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A Pocket Full of Shells
In 1846 a baby girl is born to a young Irish fisherman and his wife. It is the second year of the Great Hunger and the young couple choose to remain in Ireland, while family and friends are leaving. Their story takes place in the fishing village of Blackrock, Dundalk but with the cities of Liverpool and Sunderland playing a critical part in their lives. Is their love for each other and their homeland enough to sustain them, or will they be forced to join the one and a half million who emigrate? This is the story of a young man's love for his wife and child and the struggle to provide for his family in one of the darkest periods of Ireland's history.
164 pages, Paperback
First published March 19, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 9, 2021
This begins as a sweet love story set in Ireland, but it soon turns to utter misery thereafter - just misery for all involved. I love historical fiction in order to learn about peoples’ lives, especially during various time periods, including war times, tragedies, etc. All of these topics are included in this story but it is incredibly dismal and painful.
June 10, 2014
This is more of a novella, and is set in Ireland during the great potato blight. Jean Reinhardt has certainly shown up the miserable conditions, and she focused on two characters, Mary and James McGrother, who were somewhat better off than most, because James was a fisherman, albeit one who merely helped his Uncle Pat, who in turn did not own their boat. There is not really much of a plot, as the two struggle simply to survive, facing hunger, typhus, and a lack of support from the laissez faire economy. James takes a spell in Sunderland with his best friend Michael to earn more money, leaving Mary and his daughter Catherine behind, only to find more misery over there.
The book is well-written, and shows the extreme poverty that arose at the time, and hinted at the examples of greed from land-owners that led to so much unnecessary additional misery. It is also a story of the human spirit, and of compassion as those with almost nothing are prepared to give to those even worse off. The low price makes it excellent value for money.
The book is well-written, and shows the extreme poverty that arose at the time, and hinted at the examples of greed from land-owners that led to so much unnecessary additional misery. It is also a story of the human spirit, and of compassion as those with almost nothing are prepared to give to those even worse off. The low price makes it excellent value for money.
September 13, 2016
A n emotional story
I choose this book as it gave a history of the Irish potato Famine along with a lovely love story. Telling how the families survived or died this terrible time. It leaves you with wanting to know more . I could have carried on reading.
I choose this book as it gave a history of the Irish potato Famine along with a lovely love story. Telling how the families survived or died this terrible time. It leaves you with wanting to know more . I could have carried on reading.
May 18, 2016
There wasn't an awful lot to this story in that I didn't hang on every word to see what happened. But I did like it and think it deserves three stars.
I was drawn into the life of James and Mary and there were some other very interesting characters along the way. It depicted Ireland in the 1840's during the potato famine and I have actually been to Ireland, read the history and seen the memorials to the folk who died. So I was aware of this particular part of Ireland's history. The author also describes the conditions in Liverpool and NE England and I thought these very good. Because it's about such tragic events this story could have been depressing, but it's full of hope for the future which I found very uplifting.
I was drawn into the life of James and Mary and there were some other very interesting characters along the way. It depicted Ireland in the 1840's during the potato famine and I have actually been to Ireland, read the history and seen the memorials to the folk who died. So I was aware of this particular part of Ireland's history. The author also describes the conditions in Liverpool and NE England and I thought these very good. Because it's about such tragic events this story could have been depressing, but it's full of hope for the future which I found very uplifting.
February 23, 2015
Good Irish story
Well written account of the famine years in Ireland portraying the hardships those families had to endure to survive. Good Irish history.
Well written account of the famine years in Ireland portraying the hardships those families had to endure to survive. Good Irish history.
May 30, 2020
A Pocket Full of Shells, the title, refers to a baby daughter's gift for her father who's gone across the Irish sea to earn money for the family, a gift picked by the little toddler herself and sent through her mother who visits him when she receives a message about his being ill.
The book is first in a series of four, beginning with the year of potato blight and starvation added to travails generated by human greed of occupation by others in Ireland - which the author is careful to avoid referring to, mentioning kandlords but not England as cause of the misery. Its the story of her great-grandmother written in a novel form and telling about poverty and starvation in Ireland that forced many to migrate across to England or U.S., often paid by the landlords to migrate so the land would be free for the sheep or cattle.
A Pocket Full of Shells is at once a romantic gift from a child and a deep significant symbol of roots of the Irish to the land and sea. Often heart breaking in the terse description of poverty and starvation, it's nevertheless upbeat about human endeavour and hopes.
The book is first in a series of four, beginning with the year of potato blight and starvation added to travails generated by human greed of occupation by others in Ireland - which the author is careful to avoid referring to, mentioning kandlords but not England as cause of the misery. Its the story of her great-grandmother written in a novel form and telling about poverty and starvation in Ireland that forced many to migrate across to England or U.S., often paid by the landlords to migrate so the land would be free for the sheep or cattle.
A Pocket Full of Shells is at once a romantic gift from a child and a deep significant symbol of roots of the Irish to the land and sea. Often heart breaking in the terse description of poverty and starvation, it's nevertheless upbeat about human endeavour and hopes.
January 29, 2020
Be advised this book ends abruptly
I chose this book because historic fiction is my favorite genre. Having read the Gracelin O'Malley series about what it was like for the Irish who left during the famine, I wanted to read a book about a family who chose to stay where they were rooted, and learn more of the struggles they endured. The aurhor writes a simple story, with believable characters. The stage was well set for entering their world and spending the long years of potato blight and famine with them. I feared for them but shared their hope for survival. And in the second year it just ended!!!. Over. What a loss. A LOT could have been developed from what had been introduced. Maybe this was the first in a series? If so, there was no invitation to continue at the end.
I chose this book because historic fiction is my favorite genre. Having read the Gracelin O'Malley series about what it was like for the Irish who left during the famine, I wanted to read a book about a family who chose to stay where they were rooted, and learn more of the struggles they endured. The aurhor writes a simple story, with believable characters. The stage was well set for entering their world and spending the long years of potato blight and famine with them. I feared for them but shared their hope for survival. And in the second year it just ended!!!. Over. What a loss. A LOT could have been developed from what had been introduced. Maybe this was the first in a series? If so, there was no invitation to continue at the end.
April 26, 2020
On September 17, 2016, ( my birthday), I was introduced to book 5 in the IRISH FAMILY SAGA Series.
I immediately went back and grabbed up the other 4 books in the series and and since then read the next two, 6 and 7.
I love Irish an Scottish history so I am always looking for books along these lines. The author has done a wonderful job painting a picture of a generational Irish family and what they have endured, survived and lived. The series has a beautiful flow and shows the courage, love, hardship and progress of it's characters. There wasn't a book that didnt warm your heart and cause a few tears and smiles. Kudos to the author for a job well done. You will not be disappointed if you read ( and reread) all seven of this series books!
I immediately went back and grabbed up the other 4 books in the series and and since then read the next two, 6 and 7.
I love Irish an Scottish history so I am always looking for books along these lines. The author has done a wonderful job painting a picture of a generational Irish family and what they have endured, survived and lived. The series has a beautiful flow and shows the courage, love, hardship and progress of it's characters. There wasn't a book that didnt warm your heart and cause a few tears and smiles. Kudos to the author for a job well done. You will not be disappointed if you read ( and reread) all seven of this series books!
March 8, 2023
This book, with the subsequent volumes, are absolutely phenomenal. I started Book 1 and literally could not stop until book five was finished., (only because I thought that’s where it ended with 5, yet I’ve just now found that books 6 & 7 are available and I shall devour them both in short. order
Ms Reinhardt : you are an extremely gifted author and I wanted to just let you know that your books of the volumes blew me away. Your character developments, cadence, descriptive narration and just actually genuineness made those books frikking incredible beyond comprehension. Thank you so very much for creating this astonishing literary collection.
Much love and respect.
♥️☘️🫶
Ms Reinhardt : you are an extremely gifted author and I wanted to just let you know that your books of the volumes blew me away. Your character developments, cadence, descriptive narration and just actually genuineness made those books frikking incredible beyond comprehension. Thank you so very much for creating this astonishing literary collection.
Much love and respect.
♥️☘️🫶
June 20, 2017
Fun and informative
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Ireland. It started out a bit slow but quickly builds the anticipation set in such a monumental point of Ireland's history the author captures so many emotions while providing accurate detail of the events. I was also able to appreciate the references at the end for further reading.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Ireland. It started out a bit slow but quickly builds the anticipation set in such a monumental point of Ireland's history the author captures so many emotions while providing accurate detail of the events. I was also able to appreciate the references at the end for further reading.
June 26, 2017
Great historical research! The struggles of the families forced many painful and difficult choices often tearing them away fro the land they loved.
Living as tenants in dwellings often owned by distant English landlords the Irish suffered loss of homes in addition to the relentless hunger and disease during the years of the potato blight. Ireland was forever changed.
Living as tenants in dwellings often owned by distant English landlords the Irish suffered loss of homes in addition to the relentless hunger and disease during the years of the potato blight. Ireland was forever changed.
June 30, 2017
I liked the book. Rather short. I'm looking forward to book two. I like to read about history even if it is fiction based on true events.
I would like to recommend to people who like history and like how the events evolved. The starvation of those in Ireland at that time in history is very sad. Hopefully the problem has been resolved so it never happens again.
I would like to recommend to people who like history and like how the events evolved. The starvation of those in Ireland at that time in history is very sad. Hopefully the problem has been resolved so it never happens again.
December 16, 2019
Historical Fiction on the Irish and potato famine
Good historical fiction book on the Irish and the potato famine. Families had to leave Ireland as they and their children were starving. This book shows how families stuck together and helped each other out. Excited to read the next book in this series.
Good historical fiction book on the Irish and the potato famine. Families had to leave Ireland as they and their children were starving. This book shows how families stuck together and helped each other out. Excited to read the next book in this series.
May 5, 2017
A real page turner
This book was excellent. Could not put it down. Well written and interesting. I hope the others in the series are as good.
Highly recommended if you enjoy historical literature. Loved every page.
This book was excellent. Could not put it down. Well written and interesting. I hope the others in the series are as good.
Highly recommended if you enjoy historical literature. Loved every page.
May 12, 2017
Good Irish history story
Anyone who loves Irish stories will enjoy this short tale. It gave me new insights about the " Potato Famine " .
The author made the characters easy to like. I think I will read more about this endearing family.
Anyone who loves Irish stories will enjoy this short tale. It gave me new insights about the " Potato Famine " .
The author made the characters easy to like. I think I will read more about this endearing family.
June 3, 2018
I hate giving bad reviews, but...
Flat, dull, simplistic. A poorly written young adult novel with little character development or story line. Luckily, it's a short read. Pass on this book.
Flat, dull, simplistic. A poorly written young adult novel with little character development or story line. Luckily, it's a short read. Pass on this book.
April 22, 2020
This book was very timely to read during the current pandemic. While we all know the horrors of the great hunger in Ireland, this story was one filled more with hope than despair, despite the hardships of this little family.
September 5, 2024
great historical fiction
What's sad story about the plight of the Irish during the potato famine. The people were so courageous as they tried to find work in England. And then the fevers and typhoid. Great portrayal of the events.
What's sad story about the plight of the Irish during the potato famine. The people were so courageous as they tried to find work in England. And then the fevers and typhoid. Great portrayal of the events.
May 22, 2017
I would like to read the next book in the series!
November 1, 2017
A really nice short book about the strength of family.
June 7, 2019
Good reading book
Good light reading book. All about an Irish family and their lives whether hardship or love. Easy reading it you are in the mood not to concentrate
Good light reading book. All about an Irish family and their lives whether hardship or love. Easy reading it you are in the mood not to concentrate
July 10, 2019
3.75 Hoopla Audio book Short Irish tale 1st part of series An Irish Family Saga. Will listen to the next one as I really enjoy the Irish narrator!
January 8, 2020
Did not appreciate the elementary writing. Not much really happened and when I realized it was a series I decided to quit while I was ahead.
May 22, 2022
Surprisingly dry and quite dull. I would have really liked to enjoy this story more but it was very poorly written!
May 11, 2023
Great story of a family and extended relatives during the Irish potato famine.
September 22, 2024
a good story of staying in Ireland when so many were emigrating to America during the potato famine. Family loyalties are dealt with in a caring way.
May 1, 2020
Sweet story of a family during hard times in Ireland. I loved all the characters and felt transported into their world. Thoroughly enjoyed this one! 👍🏻
September 25, 2016
Well, Not Sure
I bought the whole set because it promised to be great. Even though this was interesting and sweet, I just wasn't moved to love it. I will finish the set and if it gets better, I'll change my rate.
I bought the whole set because it promised to be great. Even though this was interesting and sweet, I just wasn't moved to love it. I will finish the set and if it gets better, I'll change my rate.
May 2, 2016
A story about the Great Hunger of Ireland in 1845 or sometime referred to as the Irish Potato Famine. This is based on true historical facts but is written as a historical fiction story.
A well written story of a young married couple; James and Mary McGrother living in a fishing village of Blackrock near Dundalk. This story tells of the extreme sad poverty during the potato famine and the hardships that burdened families daily.
James was a fisherman helping his Uncle Pat who owned a fishing boat. Mary was helping extended family members to survive the 'Great Famine' of Ireland; she helped by caring for babies and younger children. Also, helping families of Ireland; trying to avoid hunger, starvation, typhus, hunger pains, lack of money and nursing family members back to health who are weaken by physical conditions.
James and a good friend went to Sunderland to find work but conditions was worse there. James returned home weak and penniless, so many families left Ireland for America and England dying before arriving to their destinations.
There are three other books in the series. This was a short story, fast paced with terrible poverty conditions, sad but enlightening; a real eye opener for me. I'm ready to open the next book in the series 'A Year of the Broken Promises'.
A well written story of a young married couple; James and Mary McGrother living in a fishing village of Blackrock near Dundalk. This story tells of the extreme sad poverty during the potato famine and the hardships that burdened families daily.
James was a fisherman helping his Uncle Pat who owned a fishing boat. Mary was helping extended family members to survive the 'Great Famine' of Ireland; she helped by caring for babies and younger children. Also, helping families of Ireland; trying to avoid hunger, starvation, typhus, hunger pains, lack of money and nursing family members back to health who are weaken by physical conditions.
James and a good friend went to Sunderland to find work but conditions was worse there. James returned home weak and penniless, so many families left Ireland for America and England dying before arriving to their destinations.
There are three other books in the series. This was a short story, fast paced with terrible poverty conditions, sad but enlightening; a real eye opener for me. I'm ready to open the next book in the series 'A Year of the Broken Promises'.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews