Music Makers

by E.V. Thompson

In the troubled countryside of Ireland, the 1840s are harrowing years. Against this stark world stands Liam McCabe, one-time fisherman of Kilmar, now turning his hand to politics to offer his countrymen the thing they need a glimmer of hope.

Genres: Historical

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Ernest Victor Thompson was born in London and spent nine years in the Navy before joining Bristol police. He moved to Hong Kong, then Rhodesia and had over 200 stories published before returning to England in 1970 to become a full-time award-winning writer.

He settled in Cornwall, living at Idle Cottage in Sharptor.

He wrote 42 historical novels, mostly set in Cornwall, beginning with 'Chase the Wind' in 1977, a book that was voted the best historical novel of the year, with detectives Churchyard and Hawke two of his main characters.

He was awarded the MBE in the 2012 New Years' Honours list for services to literature and the community in Cornwall. He was also a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedd (Gorsedh Kernow). This is an individual honoured for significant contributions to the Cornish language, culture, or heritage.

He also wrote the Scottish historical epic 'Homeland' in 1991 under the pseudonym James Munro.

He died peacefully, with his wife, Celia, and two sons, Nathan and Luke, by his side, at his home in Launceston, Cornwall, on 19 July 2021, shortly after his 81st birthday.

Reviews

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

E.V. Thompson’s The Music Makers is not a book I would usually pick up. However, the great thing about being part of a book club is that you find yourself reading things you wouldn’t usually pick up. Although I did not love this one, it was certainly addictive.

The Music Makers is one of those stories that has you eager to see how all the pieces will come together, leaving you invested in how each character’s story will play out. With plenty of elements included, this one had me wanting to find out more about all the little things that were occurring. There were a few points when things felt like they were dragging, my connection to the characters was never what I had hoped it would be, but I remained curious throughout.

Although I was curious throughout, this one did hit a couple of my pet peeves. The biggest I have is when it comes to sexual relationships in books. I’m a romance fan, I will happily read what many call smut, but I do not expect it in every book. However, I hate it when a book includes a lengthy scene about rape, but loving relationships are covered in a single sentence or paragraph. I did not need the details, as the impact would have been possible without sharing the all details. On a much smaller note, the other pet peeve was the fact the characters were almost always referred to by their full names – the book could have cut a fair few pages if we just used first names.

All in all, this was an addictive read. It was not perfect, but it had me curious to see how the pieces would play out.

[Martin Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover for this book was quite uninspiring and, at first glance, a story set during the potato famine in Ireland in the 1840s did nothing to stir the blood. But what a great story told by someone who was a great storyteller. The late E.V. Thompson's tale of love, politics, fishing, and the Irish struggle is pure gold. The ending seemed to try and tie up loose ends rather quickly but this did not detract from the charm of the book. indeed, there are other instances where some parts seemed rushed, but this 446 page novel just flows beautifully.

[Jay Wakefield · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing, heart-wrenching story chronicling the turbulant times in Ireland during the potato famine, following the lives of the fisherman of Kilmore in County Wexford, and their struggle against famine, disease and English rule to keep Ireland's poor from starving. We also gain a wee insight into the politics and relationships between social classes. Definitely a fantastic read, but it will leave you feeling for the characters.

[Jay Wakefield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very touching tale of County Wexford fishermen battling the Irish potato famine. This book brings to light the attitudes of the English government towards Ireland, and to a Scottish Independence supporter I can certainly draw parallels between the attitudes towards the Irish then and the attitudes towards the Scottish now.

[Elizabeth Sikora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating fictional story of the Irish potato famine! Historical accuracy, interesting characters, and beautifully written. Portrays the hardships these characters had to go through, and their fight to have the British Parliament send more food to Ireland. As sad as it was, it is one of the best books I've ever read.

[Lenore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good historical novel of the Irish Famine. We’ll written, lots of history. I read it many years ago so this was a reread. I highly recommend it and will look for another by E V Thompson.

[Cherie Semmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely read;Well written and very factual..

[Sid Smallman · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the whole an interesting read which managed to hold my interest but the plot was quite predictable and somewhat implausible many places especially in the second half of the book.

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only read this book as part of my 2015 reading challenge and that was to cover the catagory of "bottom to read list". I didn't think I would get into it. but I did. I found I actually wanted to know what was going to happen to the characters.

[Rachel (Sfogs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written though sad story.