Alphabet Historical Fiction: Letter I
This wonderful work of historical fiction is based on the 1916 Irish Rebellion, known as the Easter Rising. I read it in 2007 and I thought this challenge would be a good time to revisit it.
Were introduced to the main character Ned Holloran, a 15-year-old survivor of the sinking of the Titanic. Neither of his parents survive. He is given the choice to stay in the United States with his sister Kathleen and her new husband. He chooses to go back to Ireland, where he attends an Irish school lead by Padraic Pearse, who is a scholar, poet, and rebel for the Irish cause. Ned gains a new appreciation for Ireland and it’s culture and gets involved in the rebellion.
Llywelyn weaves the true facts and real life historical people of the rebellion with her fictional character Ned Halloran seamlessly. She introduces us to the amazing Irish history and people of the time in an informative and entertaining way.
This is the first book in an Irish Century Series. I would like to read the next one, 1921: The Great Novel of the Irish Civil War!
4.5/5
Posts
This sounds interesting..I'm not very familiar with this period reading, feel like giving this a try. Thanks:)
Lucy said... April 13, 2010 at 8:10 PM
Lucy, I would love to read your review on it, if you read it.
Teddy Rose said... April 14, 2010 at 9:51 PM
Sounds like a great book--I've always loved the folk song "Foggy Dew" which is about the Easter Rising...I'm sure I'd love the book!
Rowenna said... April 15, 2010 at 5:23 AM
Rowenna, I love Bloody Sunday by U2, although that didn't take place in this book, it was later.
Teddy Rose said... April 15, 2010 at 12:50 PM
Morgan Llewellyn has previously stayed in ancient times - I'm fascinated to hear that she's moved to the 1916 rising - I can't wait to read this. Thanks for the post!
Teddy Rose - there was a Bloody Sunday in the Irish war of Independence - it took place in 1920 at Croke Park, a sports stadium when many members of the public (and even a player on the pitch)were gunned down by British soldiers in revenge for a large number of assassinations that morning by Michael Collins' IRA men. However, you are correct in saying that the U2 song refers to a later incident - that in Derry in 1972, when paratroopers shot dead 13 civilians and injured 14 more at a demonstration.
Anonymous said... April 16, 2010 at 4:22 AM
Ben, I didn't know that she wrote about ancient times as well. That would be of interest to me. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for your comment about Bloody Sunday.
Teddy Rose said... April 16, 2010 at 9:50 PM
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