Run with the Hare, Hunt with the Hound

by Paul M. Duffy

On a remote Gaelic farmstead in medieval Ireland, word reaches Alberic of conquering Norman knights arriving from England. Oppressed by the social order that enslaved his Norman father, he yearns for the reckoning he believes the invaders will bring—but his world is about to burn. Captured by the Norman knight Hugo de Lacy and installed at Dublin Castle as a translator, Alberic’s confused loyalties are tested at every turn. When de Lacy marches inland, Alberic is set on a collision course with his former masters amidst rumours of a great Gaelic army rising in the west. Can Alberic navigate safely through revenge, lust and betrayal to find his place amidst the birth of a kingdom in a land of war?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Ireland, Medieval, Audiobook, Historical

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2022

About the author

Paul Duffy, author of Run with the Hare, Hunt with the Hound (2022), is one of Ireland’s leading field archaeologists and has directed numerous landmark excavations in Dublin as well as leading projects in Australia, France and the United Kingdom. He has published and lectured widely on this work, and his books include From Carrickfergus to Carcassonne—the Epic Deeds of Hugh de Lacy during the Cathar Crusade (2018) and Ireland and the Crusades (2021). He has given many talks and interviews on national and international television and radio (RTÉ, BBC, NPR, EuroNews). Paul has also published several works of short fiction (Irish Times, Causeway/Cathsair, Outburst, Birbeck Writer’s Hub) and in 2015 won the Over the Edge New Writer of the Year Award. He has been shortlisted for numerous Irish and international writing prizes and was awarded a writing bursary in 2017–2018 by Words Ireland.

Reviews

[David Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing to be said about Run with the Hare, Hunt with the Hound is that no-one could be more qualified to tell the epic story of Hugo de Lacy, or indeed to set the scene in 12th century Ireland, than archaeologist Paul Duffy. It is clear throughout that the author is something of an authority on the period of historical turmoil. That said, Duffy wears this expertise lightly, and the various episodes which the narrator, Alberic, witnesses or is directly involved in are vivid, pacy and exciting. Alberic himself is an inspired choice as adolescent narrator, the kind of liminal figure one frequently encounters during periods of invasion, having ‘one foot in each camp’. The son of a captured Norman nobleman enslaved by the Gaelic order who has also picked up a smattering of church Latin, he is useful to both sides as linguistic go-between as the Normans advance relentlessly through the squabbling petty kingdoms of Leinster. The remaining instalments of the trilogy are eagerly awaited.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how this book pulls you into medieval Ireland. All information in the book is accurate which is a nice change of so many in this genre

[Neil Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Run with the Hare, Hunt with the Hound

Run with the Hare, Hunt with the Hound is a gripping account of conflicting loyalties and identity, all set in Ireland at the time of the Norman invasions.

The detail of everyday life, from the settlements to the brutality of raids, is captured with real visceral accuracy by the author. Paul's vast experience as one of Ireland's leading medieval archaeologists and historians means that you're in the safest of hands as far as the historical part of historical fiction goes. But the fiction part matches it, as the story itself is well paced, with figures like Hugh de Lacy appearing as real 3D people rather than stale caricatures.

This is a wonderful, if occasionally brutal, immersion into a pivotal time in medieval Ireland. I highly recommend it, and I very much hope that it is the start of a series!

[Muireann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this fabulously written historical fiction novel set in Ireland. I work in Irish Archaeology and this novel really brought the 12th century to life in a fast paced vivid tale of love and loss and everything in between. Great characters and storyline that has me impatiently waiting for the next one!

[John M. Rench · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I enjoyed the fact that the book was from the perspective of a slave. The author did a great job of presenting a realistic world. Looking forward to the follow up.

[Maeve BC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Run with the Hare, Hunt with the Hound offers readers a gateway into medieval Ireland. An accomplished archaeologist with extensive expertise in medieval history as well as a gifted storyteller, Paul Duffy brings to life the complexities of Irish society amid the first few years of Ireland’s twelfth-century invasion by the Norman English. He creates memorable characters who navigate this period of intense historical drama for their own conflicting reasons. If you’re interested in Ireland, the Middle Ages, or just a good adventure with a bit of romance and brutal torture mixed in, and historical accuracy is at all a value of yours, this book should top your list.

[Angela Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duffy Transports Readers to Another Time and Place. When most of us pick up a historical fiction novel--it may take us back to World War II, and likely holds stories and scenes at least a little familiar from history class or old movies. The storyline of Run with the Hare, Hunt with the Hound transports readers to Medieval Ireland. It takes a bit to settle into the time period, scenes, and language choices, but after a few chapters, the author's words truly transport readers to another time and place. While fictionalized, the historical events, culture, character interactions, and story flow feel very authentic. The author's expertise in the history of the time and region shines through--but never feels dull or boring for readers.

Readers will Be Drawn to Alberic's Story. As the title suggests, Alberic seeks to find his place in his changing world by playing both sides of the conflict in his own way. Alberic's personality is well suited to his role-- and it is interesting to see various elements of society, beliefs, and culture detailed during the time as his story unfolds. Alberic's relationship with Ness is also fascinating as it is much more than a love interest as we come to understand the differences, expectations and roles at play during the time.

Would I Recommend Run with the Hare, Hunt with the Hound by Paul M. Duffy? I would definitely recommend this book to fans of historical fiction--especially of Ireland or Medieval times. The author does a beautiful job pulling us into centuries-old lives and drawing us into Alberic's story as he seeks to find his place and his future in his dark, dangerous time. I enjoyed the novel and would certainly read more from the author and the period.

I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Run with the Hare, Hunt with the Hound is an interesting read by Paul M. Duffy. This is my first experience in reading books by this talented author. The writing style is different to me and took a little bit getting used to. The plot is unique, as well. Once I got through the first five chapters, I was hooked and did not want to put it down. I enjoyed going back to the 1100s Ireland. As a granddaughter of an Irish immigrant, I was fascinated in learning more about my Irish heritage. It was fun to learn about Ireland’s culture, history and mythology. Mr Duffy has done his research in bringing this tale alive. I was entertained by taking this journey in seeing the good and bad of those days of the past. The details were so vivid that I felt as though I was transported back in time and living right there. I thought it was a great tale to read.

I am giving Run with the Hare, Hunt with the Hound four and a half stars. I believe fans of historical fiction, particularly Irish, Gaelic, and medieval historical fiction, will want to read this one. I am interested in reading more books like this one Paul M. Duffy in the future.

I received a paperback copy of Run with the Hare, Hunt with the Hound from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Raymond Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ireland is in the late 12th century, and the Norman invasion has begun. Alberic is the son of a Norman slave in Gaelic Meath (Midi), but after his capture by Hugh de Lacy he is taken to Dublin to serve as a translator. When King Henry grants Midi to de Lacy and the Norman army inexorably advances towards his old home, Alberic finds himself torn between confused loyalties. Despite mistreatment, he forms bonds with those among whom he was reared, but de Lacy offers hope for security and a better life—perhaps even with Ness, a fellow slave with whom he falls in love?

Alberic is an outsider and highly vulnerable. Whether slave or captive, he has few if any rights, depends upon the unreliable good will of great lords, and is widely resented and mistrusted by their followers. Through his eyes we witness the hardship and suffering experienced by the underclasses and the defeated: beatings, torture, slaughter, execution, rape, and wanton destruction. Moments of kindness and friendship, love, and hope are fleeting and undercut by anxiety, constant fear, and cruel reversals of fortune. This is a dark vision of life in a turbulent era and, as modern wars have reminded us, it is disturbingly credible. Even Alberic, despite his sympathy for the victims, can get swept up in excesses of violence that mark mobs, gangs, and soldiers when discipline and restraint are abandoned.

The author is an historian and archeologist, well versed in the details of life in that time and place. The use of Gaelic words and patterns of speech can pose a challenge to the reader, but they do add authenticity to the first-person narrative. Strongly recommended, especially to those with romantic delusions about life in the past—or present, for that matter, in far too many places.

HNR Issue 102 (November 2022)
https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...

[Colin Veach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Run with the Hare, Hunt with the Hound is an excellent book, which does what only the best works of historical fiction are able to achieve. First and foremost, it is beautifully written. Duffy has mastered the interplay of dialogue and description in a way that drives the narrative while also vividly illustrating its setting. As for that setting: Duffy is a legitimate expert in the history and archaeology of medieval Ireland, whose academic work I know and admire. When he writes about the material conditions of 12th-century Dublin (for instance), you can trust him. Having written about the Lacy family myself, I was delighted to have figures about whom I had thought so much come to life in a sobering and even-handed way. More than that, I was impressed by the way that Duffy used the freedom of historical fiction to convey a more convincing picture - and perhaps a more profound truth - than is possible in academic works. I look forward to the rest of the trilogy!

[Claire Loader · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are few fiction books that tackle Ireland’s medieval period, fewer still that do it with such depth of knowledge, such detail. Run With The Hare, Hunt With The Hound is a rare treat, a fast-paced dive into a time often relegated to the shadows – the ruins of Ireland’s many ring forts suddenly come to life. A harsh and often brutal world, the story reads none the less like poetry; exquisite prose lacing even the most violent scenes with a raw beauty seldom found in historic fiction. A book I simply could not put down, I eagerly await its sequel.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unexpected delight! Paul Duffy’s first Historical Fiction novel was born of a lauded historian’s grasp of the (often limited) facts and an understanding that behind these facts there is a story of human endeavour.

You can be assured of the accuracy of the background to this tale (and Paul diligently points out where this was “bent” slightly to suit the storyline). This is important to me. But laying over that, is a well written and thrilling story.

Interestingly he writes from the perspective of a villein, almost worthless, found to be valuable, only to be bouncing between those states in a perilous fashion, for the whole novel.

There is even a tale of love and the particular perils of that, interwoven; along with a strong, if sometimes abused (but only on her terms) female character.

The story ends in a rather quick crescendo, but is satisfying in it’s way - not least because it leaves the door open for further tales (and as indicated by Paul as a distinct possibility).

This is not quite as “polished” and nuanced as, say, a Bernard Cornwell or Matthew Harffy and the like, but for a first novel, this is first class IMHO.

I look forward to the next instalment and in the meantime, I will seek out some of Paul Duffy’s non-fiction, as I feel his writing style is my cup of tea.

[Dave Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

An uneducated wretch such as I must be forgiven for expecting a novel based in 12th century Ireland to be something like the faded tapestries I remember from school books, something smelling vaguely like the armpit of a museum curator's blazer, something tasting of untopped oatcakes and room temperature milk.


But holy hell, friends.


Already well-documented in reviews is the authors impressive status in Irish archaeology, replete with a formidable cache of academic works. 


But this is a work of epic historical fiction that is clearly written by someone who knows and loves the craft of heroic fantasy. 


Run With the Hare, Hunt with the Hound is a rollicking, beautiful, and savage tale of one man's story of loss and the search for identity in a world that rages with every colour of life, from brambly green knolls to shit-splattered shorelines. 


Duffy takes the pastoral hues of John Constance, the heroic magnificence of Jim Fitzpatrick, and the gruesome fevers of Hieronymus Bosch, distils them, and serves it to you with Burzum blasting in the background. This is Irish history as I was never taught it, and I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment.

[Gearóid Ó Díomasaigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Duffy has crafted a wonderfully engaging book with Run with the Hare, Hunt with the Hound. He manages to transport the reader back to medieval Ireland viewed through the eyes of a compelling set of characters who weave between real-world historical events and wonderfully descriptive fictional narrative.

It is clear the author has drawn from his experience working on key archaeological sites, as his descriptions of the lived world and objects are brought to life as clearly as his characters. It is not easy to successfully fit a story within historical setting and it is Duffy's addition of small details that bring the world of the central character to life and make you more engaged with their story.

I would highly recommend this book for any fans of historical fiction, look forward to my next trip back to Medieval Ireland with the author.

[Mael Brigde · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant book, beautifully written, well constructed, with the might of a good historian and archaeologist behind it. The Norman invasion through the eyes of an enslaved youth whose parents were captured in Britain and brought to Míde. Can’t recommend it too highly.

If you like this book you may like Hild by Nicola Griffith. Reasons: Young, intelligent people in equally precarious situations in mediaeval cultures in the midst of violent political change. They advance by their wits, alternately protected by and in danger from those in power. Both books are meticulous in their research and authenticity and beautifully written.

[Jessica Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a strange book. It's got a really good premise but I didn't really connect with any of the characters, it was really disjointed it it's style, and although parts of the writing were beautiful parts meandered around for no reason.

HOWEVER the history is tells is fascinating and not enough books are written about this time period that I've come across.

It felt like this should have been a series of book with more space for the author to explore each bit, rather than cramming everything in.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, detailed historical accuracy which, unfortunately, means lots of violence. Some of the battle and torture scenes were difficult to get through. Interesting characters, with themes of identity, loyalty, betrayal, and brutality of existence in the Middle Ages.
However, I felt the narrative dragged frequently with too many repetitive descriptions of scenery and customs at the expense of moving along the storyline at a good pace. I wasn’t a fan of the ending which seemed abrupt, even though long in coming.
Alberic’s reuniting with Ness felt contrived and highly coincidental. I also felt Conn’s reappearance without any explanation of how, when he was described as being in a half-dead state at the time, he managed to escape and travel hundreds of miles north was highly unrealistic. And finally, leaving Alberic’s parentage a mystery at the end felt like a cheat to the loyal reader who doggedly read through to the end.

[Conor McDonough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Other reviewers have praised the historical accuracy of this novel, and I can only echo their praise wholeheartedly. It's immensely refreshing to read Irish historical fiction which avoids cliché and brings us instead to the complexity of lived reality in another time.

Aside from the historical reliability, though, I'd like to underline the *emotional* impact of the novel. I rarely connect a great deal with love stories in novels, for example, but, my gosh, the (highly unconventional) romance in this book had me heavily invested, and the last line of the book brought a rare tear to my eye.

Other relationships in the book are equally unconventional and compelling. On the one hand they're entirely unlike anything we know in our time (master to slave relationships, for example, or king to subordinate king), but in the course of the novel they become less alien, more human and comprehensible.

Apart from the characters and their relationships, the descriptive passages are often of immense beauty. Duffy has an archaeologist's love for ordinary objects, and his attention to such objects - as well as to buildings and urban layout - makes for a very rich world indeed.

Read it. It will be unlike anything you've read before. And I'm already looking forward to the rest of the series!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first 100 pages were a slog for me as I had a hard time following the Gaelic. But I had the sense that the quieter world of that culture was something I needed to settle into because of the change that was coming. Once the clashes with the English/Normans unfolded, the story kept me up late reading. The protagonist is both hare and hound -- as are many in this novel.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read plenty of non-fictionbooks on Irish history, it was nice to get lost in a novel about a pivotal point in Irish history. It really put some flesh on the bones of the history books. I thoroughly enjoyed the book!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed.