This is a
sweeping family saga set during the Dublin Easter uprising and the First World
War. The Carmodys are a well to do Irish family living a charmed life in
Dublin. Tragic events following the 1916 Easter uprising sees the family at
odds with each other and forced to move to London.
Young
firebrand Danny is supporting the cause of an independent Ireland. This puts
him at odds with his brother Patrick who decides to join the Royal navy. Jenny
his spoiled sister finds herself penniless and forced to look for work. Her
Fiancée John, once a promising prospect, is arrested for his involvement in the
uprising and imprisoned.
This book is
meticulously researched and contains many period details that bring the story
alive. The working conditions for the women in the munitions factories and the
horrors of the battlefield are a brutal back ground that helped me feel a great
deal of compassion for the family.
I especially
liked the character of Jenny as she undergoes a complete transformation. She
starts of as a spoiled and selfish girl, but through hardship her eyes
gradually open and we see her grow into a confident, independent and intelligent
young woman. The story ends in 1917 and as this is titled book 1, I hope that
Ms Petken is already busy writing the follow up. There are turbulent times
ahead for Ireland and I’m sure we’ll see Danny involved. I look forwards to
reading the follow up as this writer has a very engaging style and her research
is solid.
