Historical Fictionistas discussion

Hi,

Do you have any suggestions for books set in Ireland? Any time period is fine.

I am preparing for a trip to Ireland in October!

Thanks!
Lauren

The Yellow House: A Novel. I loved this one.

Angela's Ashes. Kind of a classic. Very sad.

Any particular locales you'd be more inclined to read about?
I would recommend Morgan Llywelyn writes about all ages of Ireland (bronze age to 1970s).
Maeve Binchy writes more contemporary fiction.
If you're looking for non-fiction let me know there's a great travel book about Northern Ireland that I'd recommend, but if you're not heading to that area, it might not be the best of use of your reading time :)

Three Bags Fulland A Star Called Henry are both very good. You can check out my Ireland shelf here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/...

Many people like Galway Bay, but it was just OK for me.

U might try Edward Rutherford's "Dublin" its takes you from the ice age all the way up into modern times with all the history of dublin playing in the background. He also has a 2 book series called "the Dublin Saga" made up of "the princes of Ireland" & "the rebels of Ireland". Ive never read them but he's worth checking out. I read his "London" novel. For non-fiction try "How the Irish Saved Civilization" by Thomas Cahill who's widely regarded. Happy reading! and have a fabulous time! Im so jealous!
How the Irish Saved Civilization
The Princes of Ireland
The Rebels of Ireland

Circle of Friends - more modern setting.

The Princes of Ireland. Not the best of the Rutherford books I've read, but still good.

Thanks everyone.

I am most interested in Southern Ireland but am open to other suggestions.

Allie wrote: "U might try Edward Rutherford's "Dublin" its takes you from the ice age all the way up into modern times with all the history of dublin playing in the background. He also has a 2 book series called..."

How the Irish Saved Civilization is terrific!

If you want to take a look I started a listopia list: http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/85.... There are several favorites of mine on there including Trinity, Galway Bay, In the Woods and most of Maeve Binchy's books.

As an aside my profile picture was taken at Newgrange, a prehistoric site just north of Dublin.

Patrick: Son of Ireland It takes place in Ireland and other places in europe and the middle east.

The Outside Boy is set in Ireland, not sure which part. I picked it up awhile back, though it's just hangin' in the TBR, I haven't read it yet. :)

You might want to read one of the novels by Frank Delaneythat deal with the history of Ireland. I've really liked the ones I've read.

A portion of "P.S. I Love You" was set in Ireland.

Have fun! I love Ireland and hope to get over in the spring.

i really liked walter macken's trilogy - the silent people., seek the fair land and scorching wind

My two favorite Maeve Binchy books are Tara Road and Circle of Friends.

For some serious, literary, historical fiction read Joseph O'Connor's 'Star of the Sea' - you see both sides of the potato blight & the effects of contemporary social norms on the absentee landlord class. O'connor uses facts to paint a true picture in fiction - wonderful book.

AS someone who lives here in Ireland but is from the U.S. I can recommend Roddy Doyle's Barrytown trilogy for a real insight into Dublin life. For more chick litty modern Ireland try Marion Keyes' novels.

For great insight into the War of Independence in the 1919-1921 and the Civil War here Orna Ross's book, Lover's Hollow is excellent. I also liked Jamie O'Neill's 'At Swim Two Boys.'

Other authors not mentioned: John McGahern, Sebastian Barry, Colm Toibin (Brooklyn)

Lover's Hollow
At Swim, Two BoysT
he Barrytown Trilogy: The Commitments / The Snapper / The Van

Jane G. wrote: "For some serious, literary, historical fiction read Joseph O'Connor's 'Star of the Sea' - you see both sides of the potato blight & the effects of contemporary social norms on the absentee landlord..."

I would agreee Star of the Seawas a five star read for me and I would also recommend A Long Long Way by Sebastian Barry

The Mammy
The Chisellers
The Granny
these 3: fantastic reads.
The Young Wan
i've got this one coming at the library.