A Nightingale Falling

by P.J. Curtis

Set against a backdrop of a turbulent, war-torn Ireland in the early 1920’s, this is a story centering on a group of people whose lives are caught up in an unfolding drama that leads to tragic ends as passions are fueled and familial relationships tested and, finally, torn apart.It is a story of a household and its inhabitants caught in the crucible of the merciless politics, cruelties and hardships of the period. It is also a story of love (requited and un-requited), of broken hearts, of entrapment, desperation and madness and of secrets revealed and darker secrets kept – even to the grave.Ultimately, it is a story of lives overtaken and destroyed by events outside their control, leading to the death of two souls ensnared in a tangled, deadly web not of their own spinning.

Paperback

First published May 1, 2012

Reviews

[Cynthia Neale · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins with the end, but not quite. Do not be beguiled by the beginning. You will be intrigued and before you know it, you are lost in 1920's war-torn Ireland with May and her sister Tilly, two Protestant sisters who wish for peace, but are cruelly trapped in the destructive politics of the times. There is struggle, passion, and requited and unrequited love, and when events become uncontrollable, choices have to be made. It is a story of ethics, self-preservation, and the entanglement of love, and although tragedy prevails, you will close the book and feel empathy for Ireland and for the human condition. There is characterization, imagery, and storytelling that will take you out of your own skin and into the skin of the characters. The story ends, but will stay on in your memory.

[gabi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a full 3, maybe 2.5 stars - although it was clear how the book will go since the beginning and it was doom and gloom, generally it was a good read. Had a bit of a hard time with the style but overall liked how the times were described, all the hardships and personal struggle with decisions.

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I love the way the author presented the story in journal and diary form as it shows the true feelings of the people involved. The end starts at the beginning. So much happening in war torn Ireland in the 1920s and you get a real feel for the turmoil that May and Tilly have to endure.
You have a head strong sister who makes a decision that will affect the family for the rest of their lives. You have love, passion, jealously and murder (manslaughter?) But most of all you have love of family and the unselfish giving of one's self. It is a shame that more readers don't know about this author and book.
The second reading was just as good if not better. I recently rewatched the movie. While good, it did not touch nearly on as much that is in the book. This will always remain one of my favorite stories of all time.

[Siubhan · Rating 1 out of 5]

No, I got 11% in on my Kindle & I just thought 'No'. I found the writing stilted, lots and lots of repetition (in the first few pages anyway). I didnt like or believe the 'fathers voice in his letter and when I started reading the first journal that feeling was magnified.

Years ago I would have persisted with a book like this but now I've go by the motto 'life's too short' and Im happy to park a book that doesn't grab or delight me.

Simply not for me.

S

[Mike Savage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lively, skillful prose. A trip to Ireland without the leaving of home. A "gathering" if you will. You get your Irish slant, your Irish history, and a goodly dose of rural Irish family life.

PS: Being made into a movie. Eager to see that. See how it is transformed and interpreted.

[Karin A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story and setting in 1920 Ireland and the history but I thought the diary format wasn't working. Also, I thought the plot was given away early on and as a reader, I would have liked a discovery of the unfolding story on my own.