is a wonderful storyteller- I never felt bogged down by details. I could hear the Irish voices in my head and couldn't wait to see what happened next.
January 5, 2013
Absolutely loved this story! Beautifully written. The characters are very enduring....especially Grace. With so much heartache all around her at every step, she remained strong and resolute. I could hardly put this down. I look forward to getting my hands on the next two books and continue continue on with the story of Gracelin O'Malley.
September 26, 2014
This book was wonderful. It had all the makings of a terrific love story as well as blending in the historical background of Ireland during the tyrannical British rule in the 1850's.
September 12, 2021
To save her family during the potato famine in nineteenth century Ireland courageous heroine Gracelin O Malley consents to marry Bram a wealthy son of English landowners. Times are hard as the Irish struggle to survive both the famine and a brutal civil war.
This is the first book of a trilogy by Ann Moore copyrighted in 2001 although my copy was reprinted in 2018.
Read for Senior Bookworms Group 9/2021.
This is the first book of a trilogy by Ann Moore copyrighted in 2001 although my copy was reprinted in 2018.
Read for Senior Bookworms Group 9/2021.
December 4, 2014
I don't know how to describe this book. It was heartbreakingly sad, but also completely riveting, I couldn't put it down. Gracelin O'Malley is a woman who is a survivor. After losing her mother when she was just a child, Gracelin becomes the caretaker of the O'Malley's modest home. When she's old enough to marry, she's married to a wealthy landowner. Reluctant at first, she knows this marriage will help her family in a way that nothing else could. But this isn't a fairy tale. It's a nightmare. Her husband is a cruel man and Grace suffers abuse under his hand. However, Grace is determined to help her family at any cost.
Grecelin O'Malley takes place in the 1800's in Ireland before, during, and after The Great Potato Famine. Moore doesn't gloss over the details of the devastating effect this had on the country. Your heart will break for those who suffer. Your anger will rise at the injustices laid at the feet of this helpless nation. But you will also be encouraged by their will to survive. The courage that the people faced to overthrow tyranny. And the passion for their native land.
Garcelin O'Malley is the first book in the trilogy. I was at the edge of my seat for most of the novel. I was completely captivated by the beauty and tragedy of this story. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction novels. I am certainly going to continue with this series. How could I not? Gracelin's story is not over and I won't be able to rest until I know how it ends. The next book in this series is Leaving Ireland, and I can't wait to read it!
Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2014...
Grecelin O'Malley takes place in the 1800's in Ireland before, during, and after The Great Potato Famine. Moore doesn't gloss over the details of the devastating effect this had on the country. Your heart will break for those who suffer. Your anger will rise at the injustices laid at the feet of this helpless nation. But you will also be encouraged by their will to survive. The courage that the people faced to overthrow tyranny. And the passion for their native land.
Garcelin O'Malley is the first book in the trilogy. I was at the edge of my seat for most of the novel. I was completely captivated by the beauty and tragedy of this story. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction novels. I am certainly going to continue with this series. How could I not? Gracelin's story is not over and I won't be able to rest until I know how it ends. The next book in this series is Leaving Ireland, and I can't wait to read it!
Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2014...
January 21, 2011
Amazing book! A beautifully written, heart-wrenching but riveting story. One that teaches and deepens understanding while still entertaining. It chronicles the life of a young Irish woman during the great potato famine of the 1800s. Through her experiences we live the love, the desperation, the determination, the hardships, and the pride of a people neglected into near extinction. We also see the indomitable human spirit and its ability to rise above even the worst that this world can require. While I'm told there is an HEA at the end of the third book in this trilogy - "Gracelin" has a bittersweet ending, one that leaves the reader thoughtful but encouraged. This would undoubtably have been a 5 star plus if I could have seen at least a few things go well for Gracelin. Even in the hardest of lives, there are at least moments of happiness aren't there? Even so, this book still stands as a strong 4.5
August 13, 2017
Letteralmente divorato in 2 giorni!
Bellissimo libro ambientato nell'Irlanda della prima metà del 1800.
Ieri sera ho finito!
Un libro veramente notevole ,appassionante e istruttivo,ha colmato molte mie lacune.
Per esempio non avevo idea che la bellissima terra d'Irlanda a
cavallo tra il 1850 avesse subito una carestia gravissima per anni e anni!
Questo libro è il primo di una Trilogia.
Spero di non dover aspettare anni ed anni prima di leggere gli altri 2!
Bellissimo libro ambientato nell'Irlanda della prima metà del 1800.
Ieri sera ho finito!
Un libro veramente notevole ,appassionante e istruttivo,ha colmato molte mie lacune.
Per esempio non avevo idea che la bellissima terra d'Irlanda a
cavallo tra il 1850 avesse subito una carestia gravissima per anni e anni!
Questo libro è il primo di una Trilogia.
Spero di non dover aspettare anni ed anni prima di leggere gli altri 2!
October 14, 2014
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Open Road Integrated Media and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary e-book copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
My Review: I've been on the lookout for a great, sweeping historical saga of a read lately and I haven't quite been able to find it. Until now.
Gracelin O'Malley gives a wonderfully vivid (and often distressing) description of life in Ireland during one of the famines where not only did the Irish have to deal with extreme poverty but utter starvation. It also describes the horrific cruelty and neglect that England showed to Ireland as they often viewed the Irish as less than human.
While this story had its heartbreaking moments it was also filled with hope and the amazing tenacity and strength of the Irish to overcome what seemed like impossible odds. This was a well-researched historical fiction read with the writing having such a beautiful, lyrical quality to it that I found myself easily imagining the characters with their melodic accents speaking the words.
As for the characters themselves, they were well-rounded characters for the most part. There were a couple, namely Grace's husband Bram Donnelly, who tended to have more of a clichéd 'bad guy' feel to him. But you can't help but root for Grace who is an endearing and likeable main character. We watch her struggle at such a young age to help her people survive one of the worst famine's to hit Ireland as well as the struggle within her marriage and how she fights to stay true to who she really is. There is a fairly strong Christian theme to the book, which is often what gave Grace the strength to overcome the odds that were stacked against her. That said, I wish that she wasn't quite so perfect. For such a young woman she handles herself a little too well and I often had to remind myself just how young she really was.
There is a romance aspect to the book which was admittedly sweet but I felt it was rushed a little too much for my liking. While it was a fairly predictable read I was always engaged and never bored which kind of threw me because usually when a book is predictable I tend to lose interest. I think that the plight of the Irish (which probably happened to some of my own family many generations before) is what kept me interested.
This is not a lighthearted book but I appreciate the amount of research that Ann Moore obviously put into this book. And even though it deals with such a ruthless and depressing era in Irish history you can't help but get a sense of pride, resilience and faith from those who fought so hard to keep the Irish culture and spirit alive at such a dark time. This is a book about love, dignity, loyalty, tenacity, faith and strength all taking centre stage as two countries battle it out for control of Ireland. This was a very enjoyable family saga that kept me engaged the entire book. I am eager to read the second book in this trilogy to see what happens to Grace and her family.
My Rating: 4/5
*** This book review, as well as hundreds more, can also be found on my blog, The Baking Bookworm (www.thebakingbookworm.blogspot.ca) **
My Review: I've been on the lookout for a great, sweeping historical saga of a read lately and I haven't quite been able to find it. Until now.
Gracelin O'Malley gives a wonderfully vivid (and often distressing) description of life in Ireland during one of the famines where not only did the Irish have to deal with extreme poverty but utter starvation. It also describes the horrific cruelty and neglect that England showed to Ireland as they often viewed the Irish as less than human.
While this story had its heartbreaking moments it was also filled with hope and the amazing tenacity and strength of the Irish to overcome what seemed like impossible odds. This was a well-researched historical fiction read with the writing having such a beautiful, lyrical quality to it that I found myself easily imagining the characters with their melodic accents speaking the words.
As for the characters themselves, they were well-rounded characters for the most part. There were a couple, namely Grace's husband Bram Donnelly, who tended to have more of a clichéd 'bad guy' feel to him. But you can't help but root for Grace who is an endearing and likeable main character. We watch her struggle at such a young age to help her people survive one of the worst famine's to hit Ireland as well as the struggle within her marriage and how she fights to stay true to who she really is. There is a fairly strong Christian theme to the book, which is often what gave Grace the strength to overcome the odds that were stacked against her. That said, I wish that she wasn't quite so perfect. For such a young woman she handles herself a little too well and I often had to remind myself just how young she really was.
There is a romance aspect to the book which was admittedly sweet but I felt it was rushed a little too much for my liking. While it was a fairly predictable read I was always engaged and never bored which kind of threw me because usually when a book is predictable I tend to lose interest. I think that the plight of the Irish (which probably happened to some of my own family many generations before) is what kept me interested.
This is not a lighthearted book but I appreciate the amount of research that Ann Moore obviously put into this book. And even though it deals with such a ruthless and depressing era in Irish history you can't help but get a sense of pride, resilience and faith from those who fought so hard to keep the Irish culture and spirit alive at such a dark time. This is a book about love, dignity, loyalty, tenacity, faith and strength all taking centre stage as two countries battle it out for control of Ireland. This was a very enjoyable family saga that kept me engaged the entire book. I am eager to read the second book in this trilogy to see what happens to Grace and her family.
My Rating: 4/5
*** This book review, as well as hundreds more, can also be found on my blog, The Baking Bookworm (www.thebakingbookworm.blogspot.ca) **
February 17, 2017
It has been a very long time since I've read a book as good as this one. Historical fiction at it's best. Gracelin O'Malley, our main character is a 15-year-old daughter of an Irish tenant farmer in the mid 1800's. Their landowner, an English squire, takes a liking to her and negotiates a marriage deal with Grace's father. That was one year before the Great Potato Famine of 1845. The descriptions of the suffering and sickness coupled with the blind eye England turned on Ireland during the famine years is hard to read because you know it is all true. The Young Irelanders were also organized during this time and doing what they could to fight the English soldiers who were turning Irish familes out of their homes because of course they couldn't pay any rent. Very well written and I can't wait to read the next two books in the trilogy.
August 17, 2015
GRACELIN O'MALLEY is a wonderfully emotional and fact-infused epic of Ireland in the 1840s. It's packed with heroic (and villainous) characters caught up in the years of widespread famine and fever. Gracelin abruptly comes of age amidst great personal and political turmoil. The core of the story, with its passionate, unforgettable characters, centers around love, loyalty, patriotism and~as in most things Irish~hearth, home, and heart. Reading it (maybe with a spot of tea) is an excursion through another time and place~and well worth it!
June 28, 2008
A really great story - very inspiring. Didn't so much care for the Ireland political uprising backstory and the sad ending, but I did appreciate that the author did a lot of research to bring that time period to life in a very vivid way. Can't wait to read #2 and #3 in the series. Reccommended for those who enjoy a good historical fiction.
December 31, 2010
It may be that just returning from Ireland, I found all kinds of places and cultural and historical events that I had recently heard of or seen that made this book appealing. I think I will be the next two books in the trilogy because I want to see what Grace's life has in store for her.
April 7, 2021
Courageous Irish Lass, the Great Famine and Ireland’s Fight for Freedom
March is Irish month on Historical Romance Review and I’m starting one that brings the Irish heart to the fore. It’s a great story set in the time of Ireland’s famine (1845-1852) and the people’s rising for freedom from the English who had virtually enslaved them.
The story begins in 1840 when Grace is a young girl and happy with her family and her cousins. First she loses her mother and her brother is injured in an accident, leaving her father, Patrick, a broken man.
Less than a decade later, Grace’s father arranges a marriage to an English squire, a landowner who has had and lost two wives already. The marriage will save their family from financial ruin yet deprive her of the Irish lad she might have had, Morgan McDonagh.
Grace dutifully complies and marries Bram Donnelly, who turns out to be a cruel man with a temper who beats her. With political violence sweeping through Ireland and the potato blight destroying lives, she secretly sides with the Young Irelanders, among them her crippled brother, Sean, and Morgan who becomes a rebel leader—the man who has loved her since they were both young.
This is a well-told tale based on much research so you are brought into the terrible times Ireland faced. The English stood by and did nothing, imprisoning (or killing) those who couldn’t pay their rent. One million people died and more than a million fled the country. Moore vividly portrays the famine that led to the growing movement in Ireland for independence. She gives the reader wonderfully courageous characters. At 461 pages it’s a long book but so worth reading.
And you’ll want to have books 2 and 3 as the story continues. It’s historical fiction but it’s also historical romance. It will tear at your heart to experience all that comes to Grace, both love and tragedy. And she brings the faith of the Irish people to center stage which I loved. It was very encouraging.
The Gracelin O’Malley Trilogy:
Gracelin O’Malley
Leaving Ireland
‘Til Morning Light
March is Irish month on Historical Romance Review and I’m starting one that brings the Irish heart to the fore. It’s a great story set in the time of Ireland’s famine (1845-1852) and the people’s rising for freedom from the English who had virtually enslaved them.
The story begins in 1840 when Grace is a young girl and happy with her family and her cousins. First she loses her mother and her brother is injured in an accident, leaving her father, Patrick, a broken man.
Less than a decade later, Grace’s father arranges a marriage to an English squire, a landowner who has had and lost two wives already. The marriage will save their family from financial ruin yet deprive her of the Irish lad she might have had, Morgan McDonagh.
Grace dutifully complies and marries Bram Donnelly, who turns out to be a cruel man with a temper who beats her. With political violence sweeping through Ireland and the potato blight destroying lives, she secretly sides with the Young Irelanders, among them her crippled brother, Sean, and Morgan who becomes a rebel leader—the man who has loved her since they were both young.
This is a well-told tale based on much research so you are brought into the terrible times Ireland faced. The English stood by and did nothing, imprisoning (or killing) those who couldn’t pay their rent. One million people died and more than a million fled the country. Moore vividly portrays the famine that led to the growing movement in Ireland for independence. She gives the reader wonderfully courageous characters. At 461 pages it’s a long book but so worth reading.
And you’ll want to have books 2 and 3 as the story continues. It’s historical fiction but it’s also historical romance. It will tear at your heart to experience all that comes to Grace, both love and tragedy. And she brings the faith of the Irish people to center stage which I loved. It was very encouraging.
The Gracelin O’Malley Trilogy:
Gracelin O’Malley
Leaving Ireland
‘Til Morning Light
February 24, 2020
Non so come ho fatto a scovare questo libro (forse qualche suggerimento automatico di Goodreads) ma in qualunque modo sia successo sono grata di averlo letto.
Il romanzo è ambientato in Irlanda e la storia della famiglia O'Malley inizia prima della grande carestia del 1845 ma si soffermerà molto su quel punto, che è il perno di tutto il romanzo, così come l'amore degli irlandesi per la propria terra e le lotte contro i proprietari terrieri inglesi. Ho trovato un po' di tutto in questo libro e l'ho amato tantissimo perché ci sono tanti temi a me cari. Il personaggio principale è Grace, che conosciamo da piccola e che avrà tante sofferenze nella vita, ma ci si sofferma anche sui suoi familiari e altri personaggi importanti. Infatti oltre che romanzo storico è anche romanzo famigliare. Ho amato tutto, anche se le tragedie sono tante - non è cosa strana in questi romanzi -, soprattutto la parte relativa ai ribelli irlandesi e il loro coraggio.
Spero che anche i prossimi romanzi non mi deludano.
Il romanzo è ambientato in Irlanda e la storia della famiglia O'Malley inizia prima della grande carestia del 1845 ma si soffermerà molto su quel punto, che è il perno di tutto il romanzo, così come l'amore degli irlandesi per la propria terra e le lotte contro i proprietari terrieri inglesi. Ho trovato un po' di tutto in questo libro e l'ho amato tantissimo perché ci sono tanti temi a me cari. Il personaggio principale è Grace, che conosciamo da piccola e che avrà tante sofferenze nella vita, ma ci si sofferma anche sui suoi familiari e altri personaggi importanti. Infatti oltre che romanzo storico è anche romanzo famigliare. Ho amato tutto, anche se le tragedie sono tante - non è cosa strana in questi romanzi -, soprattutto la parte relativa ai ribelli irlandesi e il loro coraggio.
Spero che anche i prossimi romanzi non mi deludano.
September 28, 2021
Book 1 of 3, and as the word Trilogy always gets me I bought this set of 3 ebooks on this past weekend for only $1.99. Another of my favourite things that always draws me in, set in the 1840’s. So off I go reading Book 1, the setting is Ireland, the heroine a mere 16 years old. I could not put it down. Amongst the grief and starvation around her friends and her beloved family, Gracelin shows us all what true grit and a strong faith in God can do to pull us through a tough life. Hope springs internal as I move onto Book 2 later today.
September 9, 2014
Disclaimer: ARC read via Netgalley.
There is a place that Ireland holds in the imagination and lives of almost everyone, even those who are not Irish. Perhaps it is the constant invasion or the struggle for freedom or the similarities to situations in non-European parts of the world. Perhaps it is simply a fondness for the beer transforming to a fondness for the country. Who knows? It is possible to meet people who know next to nothing about history but know about the potato famine in Ireland. They might not all the dirty details, but know there was a potato something that killed the crops and people died. Considering what some people don’t know, that’s pretty good PR for a country. (Seriously ask people basic questions – like how many states, and you will get some strange answers. Apparently, the US owns Canada but Hawaii is totally its own thing).
This book is about a family, in particular the daughter Grace, during the famine. Open Road Media (the publisher of the edition I read) classifies the book as a romance, though this is misleading. There is a romantic aspect to the novel, but that aspect is actually the weakest part of the novel. The title character, Grace, marries an English squire out of duty despite being told by the brother she loves that she should marry for love. We all know how such stories turn out in novels, don’t we? So the whole Bram and Grace marriage felt a bit cliché. Additionally, the love story, if you want to call it that, between Grace and her “true love” really doesn’t feel like a love story because the characters keep telling you they love each other but it doesn’t really come across as believable considering the amount of time and conversation they are shown to have. Moore, however, gets points for how one of the love stories turns out. Despite this, the love sub-plots are rather clichéd. The love sub-plot also seems to be done at the expensive of making some minor characters less than fully developed as well as making Grace seem a bit too special.
Where the book shines is with the historical part. If you leave out the romantic subplot (in particular the one between Grace and her true love), this book rivals the excellent Hanging Gale miniseries for its depiction of Ireland and family life during the famine. The most powerful writing occurs in these sections, and Moore skillfully avoids romanticizing the issue. This could be well the romance sub-plot feels so flat (quite frankly the book would have been better without that). There is also much about class and shifting allegiances. It isn’t just the Irish that Moore show; it’s how the various English lords and solider response to the famine that is also illustrated. When the famine comes the book is absolutely brutal. There is no sugar coating, no fear, no one is safe. Moore gets full credit for that.
It might not be the best book I’ve ever read, but it comes really close to equaling The Hanging Gale, which for me, is high praise.
BTW – The Hanging Gale was a mini-series shown in 1995 on BBC. It depicted the struggles of one family of four brothers during the Potato Famine. The brothers were played by the McGann brothers. (Stephen McGann is currently in Call the Midwife and Paul McGann pops up everywhere). It also starred Michael Kitchen (Foyle’s War) as an Englishman. It was supposedly to be loosely based on the McGann ancestors and the reason why the family left Ireland. It is excellent. Go watch!
There is a place that Ireland holds in the imagination and lives of almost everyone, even those who are not Irish. Perhaps it is the constant invasion or the struggle for freedom or the similarities to situations in non-European parts of the world. Perhaps it is simply a fondness for the beer transforming to a fondness for the country. Who knows? It is possible to meet people who know next to nothing about history but know about the potato famine in Ireland. They might not all the dirty details, but know there was a potato something that killed the crops and people died. Considering what some people don’t know, that’s pretty good PR for a country. (Seriously ask people basic questions – like how many states, and you will get some strange answers. Apparently, the US owns Canada but Hawaii is totally its own thing).
This book is about a family, in particular the daughter Grace, during the famine. Open Road Media (the publisher of the edition I read) classifies the book as a romance, though this is misleading. There is a romantic aspect to the novel, but that aspect is actually the weakest part of the novel. The title character, Grace, marries an English squire out of duty despite being told by the brother she loves that she should marry for love. We all know how such stories turn out in novels, don’t we? So the whole Bram and Grace marriage felt a bit cliché. Additionally, the love story, if you want to call it that, between Grace and her “true love” really doesn’t feel like a love story because the characters keep telling you they love each other but it doesn’t really come across as believable considering the amount of time and conversation they are shown to have. Moore, however, gets points for how one of the love stories turns out. Despite this, the love sub-plots are rather clichéd. The love sub-plot also seems to be done at the expensive of making some minor characters less than fully developed as well as making Grace seem a bit too special.
Where the book shines is with the historical part. If you leave out the romantic subplot (in particular the one between Grace and her true love), this book rivals the excellent Hanging Gale miniseries for its depiction of Ireland and family life during the famine. The most powerful writing occurs in these sections, and Moore skillfully avoids romanticizing the issue. This could be well the romance sub-plot feels so flat (quite frankly the book would have been better without that). There is also much about class and shifting allegiances. It isn’t just the Irish that Moore show; it’s how the various English lords and solider response to the famine that is also illustrated. When the famine comes the book is absolutely brutal. There is no sugar coating, no fear, no one is safe. Moore gets full credit for that.
It might not be the best book I’ve ever read, but it comes really close to equaling The Hanging Gale, which for me, is high praise.
BTW – The Hanging Gale was a mini-series shown in 1995 on BBC. It depicted the struggles of one family of four brothers during the Potato Famine. The brothers were played by the McGann brothers. (Stephen McGann is currently in Call the Midwife and Paul McGann pops up everywhere). It also starred Michael Kitchen (Foyle’s War) as an Englishman. It was supposedly to be loosely based on the McGann ancestors and the reason why the family left Ireland. It is excellent. Go watch!
August 25, 2024
Het levensverhaal van Grace als jonge vrouw in Ierland, hoe te overleven in een tijd van onderdrukking en hongersnood in Ierland .
Ook een liefdesverhaal en een groot geloofsvertrouwen. Met veel vaart en inlevingsvermogen geschreven
Ook een liefdesverhaal en een groot geloofsvertrouwen. Met veel vaart en inlevingsvermogen geschreven
October 30, 2014
I would classify this novel more as a family saga/historic fiction/Christian fiction/romance, rather than strictly a romance. There were romantic elements in the book but I don’t know that it was enough for me to consider it a true romance. There were also aspects of it that could classify it as Christian fiction as well. Faith played a large part in the novel as a way of helping the characters through difficult times.
Because it was marketed as a romance, I guess I was expecting more romance. There was romance in the book, but for me it just didn’t qualify as one. I guess maybe because it was thick with so much historic details that the romance was more secondary and thus ‘washed out’. There was a lot of telling rather than showing when it came to Grace’s love story for me. It seemed a bit staged rather than passionate for my liking.
Personally, I know very little about Irish history and to be perfectly honest it doesn’t really appeal to me either. So when I read historic novels set in Ireland, they need to bring something of interest to the table, whether it’s romance or strong characters, or a mystery etc…..something.
This novel distinguished itself with strong, intriguing characters and a heartbreaking story. The historic detail is rich and exceptionally detailed. To balance out the immense historic detail, the author designed equally strong characters who grew and developed throughout the novel.
I am not a fan of this editions cover art. It seemed dated and just didn’t do the book justice. There was so much to love about this book and sadly, the cover does nothing to bring that feeling to life for me. I would probably pass this one up if I saw it on the shelf, and that’s sad because it’s such a great read. I think the cover should be a little more eye catching and engaging.
I liked that it wasn’t all sugar, spice, and everything nice with a happy ending etc…it felt more realistic and raw….it was a sweeping, sad, memorable tale that will stick with readers long after you have finished it.
See my full review here
Because it was marketed as a romance, I guess I was expecting more romance. There was romance in the book, but for me it just didn’t qualify as one. I guess maybe because it was thick with so much historic details that the romance was more secondary and thus ‘washed out’. There was a lot of telling rather than showing when it came to Grace’s love story for me. It seemed a bit staged rather than passionate for my liking.
Personally, I know very little about Irish history and to be perfectly honest it doesn’t really appeal to me either. So when I read historic novels set in Ireland, they need to bring something of interest to the table, whether it’s romance or strong characters, or a mystery etc…..something.
This novel distinguished itself with strong, intriguing characters and a heartbreaking story. The historic detail is rich and exceptionally detailed. To balance out the immense historic detail, the author designed equally strong characters who grew and developed throughout the novel.
I am not a fan of this editions cover art. It seemed dated and just didn’t do the book justice. There was so much to love about this book and sadly, the cover does nothing to bring that feeling to life for me. I would probably pass this one up if I saw it on the shelf, and that’s sad because it’s such a great read. I think the cover should be a little more eye catching and engaging.
I liked that it wasn’t all sugar, spice, and everything nice with a happy ending etc…it felt more realistic and raw….it was a sweeping, sad, memorable tale that will stick with readers long after you have finished it.
See my full review here
May 5, 2018
Five stars for the well-described historical context (gives a gritty realistic picture of the 1845-1849) famine in Ireland but only 2.5 stars for the characters and overall story of the main character. Gracelin follows the path of most novel heroines: . Throughout the book, she is constantly referred to as strong, good, overall wonderful, etc., and it does portray a somewhat idealistic image. The only thing that makes her different from traditional heroines is her rather pragmatic approach to marriage: Other characters are somewhat one dimensional. In my opinion, the immortal love between Gracelin and Morgan is not quite believable because the reader mostly finds out about their feelings for one another from discussions between Morgan and Gracelin's brother rather than actually observes and "feels" the development of their love. Overall, interesting reading that is hard to put down when it comes to the narrative about consequences of famine and families struggling to make ends meet through planting crops and scrambling money for their rent. A bit bland when it comes to the romantic side.
April 2, 2011
Gracelin O'Malley, an Irish beauty, in 1840s Ireland, worked hard to keep her family together but the times are hard and so her father makes a land deal with Squire Donnelly for her hand in marriage. Gracelin is horrified but decides to make the best of it and goes willingly into the marriage with high hopes of success. At first, the Squire is gentle and kind but as the marriage progressed, his true colors surfaced and Gracelin's life turned into a nightmare. She knew that he wanted one thing and one thing only, a son who's heritage would save the Donnelly Estate. She gave birth to fraternal twins, a boy and a girl and when the son died, the Squire went crazy with rage. She tried, without much success, to protect herself and her daughter from the changing moods of her husband. The story continued with the downfall of their marriage and estate and the rise of Gracelin's spirit in the face of tragedy.
I like a strong character in a novel with, of course, a few faults to give her "feet of clay". In my opinion, the author made Gracelin a little too perfect to be real. It made the main part of the story seem a little unrealistic and more romance novel than a historical novel.
The educational, background story of the Irish rebels against the English, during the potato famine and the hatred between the Protestants and the Catholics is shocking and obviously well researched. I did enjoy the story overall though and I am continuing in the sequel, Leaving Ireland.
I like a strong character in a novel with, of course, a few faults to give her "feet of clay". In my opinion, the author made Gracelin a little too perfect to be real. It made the main part of the story seem a little unrealistic and more romance novel than a historical novel.
The educational, background story of the Irish rebels against the English, during the potato famine and the hatred between the Protestants and the Catholics is shocking and obviously well researched. I did enjoy the story overall though and I am continuing in the sequel, Leaving Ireland.
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