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37th out of 156 books
—
122 voters
1916: A Novel of the Irish Rebellion (Irish Century Novels #1)
Ned Halloran has lost both his parents--and almost his own life--to the sinking of the Titanic . Determined to keep what little he has, he returns to his homeland in Ireland and enrolls at Saint Enda's school in Dublin. Saint Enda's headmaster is the renowned scholar and poet, Patrick Pearse--who is soon to gain greater fame as a rebel and patriot. Ned becomes totally invo...more
Paperback, 576 pages
Published
March 15th 1999
by Tor Books
(first published 1998)
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I loved this book. Of course, I am passionately interested in Irish history and, especially, Irish Nationalism. The fictional characters in the book are compelling enough to keep you reading, and the history is colorful, fascinating, and accurate. I appreciate the fact that she references all of her facts so that you feel you're getting "the real story." Of course, me being me, I still went online to compare the author's version with what was available in other books and was happy to find that s...more
Ned Halloran has just survived the sinking of the Titanic. Traumatised by the loss of life, including that of his parents, he returns home to Ireland. His older brother takes over the running of the farm and Ned is lucky enough to be sent to school. The school chosen for him is St. Edna’s, or Scoil Eanna, a secondary school set up by Padraig Pearse. There he becomes caught up by the nationalist feelings and teaching and becomes involved in the Easter Rising of 1916.
Plenty of real, historical fig...more
Plenty of real, historical fig...more
Young Ned Halloran is angry....really angry.
First his parents die on the Titanic. Next his sister marries a jerk. Then he finds out that his country has been occupied for hundreds of years. Followed by the fact that he dates a jerk...then falls in love with a prostitute...its amazing he hasn't boiled over with rage before.
Seriously, 1921 is an historical novel about the Easter uprising, with the vast part of the book setting the scene.
In this book, Llywelyn believably mixes history and fiction...more
First his parents die on the Titanic. Next his sister marries a jerk. Then he finds out that his country has been occupied for hundreds of years. Followed by the fact that he dates a jerk...then falls in love with a prostitute...its amazing he hasn't boiled over with rage before.
Seriously, 1921 is an historical novel about the Easter uprising, with the vast part of the book setting the scene.
In this book, Llywelyn believably mixes history and fiction...more
The title of this book is fairly self-explanatory. The rebellion is seen through the eyes of young Ned Halloran who becomes entranced with the idea of Ireland's freedom as taught to him by none other than Padraic Pearse. Ned joins in the fight and while this book remains fictional, his eyewitness account paints an accurate and vivid picture of the fateful months leading up to the revolution.
This book was a re-read for me. I found it on my shelf at home and since I'm poor, I decided to give it a...more
This book was a re-read for me. I found it on my shelf at home and since I'm poor, I decided to give it a...more
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The best part of the book is the last 50 pages, so hang in there through the sections that are more difficult. This novel is a great example of historical fiction that is more historical than fiction. Llywelyn includes copious endnotes and builds this story upon the real people who led the Irish Rebellion of 1916. Ned Halloran is technically the main character but is really just her method of telling the stories of those leaders. Ned himself is an idealistic young Irishman who finds himself a st...more
Yawn. Who would have thought the Easter Rising would be so boring? Then again, I never got as far as the Rising. Perhaps it picked up when the fighting started, but young Ned's early years put me straight to sleep. Normally I like Llywelyn, but I suspect that here she decided to trade on her reputation rather than go to the extra work of making the opening of this novel interesting.
There is something inherently romantic about a rebellion created by poets and scholars.
The novel is a piece of heavily researched historical fiction that inserts a bit too much of the research in awkward "As you know" passages, but underneath is a story of a young man's involvement in Ireland's Easter Rising.
Like most of Morgan Llywelyn's novels, there is a strong dose of romance that veers into "chick-lit" territory. What saves this tale from growing melodramatic is the backdrop of a group of...more
The novel is a piece of heavily researched historical fiction that inserts a bit too much of the research in awkward "As you know" passages, but underneath is a story of a young man's involvement in Ireland's Easter Rising.
Like most of Morgan Llywelyn's novels, there is a strong dose of romance that veers into "chick-lit" territory. What saves this tale from growing melodramatic is the backdrop of a group of...more
I didn't know anything about the Irish Rebellion of 1916 before I read this book, and happened to hear the tune to U2's "Bloody Sunday" playing in my mind the whole time. (Not a bad thing!) I'm cautious to differentiate between truth and fiction while reading historical fiction novels, so was thankful to have the few biographical pages in the beginning. Unfortunately, I learned the fate of most before the rebellion, but that knowledge didn't detract from the suspense. Agreeing with others, I did...more
This is a story set in the early 1900s culminating with the Easter Uprising in Ireland in 1916. I really enjoyed this book. To me, this is the textbook example of a historical novel, good fictional characters and a good plot whose tale is woven through significant historical events. While Llewelyn's story maybe doesn't rival those of Leon Uris, the Godfather of Historical Novels, it was good enough to keep me turning the pages. I also think of Uris because his novel "Trinity" was also about stru...more
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It's been several years since I read this historical fiction book set in Dublin during 1916. This was the year of the Easter Rising in Dublin, when a small group of armed Irish men and women took on the might of the English army.
In the end it was a dismal failure as an armed revolution, but it lit a spark that would result in England finally giving the people of Ireland control of their own country.
Llywelyn centers the book on Padraic Pearse, the schoolteacher who became the de facto leader of...more
In the end it was a dismal failure as an armed revolution, but it lit a spark that would result in England finally giving the people of Ireland control of their own country.
Llywelyn centers the book on Padraic Pearse, the schoolteacher who became the de facto leader of...more
This novel about the Easter Rising of 1916 was a long ride, and it was well worth it. I loved everything about it from the rich Irish history to the characters that inhabited Dublin and fought for something they believed in. It was hard for me to believe that most of the characters, such as Padraic Pearse and Thomas MacDonagh, were real living and breathing people, because they seem so much more than people. They seem like the very heart of Ireland and I was saddened by the way the rebellion tur...more
The early part of this book couldn't quite make up its mind if it was history or a historic novel but over the course of the novel I came to care about the characters and their future. Set in Ireland in the period leading up to the Easter Uprising its main characters are the Titanic survivor Ned, his girlfriend Sile and best friend and newspaper man Henry. I'm very interested in this period of history and the outcome of the Uprising for the historic characters but I was still anxious for the mai...more
Being Irish American myself I was able to appreciate this entire series. Llywelyn’s attention to detail and historical accuracy is wonderful. The events of a country and people gain new life as told through the eyes of the main characters. Fictitious characters evolve telling the story of events as they unfolded and permit you to gain insight into the real heroes of the day without destroying the integrity of the factual history. Gone are the dry text book style histories of the Troubles in Irel...more
The author tried to put together a really sound historical novel about 1916. The plot is good, the research is good, but the characters and dialogue weren't up to her usual standards. The historical characters come across as terribly wooden, as though she was afraid to take liberties because we know so much about them. Sometimes a character will open their mouth and go on in a fashion reminiscent of history textbooks for multiple pages. The main fictional character, Ned, was poorly developed. I...more
Pertains to the whole series:
Definitely a compelling read with characters you come to care about and whose passions and convictions can’t help but stir you. Llywelyn’s attention to honest historicity makes for an incredibly filled out context in which the characters act. For this reason I would be hesitant to widely recommend it as it is in some ways a more compelling history lesson. That said I really enjoyed it and felt that I learned a lot through the read. Relatable on the level that it deal...more
Definitely a compelling read with characters you come to care about and whose passions and convictions can’t help but stir you. Llywelyn’s attention to honest historicity makes for an incredibly filled out context in which the characters act. For this reason I would be hesitant to widely recommend it as it is in some ways a more compelling history lesson. That said I really enjoyed it and felt that I learned a lot through the read. Relatable on the level that it deal...more
On the advice of my dear wife, and in preparation for our trip to Ireland, and for the love of history and all things Irish - I took on the challenge of getting through Morgan Llywelyn's series of historical novels about the modern Irish struggle for independence.
Although the book was not the best literary work I've read - I became engrossed in the story. What is of greatest importance is her attention to the details of history (including footnotes), giving the reader an understanding of not on...more
Although the book was not the best literary work I've read - I became engrossed in the story. What is of greatest importance is her attention to the details of history (including footnotes), giving the reader an understanding of not on...more
Morgan Llywelyn's writing on Irish history is dense and rewarding. I feel like I'm in class with an expert teacher. While this and 1921 are novels, Llywelyn has taken great pains to footnote the many historical details she includes. Some complain that this makes the reading too dense, but for anyone with a keen interest in these years and Irish history, the details are tremendous. While I wanted more resolution to the relationship with Kathleen and the priest, I was swept up by Ned's experiences...more
A sobering and well written book about another horrid example of man's inhumanity to man. Having recently finished Unbroken (Hillenbrand) and Matterhorn (Marlenates) I may have to read some Dr. Seuss to recalibrate my psyche. Morgan Llywelyn provides an apparently very accurate account of the Irish Rebellion, which includes all of the important historical characters, through the framework of a set of fictional characters. It is well crafted and entertaining and yet heart-wrenching in the knowled...more
Ned Halloran has lost both his parents--and almost his own life--to the sinking of the Titanic . Determined to keep what little he has, he returns to his homeland in Ireland and enrolls at Saint Enda's school in Dublin. Saint Enda's headmaster is the renowned scholar and poet, Patrick Pearse--who is soon to gain greater fame as a rebel and patriot. Ned becomes totally involved with the growing revolution...and the sacrifices it will demand.
Through Ned's eyes, 1916 examines the Irish fight for fr...more
Through Ned's eyes, 1916 examines the Irish fight for fr...more
I found this book to be extremely enlightening. The author, Morgan Llywelyn, did a great job of weaving together historical facts and fictious persona...moreI found this book to be extremely enlightening. The author, Morgan Llywelyn, did a great job of weaving together historical facts and fictious personal interactions between a character she created, Ned Halloran, and the leaders of the the Easter Rising of 1916.
Seen through the eyes of this young man in his teens, Llywelyn tries to explain...more
Seen through the eyes of this young man in his teens, Llywelyn tries to explain...more
This a very interesting book describing the real Irish story through Ned Halloran character, from the Bloody Sunday, the Bachelor's Walk until the Easter Rising.
Page 97:
One thing I do not miss about Ireland is the hypocrisy. There is no sex in Ireland; the church forbids it. The babies of decent folk are the result of Immaculate Conception. Anything else is Original Sin. No wonder we go through life crippled by guilt and fear.
Page 420:
"Mr. Connolly says there are no Volunteers and Citizen Army a...more
Page 97:
One thing I do not miss about Ireland is the hypocrisy. There is no sex in Ireland; the church forbids it. The babies of decent folk are the result of Immaculate Conception. Anything else is Original Sin. No wonder we go through life crippled by guilt and fear.
Page 420:
"Mr. Connolly says there are no Volunteers and Citizen Army a...more
Although this was a historical novel it brought the issues and passions behind 1916 to life. Well written and interesting character development made this a great read. The book ends with the failed attempt to overthrow the post office in Dublin where the revolt ends. It is recommended to read this book then watch the film Michael Collins because this book provides all the background on the history and real life characters then Michael Collins picks up right where 1916 ends at the post office bui...more
read on the recommendation of my mother - this is a GREAT book if you like or are interested in irish history. this book tells the story of the 1916 easter rising, using a fictional main character along with historical figures.
i knew a fair amount about the rising, but found this story fascinating. fair warning - i did find myself singing irish songs to myself as historic figures from the song were mentioned, most notably 'grace' and 'james connolly'.
i referred back to the map of dublin at the f...more
i knew a fair amount about the rising, but found this story fascinating. fair warning - i did find myself singing irish songs to myself as historic figures from the song were mentioned, most notably 'grace' and 'james connolly'.
i referred back to the map of dublin at the f...more
I should clarify my star system. It's not that I didn't enjoy reading this book. I did. I would have liked if Llywelyn would have taken the license with the fiction to go a bit further into some of the historical figures - especially the leaders of the Easter Day rebellion - but my star system doesn't allow for historical novels to get much more than one star. At the same time, if you want a primer on the Irish rebellion and don't want to read a history book, I recommend Llwelyn's 1916
The 1916 Easter rebellion in Dublin Ireland is such a tragic party of their history. The story of that week long rebellion is told through the eyes of a fictional character, but he meets up with truly amazing people along the way. People who truly existed, and were responsible for planning and carrying out the rebellion. Talented and brave people who wrote poetry, published their own patriotic newspapers, organized laborers, and wanted nothing more than to run their own country. This is an exce...more
Llywellyn has done it to me again!! Taken a period in time and so intricately woven a fictional character into it that at some point the two blurr together! The time she takes to research the history and know every detail allowed me to learn even more about a subject I thought I already knew! And of coarse the fictional story line has you swept up in terror and panic, first love and experiences, tears and heartbreak and cheering on the "heros" even though you know the outcome!
I have to admit th...more
I have to admit th...more
I liked how Morgan Llywelyn started out the story not from the year 1916 but a few years earlier and we can see how the characters grow up in front of our eyes, especially the main character of Ned. I liked how Llywelyn incorporated imaginary characters with the real characters of that time. I felt connected to them as they faced their greatest challenges from surviving the Titanic to overcoming people perceptions of the time and the Easter Rising of 1916. Even though I knew the history of event...more
I felt that Llywelyn wrote an engaging novel but missed the mark with the historical side. She focuses too much on her invented characters. So much so that I had a hard time keeping track of the "who's who" on the historical scene. Too many names, places and organizations without enough background and familiarization. The only revolutionaries that I could tell you anything about are Patrick Pearse, Tom Clarke, and Jim Connolly. I would recognize the names of the others but wouldn't be able to te...more
I love Morgan LLywelyn's historical Irish fiction. So, I didn't not hesitate to buy this when I came across it. Sadly, the more modern time period isn't as enjoyable. This was too much like reading any contemporary fiction - it lacked the "magic" of her other work like Lion of Ireland and The Wind from Hastings. Fans of more modern history may enjoy this. While I did finish it, I was never motivated to read the subsequent years of the series (even though I own them).
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodreads Ireland: September Monthly Read 2012. 1916: A Novel... | 70 | 62 | Oct 07, 2012 11:01am | |
| Goodreads Ireland: Spoiler Thread | 1 | 7 | Sep 14, 2012 06:41pm |
Morgan Llywelyn (born 1937) is an American-born Irish author best known for her historical fantasy, historical fiction, and historical non-fiction. Her fiction has received several awards and has sold more than 40 million copies, and she herself is recipient of the 1999 Exceptional Celtic Woman of the Year Award from Celtic Women International.
More about Morgan Llywelyn...
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Sep 22, 2011 10:19am