Too Long a Sacrifice

by Mildred Downey Broxon, Tim White (Illustrator)

Orbit, 1983. British paperback. Fantasy novel set in both the past and present of Ireland.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Historical, Ireland, Science Fiction Fantasy

Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mildred...

Reviews

[Printable Tire]

My St. Patrick's Day read.

First, my caveats: the dialogue is often exposition-heavy, and Broxon sometimes shows too much of her homework; the protagonists are incredibly dismissive of Christianity, and the woman is distractedly critical of other women's weight.

But. But! I loved this book. It's a wonderful weave of ancient fantasy and grim reality, eternal struggles and "troubles" in Ireland. The island's rich folklore is deftly used to keep the story moving forward, so while the novel feels epic, it never staggers, or includes magic just for magic's sake (despite what I said up there on the first line - the "showing homework" is indeed a very small criticism).

It's a page turner! Some readers might want more "character development" but I think such would slow the book down- we know who the characters are and what they want, anything else would be excess. Recommended to anyone interested in Irish history of folklore, or the combination of the two.

I will often think of the Sídhe in their underwater palace, blinking in and out of existence, partying forever, before the blood appears on the ceiling, signifying the pain of Ireland...

[Rusty]

This is the story of Tadhag and Maire, man and wife from 6th century Ireland, whose life with the faeries leads to quite another existence when they are transported to the war torn Ireland of the 20th century. Tadhag is possessed by The Horned One, a mythical creature who rules the winter month. Maire is possessed by the Goddess who rules the warmer months. It's an entertaining story full of tragedy, death and mythical creatures. Fun read.

[Fishface]

A very good read, about a woman from ancient Ireland and her husband, who get separated and then, even more unexpectedly, reunited after an unexpected stay in the land of the fairy folk.

[Bethany (CozyLittleBookNook)]

DNF Page 33
This was a book that I picked up on a whim and I really don't know what I was think I really have 0 interest in it.

[Nicholas Whyte]

I rather groaned at the beginning with its rather idealised Celtic setting of Olde Ireland. But once we get into the action and our heroes are zoomed forward into 1970s Belfast I warmed to it. I winced at the occasional solecism - a character goes "down Falls Road" from the RVH to Milltown, another complains about Monaghan having been partitioned from Ulster, Newgrange is shifted north of Dundalk (though I'd allow this for artistic reasons) and a Peace People march is confronted by a Loyalist counter-demonstration - but I thought the author was relatively evenhanded in her treatment of all sides and her portrayal of the awfulness of violence.

[Macpudel]

Fascinating segue between fantasy historic Ireland and the bloody recent historical past of the Troubles. I've read books set in the Celtic dreamtime with the fae, and I've read fiction set during the Troubles, but this is the only book I've read that combines them both. It could be described as a time travel story, where the magic follows the characters from the past into the present.

[Janet Whalen]

mythical story involving the troubles in Ireland...again, with Mythos leaking into reality....most of the books I love do this

[Michael Carnell]

I read this book long ago and absolutely fell in love with. A terrific intertwining of Irish folklore, history, and the modern Troubles.

[Lorraine]

So glad this book crossed my path by accident! It links the ancient world of the Sidhe with modern day Ireland during the time of The Troubles. Very insightful and captivating.