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Never Call It Loving
From the moment they met, Charles Parnell, the Irish patriot, and Kitty O'Shea, the wife of his colleague, were swept forward in a sense of adventure.
314 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1976
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 26, 2013
Many times the contents of a book hasn’t resembled the impression of a cover. If ever I was happily surprised by a cover and title, no mismatch has been as far flung as: “Never Call It Loving”, 1966, by the great Dorothy Eden. I respect history but read no romance nor historical fiction. My cover magnifies those to a tee and I’ wouldn’t have bought it if it weren’t for my collecting style: gather everything I find by certain authors! I imagined this to be gothic suspense and lodged it behind the visible row of a shelf.
This is a real political saga. It has the world’s cheesiest cover but worldwide knowledge is important. I dug in and never would have expected to be swept away.... emotional and riveted! There are no irrefutable parameters for a perfect book. It is answer enough if the pages keep turning. So what is this story that has made an impact on me? Charles Stewart Parnell led the Irish party, when England left them the least control over their home soil. The law they wanted to pass, that would improve life so much for the poor against evil caretakers, was “The Home Bill”. The origin of the word “boycott” comes from this story’s very figures!
The least loyal member was William O’Shea, in love with London social life. He married Katharine while grieving her Father. She confused appreciation with love and saw that she was with the wrong person. After he cheated on her, she declared their marriage over in every way but divorce, unless his catholic upbringing would grant it. The story begins here. Katharine takes interest in politics, meets Charles, and finds in him the man suited for her. Even if granted, divorce is taboo in the 1800s. How do they proceed?
This is a real political saga. It has the world’s cheesiest cover but worldwide knowledge is important. I dug in and never would have expected to be swept away.... emotional and riveted! There are no irrefutable parameters for a perfect book. It is answer enough if the pages keep turning. So what is this story that has made an impact on me? Charles Stewart Parnell led the Irish party, when England left them the least control over their home soil. The law they wanted to pass, that would improve life so much for the poor against evil caretakers, was “The Home Bill”. The origin of the word “boycott” comes from this story’s very figures!
The least loyal member was William O’Shea, in love with London social life. He married Katharine while grieving her Father. She confused appreciation with love and saw that she was with the wrong person. After he cheated on her, she declared their marriage over in every way but divorce, unless his catholic upbringing would grant it. The story begins here. Katharine takes interest in politics, meets Charles, and finds in him the man suited for her. Even if granted, divorce is taboo in the 1800s. How do they proceed?
January 16, 2014
I was WILD about this historical story of 19th century Charles Parnell and Katherine O' Shea, the wife of one of his colleagues. Imagine my surprise years later to be driving in Ireland and see a sign for tours of their home. I let out a scream that scared my husband half to death. We toured the stately home. I've got to read the book again! January 2014 I read it again and loved it just as much the second time, perhaps even more so since I had seen their Avondale home and beautiful Wicklow. I wondered if I'd still feel Eden was an exceptional writer - I did. Charles and Katherine's love story is sooooo romantic.
May 5, 2014
"This is a splendid book" don't trust the cover.
September 6, 2023
Best Historic Novel...ever!
I am weeping as I try to write this.
Dorothy Eden wrote this incredible story about real characters, who truly loved each other from the first minute that they met! The love, dedication and frustration that Katherine O'Shea felt as she fell in love with the man that her husband introduced her to, and suggested that she work with, to advance her husband's political career, is so poignantly drawn for us. All of the drama of the British politicians vs the idea of Irish Home Rule, set against the backdrop of starving Irish being used and abused by the wealthy English people who always believed that God gave them the Right to control everyone and everything, is a juxtaposition of extraordinary proportions. For the heroine, who just loves her man, it becomes a heart rending struggle to watch her brilliant Irish lover give his all (except his heart- that is always with his Katie) to try to change the laws, beautiful, tragic Ireland will take Charles Parnell away from her.
I highly suggest that you read this delicious book!
I am weeping as I try to write this.
Dorothy Eden wrote this incredible story about real characters, who truly loved each other from the first minute that they met! The love, dedication and frustration that Katherine O'Shea felt as she fell in love with the man that her husband introduced her to, and suggested that she work with, to advance her husband's political career, is so poignantly drawn for us. All of the drama of the British politicians vs the idea of Irish Home Rule, set against the backdrop of starving Irish being used and abused by the wealthy English people who always believed that God gave them the Right to control everyone and everything, is a juxtaposition of extraordinary proportions. For the heroine, who just loves her man, it becomes a heart rending struggle to watch her brilliant Irish lover give his all (except his heart- that is always with his Katie) to try to change the laws, beautiful, tragic Ireland will take Charles Parnell away from her.
I highly suggest that you read this delicious book!
July 22, 2017
Forced myself to page 76 & gave it up. Way too political for me.
December 29, 2019
A romantic story based on actual historical events.
November 28, 2021
Great read--Dorothy Eden never disappoints--but I didn't enjoy this as well as her fictional sagas. Extra star for making me cry.
January 5, 2009
Story of the mistress of Charles Parnell, Irish leader
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews