Danny Boy

by Anne Bennett

A deeply moving saga of a young couple with high hopes for a bright future in rural Ireland, only to find themselves embroiled in the uprising of 1916 and having to make a new life for themselves in Birmingham. Rosie's family doesn't have much money, but she's rich in other she loves her life on the farm, her sisters, her friends, and even her spoilt baby brother. When Danny Walsh asks her to walk out with him one Sunday, it's a dream come true. Everyone agrees that they are made for each other and soon they are married. But Danny's young brother runs away to join in the uprising of Easter 1916. Danny is a man of peace but has no choice; he must find his brother and bring him home. Before he can be released, Danny must swear to take his place. Danny will never be free of his pledge. He takes Rosie and their small daughter to what they hope is safety in Birmingham - but the fight to survive has just begun, as nobody will employ an Irishman when there's a war on. With no money coming in, Rosie does the unthinkable and leaves Danny to look after the child while she finds a job in munitions. Little does she realise the danger she is in and what consequences it will have for her and her family. Danny and Rosie will find their resources, spirit and love for each other are tested to the utmost limit before the future is bright again.

Genres: Historical Fiction

Paperback

First published October 4, 2004

Reviews

[Yokesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It all started in a family of 3 sisters and a brother. The story shows exactly how the girls at that time(during world war) were ill treated and the boys were consider as some kind of fame. The story takes palce in Ireland.

Even though there is some partiality between the girls and boy.The boy loved his sister very much and it was superbly depicted in the story

The eldest of the three sister(rosie) got married to a man. And they had a good life only until rosie's brother in law went with irish self formed groups to fight with english. Which caused the rosie's husband to go and search him.

And there came a disaster, rosie's husband exchanged himself for the brother and did which he did not like doing( fighting in a war).

And how he end up free? Did the self formed groups let him live in peace? How did he went on to be a soldier for english? How did the rosie's other two sisters end? All these questions can be answered by reading the book


It was a good read taking you through a roller coaster ride between the joy and sorrow; sweet and bitterness; laughter and frown.

[Laura jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a book with tragedy and hardship a-plenty. its a good story relying on quite a few historical incidents to write this.
Rosies family are not wealthy they live on Wicklow farm but her mother only has time for their baby brother. to Rosie and her two sisters she hands out severe punishment.
Rosie falls in love with her soul mate Danny and they are soon married. moving in with his parents Rosie enjoys her life but younger brother of Danny Phelan runs away to join the Easter Uprising of 1916. Danny doesnt want anything to do with it but realises he has to go to fetch Phelan home.
Danny is put in jail because of it and when he finally gets home its not the end of it. The IRA believe he has told of their plans so Rosie and Danny escape in the night with their child to Birmingham.
Helped by Nuns Danny looks for a job but nobody wants to employ the Irish.
In the end he is told by authorities he is in trouble for not registering and if he wants money for his wife and child he will have to join the Army and fight in the war. Danny dreads telling Rosie and really doesnt want to go but he has no choice.
while he is away fighting Rosie has many hardships to face at home and all she can do is hope that Danny will come home safely.
Helped by the friends she has made in the close she battles on just waiting for the day that Danny will hopefully return. but if he does will life be any better?
a really good story packed with action and historical events

[Simarpreet Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danny Boy by Anne Bennett is a poignant historical novel that delves into the lives of Rosie and Danny, two young lovers in early 20th-century Ireland. Set against the backdrop of rural Wicklow, the story unfolds during a time of political unrest, including the 1916 Dublin riots and the subsequent impact of World War I. Rosie, from a modest farming family, finds her world intertwined with Danny’s, leading to a journey filled with love, sacrifice, and resilience.

Bennett’s narrative captures the essence of Irish life during this tumultuous period, highlighting the challenges faced by ordinary people amidst national upheaval. The characters are well-developed, with Rosie’s strength and Danny’s determination standing out as central themes. The novel skillfully intertwines personal stories with historical events, providing readers with a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences.

While the book offers a compelling storyline, some readers might find certain plot developments predictable. Nonetheless, Danny Boy remains a heartfelt tale of love and survival, resonating with those who appreciate historical fiction that brings the past to life through personal narratives.

[Donna Linton-Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a new author to me, and I enjoyed reading this book. It was a story of both heartbreak and joy, providing insight into the Irish Republican Brotherhood and the rebel Easter Uprising of 1916.

[Lorraine Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

[MR D BROWN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story , I couldn't put it down . A lot going on in the story with Rosie and Danny.

[Tracy]

Much ground

[Alison Hurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think I needed a light-hearted read after the last book.

[Stephii-Dawne Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story so much, until the end. It just ended, with no real ending. So to me, it was just so rushed, that it ruined the story of Rosie and Danny. Otherwise, was a good read.

[carol heslop · Rating 5 out of 5]

just finished this book it is brilliant love this aurthor

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one of Anne Bennett's classics, I couldn't wait to pick up this book after reading all the amazing reviews. The book was engaging as I cried and laughed on numerous occasions and after each page I couldn't wait to read the next. Having said this I feel towards the end the story was dragged on, and the ending could have been better - It was a bit abrupt. I wasn't even sure the book had ended until I saw the acknowledgements. All in all I am really pleased as I felt myself empathising with each character, and even annoyed at the different situations. Danny boy was also very informative and I now know more about how difficult it had been during the war. Good on you Bennett!!

[Janine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well what can I say? The poor old Irish, always getting put into these melodramatic books where situations force them into terrible lives... I got quite annoyed about Rosie's life in this book, how her in-laws actions end up so soundly impacting on her own life that she ends up residing in poverty in Birmingham amid a series of tragedies. The best bit and most memorable bit of this story was what happened to Rosie's sisters in the end.

[Annie Burrows · Rating 4 out of 5]

As if the heroine of this story, Rosie, hasn't enough on her plate with the IRA, the Easter Rising, living in the slums of Birmingham, the first world war and the Spanish flu, she also has to deal with the consequences of her Catholic faith's attitude towards contraception.
And then there is the eponymous hero, Danny Boy to contend with.
Wonderful stuff!

[Kate Allan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, page-turning family saga with great characters.

[Maria Argent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very very slow

[Claire Sansom · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

[Psammead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughly enjoyed this war time saga.

[Nicola Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely story

This is a wonderful story, full of hope
It is inspiring and shows that out of sorrow and hardship love will prevail
I never tire of reading this story