book data
89 ratings, 4.29 average rating, 30 reviews
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published
August 1st 2001
by NAL Trade
binding
Paperback, 416 pages
isbn
0451202996
(isbn13: 9780451202994)
description
Nineteenth century Ireland comes vividly to life in what Publishers Weekly calls the "finely wrought tale" of Gracelin O'Malley; her brillia...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 135)
Read in June, 2008
A really great story - very inspiring. Didn't so much care for the Ireland political uprising backstory and the sad ending, but I did appreciate that the author did a lot of research to bring that time period to life in a very vivid way. Can't wait to read #2 and #3 in the series. Reccommended for those who enjoy a good historical fiction.
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Read in April, 2008
I have to say that I was disappointed by this book. I think that perhaps all of the rave reviews I read lead me to expect an amazing story with amazing writing and I just didn't think it was that great.
I thought that the character development was on the light side and the story was very predictable, cliché even. I was never surprised by anything that happened. And there was a lack of tension throughout that made me feel like I could leave these characters and this story and not miss them...more
I thought that the character development was on the light side and the story was very predictable, cliché even. I was never surprised by anything that happened. And there was a lack of tension throughout that made me feel like I could leave these characters and this story and not miss them...more
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Read in April, 2008
This was another great historical fiction, taking place in Ireland, during the great potato famine. Gracelin O'Malley is a kind, strong willed, beautiful girl married off to a squire who turns out to be a not so nice guy. The story revolves around her, her family and close friends, most of whom are caught up in the uprising against the English. Beautifully written. I can't wait to read the next two.
Note of warning- there are some rather descriptive scenes of domestic abuse along with gra...more
Note of warning- there are some rather descriptive scenes of domestic abuse along with gra...more
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Read in January, 2007
recommends it for:
Anyone
This is the start of a trilogy that I would highly recommend to all readers. The beginnings of Irelands' potato famine and the detailed accounts of what families had to endure goes from the years documented in this book, to the accounts of families who traveled to America to escape, and on to the trials that they endured as emigrants. You do not want to read just the one book, but also "Leaving Ireland" and "til Morning Light".
Anne Moore's stories are outstanding!
Anne Moore's stories are outstanding!
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Read in April, 2007
I was immediately drawn to the lyrical nature of Moore's writing style. This is a historical novel set in the famine-ridden, war-torn, poverty-stricken countryside of nineteenth-century Ireland. Like the heroines of many romantic novels, Gracelin is exceptionally beautiful and impossibly good, but she at least has a spark of fire to help lift her off the literary page. Although there are a few gooshy scenes, they aren't nearly as explicit as they could be. Phew!
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Read in November, 2008
recommended to Tracey by:
Sandy Yates
I couldn't believe it when I foud out the author is english! She paints a vivid landscape of 19th century Ireland. I also found out that she had originally planned on making Gracelin a minor character in a book about Irish immigrants. I am so glad she didn't. Gracelin is a strong character and manages to survive great adversity and even thrive in many ways. I found out that this is a trilogy and cannot wait to read the sequel.
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Read in March, 2008
recommends it for:
women, historical fiction, Irish history
History of Ireland's potato famine w/ a dauntless heroine, sometimes too good to believe. Very well done, authentic historical detail presented in a very readable style neither white-washed nor too graphic. It's definitely a "can't stop reading it every chance I get' kind of novel. I very much enjoy exploring my Irish heritage in this genre. I am currently reading the 2nd of a trilogy: Leaving Ireland.
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Read in August, 2008
Just finished this book for book club. I really liked it. The historical aspect of the Irish potato famine was so well written, it broke your heart. And the themes of redemption and hope were fab. I would definitely recommend this book, and it gave me a greater insight into a time in history that in school we give mention to but never give the enormity of how horrible the famine really was!
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Read in November, 2008
recommended to Melanie by:
book club
I loved this book, it was a real eye opener to the people of Ireland, you really did root for the underdogs. Throughout the book I really thought there would be an end to the suffering, but after finishing the book I was able to see how much Grace had grown from all she went through and I loved the fact that she never blamed anyone for misfortune, she had such faith and courage.
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I have not owned this trilogy (Gracelin O'Malley, Leaving Ireland and Till Morning Light)yet a year before I had read it 3 times. They are amazing and moving books. The first has a very hard domestic violence and rape scene, but the story is amazing. When I was done with the third I was sad that it was over and started from the beginning right away.
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Read in March, 2008
recommended to Krystal by:
My book club read itrecommends it for: Anyone
I learned a lot about the history of Ireland and the potato famine. I also learned that people who have the least are the most willing to give the most. And people who are rich (generally speaking) will do anything to stay that way, even if a nation is starving. It also, in a round about way, puts in a good plug for food storage. :)
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I couldn't put this book down. I was just drawn right into the story and had to keep reminding myself that the main character was only in her late teens. What courage through such adversity! It seemed she lived a lifetime in only a handful of years. I definitely want to read the sequel.
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Read in January, 2008
I was really surprised by this book. I felt it started out slowly but soon it had me riveted. The story of Gracelin was fascinating, as was the the history of Ireland during the famine. I really enjoyed reading this book and will definitely pick up the sequel.
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Read in August, 2008
I liked the initial plot, but I struggled with the characters. It seemed in the end that most of the main characters were too heroic and unbelievable. It was interesting, but not compelling enough for me to read the next 2 books in the series.
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I read this book in a couple of days. I really liked it! It was a cross between These is My Words and Year of Wonders... but it was shorter. Anyway, I believe she is writing or has written a sequel.
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Read in January, 2008
recommends it for:
woman
Historical Fiction of young woman is Ireland during the potato famine. I learned so much about the area, the people, and the policitical and religious turmoil with England. Well written.
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Read in January, 2007
Book 1 in a series of 3 that takes you to 19th century Ireland, transforms you thru famine and fortune. Could not put any of them down and all who have read have enjoyed as much!
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Has a copy to sell/swap
recommends it for:
sarah
This is the first in Ann Moore's trilogy of Gracelin's life travels from Ireland to Whatcom County. AN EXCELLENT READ!!! If you can catch her at village books I recommend her highly!!
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Read in January, 2005
Beautiful story of survival in the times of plague, death and the adventure for one girl trying to find happiness and just survive in the world of men. (Series, book 1)
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Read in February, 2008
recommended to Chris by:
Debrarecommends it for: Ginger
The potato famine was depicted so real that I wept for them and my ancesters who lived during that time. They often had nothing except hope and endurance.
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