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Liberty Boy
Dublin has been on a knife-edge since the failed rebellion in July, and Jimmy O'Flaherty suspects a newcomer to The Liberties--Kitty Doyle--is mixed up in it. She accuses him of spying for the English, and he thinks she's a reckless troublemaker.
All Jimmy wants is to earn enough coin to buy passage to America. But when the English turn his trading patch into a gallows, Jimmy finds himself drawn into the very conflict he's spent his whole life avoiding.
All Jimmy wants is to earn enough coin to buy passage to America. But when the English turn his trading patch into a gallows, Jimmy finds himself drawn into the very conflict he's spent his whole life avoiding.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2016
314 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
David M. Gaughran
2 books21 followersDavid M. Gaughran is Irish but lives in Portugal these days, somewhere north of Lisbon in a lovely little fishing village. He likes dogs, whiskey, collecting old records, laborious puns, and also cooking elaborate feasts and inviting exactly nobody around to share them. He is also fond of slow cars, fast walks on the beach, movies which contain some form of time-loop, and any kind of song with a call-and-response element. He is the author of several historical adventures like Liberty Boy, Mercenary, and A Storm Hits Valparaiso, and a number of books for authors - as well as some science fiction - under another name. Visit DavidGaughranBooks.com to get a free book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 29, 2018
David Gaughran is known to me as the writer of killer books on Indie publishing, but I was curious about his fiction writing so I gave this short historical novel a try. I wasn't disappointed.
Liberty Boy is set in a time of turmoil in Irish history. After a deal of research, Gaughran weaves a fictional story into historical fact. He captures the sights, sounds and smells in a good story-telling style. It's almost cinematic.
The book gets a bit gruesome in bits, but that accords with the horrible reality at the time.
I did anticipate the ending, but if you know some of the history that's probably a risk you take with historical fiction.
Liberty Boy is set in a time of turmoil in Irish history. After a deal of research, Gaughran weaves a fictional story into historical fact. He captures the sights, sounds and smells in a good story-telling style. It's almost cinematic.
The book gets a bit gruesome in bits, but that accords with the horrible reality at the time.
I did anticipate the ending, but if you know some of the history that's probably a risk you take with historical fiction.
Read
February 22, 2017Exciting Irish historical novel involving two young lovers against the backdrop of the Robert Emmet uprising of 1803.Great attention to the geography and streetnames of labyrinthine Georgian Dublin.The novel reminded me of Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stephenson.Really enjoyed this and look forward to the second instalment of the trilogy.Mr Gaughran knows his Dublin and her history and certainly knows how to plot.
June 19, 2017
I enjoyed the history, and how Gaughran wove it into the story. But the plot rambled a bit, there were some parts where I felt a little lost, and I felt a bit removed from the characters and their plight. A couple of lit-fic cliches bothered me, too. Overall, not a bad read, but I'd hoped for more.
July 5, 2017
The Historical Context is Excellent; the Fictional Story, Not So Much
Historical fiction is, obviously, part history and part story. Liberty Boy did well in creating the look and feel of the period (the British oppression and Robert Emmet’s uprising in 1803 Ireland), but the accompanying fiction had the feel of a formulaic romance. I was hoping for more.
Liberty Boy conveyed a feeling of helplessness and oppression that seems appropriate to the period. The nature of home life, work, social interactions, and political intrigue in this part of the world and time all felt true. Simply put, the book made a period in history that I knew little about come to life, as good historical fiction will often do.
The pacing of the story was OK to a bit slow with some repetition or unnecessary emphasis, and yet, the book was a quick read. Perhaps that’s because it’s relatively short. Character development was good. I particularly enjoyed Kitty Doyle, who is brash, aggressive, and daring, which of course, stirs the pot in her world. Development of Jimmy O'Flaherty, on the other hand, started well, but by the end, he seemed both too good and too rudderless to be real.
The plot that went with the history, however, was the primary letdown for me. In general, it followed a well-worn recipe for romances – keep the potential young lovers apart through a series of misunderstandings, poor timing, and chance events to build emotional tension. And then… Well, to finish that thought would give away the ending, but it’s one of the two possible – they get together or they don’t. But either way, the storyline already felt stale.
So, while the romance was somewhat trite and predictable, the feel of the period comes through at nearly a gut level, making Liberty Boy a worthwhile read.
Historical fiction is, obviously, part history and part story. Liberty Boy did well in creating the look and feel of the period (the British oppression and Robert Emmet’s uprising in 1803 Ireland), but the accompanying fiction had the feel of a formulaic romance. I was hoping for more.
Liberty Boy conveyed a feeling of helplessness and oppression that seems appropriate to the period. The nature of home life, work, social interactions, and political intrigue in this part of the world and time all felt true. Simply put, the book made a period in history that I knew little about come to life, as good historical fiction will often do.
The pacing of the story was OK to a bit slow with some repetition or unnecessary emphasis, and yet, the book was a quick read. Perhaps that’s because it’s relatively short. Character development was good. I particularly enjoyed Kitty Doyle, who is brash, aggressive, and daring, which of course, stirs the pot in her world. Development of Jimmy O'Flaherty, on the other hand, started well, but by the end, he seemed both too good and too rudderless to be real.
The plot that went with the history, however, was the primary letdown for me. In general, it followed a well-worn recipe for romances – keep the potential young lovers apart through a series of misunderstandings, poor timing, and chance events to build emotional tension. And then… Well, to finish that thought would give away the ending, but it’s one of the two possible – they get together or they don’t. But either way, the storyline already felt stale.
So, while the romance was somewhat trite and predictable, the feel of the period comes through at nearly a gut level, making Liberty Boy a worthwhile read.
July 21, 2017
Liberty Boy by David Gaughran
The Irish had a long struggle towards their goal of gaining Independence. Much has been written about the 1916 Easter Uprising, however, David Gaughran's new book is the first of a series that follows the life of Jimmy O'Flaherty and Kitty Doyle. Set in the background of Robert Emmet's abortive rebellion against British rule in 1803, the author introduces us to our protagonists. Jimmy is a trader, he wants nothing to do with the United Irishmen or their rebellion. Following the defeat of 1798, where Jimmy's father died, he has set his mind on raising enough money to emigrate to America, where his cousin Donal has already set camp. But fate intervenes and Jimmy meets Kitty, with whom he falls in love. Just like many other historical fiction novels, the guy who least wanted a piece of the action in a revolution ends up right in the middle of it.
The book is narrated from the third person point of view from our two heroes. The prose is almost poetic and the plot flows easily. The characters are alive and engaging. I read it in two days. Could not put it down.
Looking forward to the next installment!
The Irish had a long struggle towards their goal of gaining Independence. Much has been written about the 1916 Easter Uprising, however, David Gaughran's new book is the first of a series that follows the life of Jimmy O'Flaherty and Kitty Doyle. Set in the background of Robert Emmet's abortive rebellion against British rule in 1803, the author introduces us to our protagonists. Jimmy is a trader, he wants nothing to do with the United Irishmen or their rebellion. Following the defeat of 1798, where Jimmy's father died, he has set his mind on raising enough money to emigrate to America, where his cousin Donal has already set camp. But fate intervenes and Jimmy meets Kitty, with whom he falls in love. Just like many other historical fiction novels, the guy who least wanted a piece of the action in a revolution ends up right in the middle of it.
The book is narrated from the third person point of view from our two heroes. The prose is almost poetic and the plot flows easily. The characters are alive and engaging. I read it in two days. Could not put it down.
Looking forward to the next installment!
August 12, 2016
This is a wonderful historical novel. A love story, set against a background of the brutal and unjust way the British ruled over the Irish in 1803. The main character makes a living from a stall in a Dublin market (the "Glib") until the British erect a scaffold in the market in order to hang a number of rebellious United Irishmen. It is only when he meets a young woman with political convictions that he becomes involved in the struggle for Irish freedom. I loved all the interesting details about the Liberties in Dublin in the early 19th Century. One of the best books I have read in the past 3 years. Highly recommended.
September 28, 2016
Heartfelt drama- in the moment - Irish tale
If you love to read true characters who reflect historic moments, look no further. This tale in many ways is too true, as we walk the Irish streets and hear, smell and feel the anguish of the times, as well as the hope for a better future. This is also a romance, new love struggles for a breath, while conflict tears them apart.
I am looking forward to book two to learn what unfolds for the Liberty Boy, hoping for some splinter of happiness from within the gaps of reality.
This book is Very well written, vivid and engaging - definitely a page turner.
If you love to read true characters who reflect historic moments, look no further. This tale in many ways is too true, as we walk the Irish streets and hear, smell and feel the anguish of the times, as well as the hope for a better future. This is also a romance, new love struggles for a breath, while conflict tears them apart.
I am looking forward to book two to learn what unfolds for the Liberty Boy, hoping for some splinter of happiness from within the gaps of reality.
This book is Very well written, vivid and engaging - definitely a page turner.
July 1, 2017
Good story
I do not have enough knowledge of Irish history to appreciate the historical part of this book. It seemed that the author assume the reader would have at least some knowledge. The historical characters were simply put into the narrative without any introduction. It was even quite a way into the book before I figured out the timing of the Irish rebellion. I did not care for all the f-words so am not interested in continuing the series.
I do not have enough knowledge of Irish history to appreciate the historical part of this book. It seemed that the author assume the reader would have at least some knowledge. The historical characters were simply put into the narrative without any introduction. It was even quite a way into the book before I figured out the timing of the Irish rebellion. I did not care for all the f-words so am not interested in continuing the series.
Read
August 13, 2016The story never quite grabbed me. The novel suffers from telling too much history and not focusing on the fiction, but a decent enough skim read.
February 7, 2017
Enjoyed reading and hope the next book in the series will be out soon.
July 10, 2017
“Liberty Boy” is a well-paced, beautifully written novel that puts the reader on the edge of a tension-filled uprising in early nineteenth century Dublin. After crushing a violent rebellion a few years before, the English soldiers are determined to keep order by any means necessary. And they’re making a habit of hanging rebel prisoners in Dublin’s public square.
Into this tension comes Jimmy O’Flaherty, a young Irishman and the son of a famous and martyred patriot. Jimmy, however, wants nothing to do with the rebellion or his father’s past. His only desire is to scrape up enough money to book passage to New York and get the hell out of Ireland. Everything looks to be going as planned until he meets a pretty girl named Kitty Doyle.
As much as I empathized with Jimmy, it was Kitty who stole the proverbial show. She’s a brave, strong-willed, and smart-mouthed heroine who is more than just a sympathizer for the Irish patriots. She’s also Jimmy’s inevitable love interest and the cause of much of the story’s conflict, dragging him into the brewing rebellion he hoped to run from.
At only 261 pages, “Liberty Boy” is a quick, but satisfying read. Gaughran gives the reader a great feel for nineteenth century Dublin, with its many breweries and the smell of burnt hops filling the air. He also has a true knack when it comes to dialogue. The novel is the first in a series, and ends with a cliffhanger of sorts. But fortunately, the sequel, “Dieman’s Land,” is coming out soon, so readers won’t have to wait too long to learn what happens next.
Into this tension comes Jimmy O’Flaherty, a young Irishman and the son of a famous and martyred patriot. Jimmy, however, wants nothing to do with the rebellion or his father’s past. His only desire is to scrape up enough money to book passage to New York and get the hell out of Ireland. Everything looks to be going as planned until he meets a pretty girl named Kitty Doyle.
As much as I empathized with Jimmy, it was Kitty who stole the proverbial show. She’s a brave, strong-willed, and smart-mouthed heroine who is more than just a sympathizer for the Irish patriots. She’s also Jimmy’s inevitable love interest and the cause of much of the story’s conflict, dragging him into the brewing rebellion he hoped to run from.
At only 261 pages, “Liberty Boy” is a quick, but satisfying read. Gaughran gives the reader a great feel for nineteenth century Dublin, with its many breweries and the smell of burnt hops filling the air. He also has a true knack when it comes to dialogue. The novel is the first in a series, and ends with a cliffhanger of sorts. But fortunately, the sequel, “Dieman’s Land,” is coming out soon, so readers won’t have to wait too long to learn what happens next.
June 7, 2017
Having read Gretta Curran Browne's Liberty Trilogy, Book 1 of which covered Robert Emmet's failed 1803 Rising (Tread Softly on My Dreams), I had a familiarity with the references to the riots on Thomas Street and executions in front of St. Catherine's Church, that this book looks at, by way of the perspective of a poor young man, living on Thomas Street, trying to eke out a living and keep his head out of the politics of the day, who gets caught up against his will by the construction of a gallows in front of St. Catherine's Church, which is the spot he trades in each day (trying to earn passage to America to get out of Ireland).
The story, despite the backdrop and setting, is easy reading. The rebels of Wicklow, Michael Dwyer, the horrific 'Walking Gallows', a giant of a man who 'hung' peasants at will, by 'hanging' them over his back and choking them to death, Anne Devlin, Major Sirr, and a host of others are all referenced in the background, and even the executions as they begin, are all part of the setting and background. The horror of Emmet's execution, the beheading, the dogs lapping up the blood, all of it are brought into vivid, horrifying realness, however. The 'Walking Gallows' story, too, actually.
In any event, despite the background and setting, the story is fairly surface, until it's not. A worthwhile read, looking forward to the next installments.
The story, despite the backdrop and setting, is easy reading. The rebels of Wicklow, Michael Dwyer, the horrific 'Walking Gallows', a giant of a man who 'hung' peasants at will, by 'hanging' them over his back and choking them to death, Anne Devlin, Major Sirr, and a host of others are all referenced in the background, and even the executions as they begin, are all part of the setting and background. The horror of Emmet's execution, the beheading, the dogs lapping up the blood, all of it are brought into vivid, horrifying realness, however. The 'Walking Gallows' story, too, actually.
In any event, despite the background and setting, the story is fairly surface, until it's not. A worthwhile read, looking forward to the next installments.
May 8, 2021
Irish rebellion
I found this book to be an interesting read of a period in time that had previously been unknown to me. And I liked the telling from the viewpoint of the main character. The constant fear the people had to deal with, the lack of food and medicine, and that stubborn Irish pride transported me to the streets of Dublin. In the latter parts of the book, the author has Jimmy being shipped to Van Deiman's Island. I am familiar with this part of the history because I've read other books about this time period. But the author never explains that Australia is the destination. The English, in their efforts to control the poor, starving populace, had already filled all available jails (gaols). So many people were arrested for petty crimes, i. e. stealing a loaf of bread, and given horrific jail sentences. Given the conditions, a revolt was inevitable. Because so many were jailed for such petty crimes, the British decided to start shipping these "convicts" to Australia.
I found this book to be an interesting read of a period in time that had previously been unknown to me. And I liked the telling from the viewpoint of the main character. The constant fear the people had to deal with, the lack of food and medicine, and that stubborn Irish pride transported me to the streets of Dublin. In the latter parts of the book, the author has Jimmy being shipped to Van Deiman's Island. I am familiar with this part of the history because I've read other books about this time period. But the author never explains that Australia is the destination. The English, in their efforts to control the poor, starving populace, had already filled all available jails (gaols). So many people were arrested for petty crimes, i. e. stealing a loaf of bread, and given horrific jail sentences. Given the conditions, a revolt was inevitable. Because so many were jailed for such petty crimes, the British decided to start shipping these "convicts" to Australia.
July 12, 2017
An engrossing story told from the perspective of the streets in the backdrop of Irish rebellion 1803, this keeps you on edge. Our protagonist Jimmy O’Flaherty, a young Irishman and the son of a martyred patriot has just one dream: to make enough money to leave with his mother and start a new life in America. And one day, he bumps into Kitty Doyle and whoosh! Everything Jimmy ever thought, ever desired gets tossed.
The character development is strong, especially Kitty's. She reminded me of a friend of mine; Smart, brave and headstrong. The plot is obviously laced with romance (cliched) to dive in. The author has done a brilliant job with setting up the background, for it was so vivid and perfectly detailed. It could have been a quick read, but the reading slump. Sigh! For someone with minimal knowledge of the Irish History, this was engaging read and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
The character development is strong, especially Kitty's. She reminded me of a friend of mine; Smart, brave and headstrong. The plot is obviously laced with romance (cliched) to dive in. The author has done a brilliant job with setting up the background, for it was so vivid and perfectly detailed. It could have been a quick read, but the reading slump. Sigh! For someone with minimal knowledge of the Irish History, this was engaging read and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
May 19, 2024
Against the harsh backdrop of Dublins growing political unrest, this book highlights the struggle for impoverished children and their families to survive in Ireland in the early 1800s.
I loved the steadfast morals of the young hero as he gradually becomes more aware of the realities behind the unrest, especially through the retelling of Kitty’s story and even his growing understanding of his own father’s experiences. The reader is drawn into the story inexorably. Where will Jimmy’s latest heartfelt but foolish action lead him to?
I loved this book and the depth of historical context. I will be searching out the next in series and highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the steadfast morals of the young hero as he gradually becomes more aware of the realities behind the unrest, especially through the retelling of Kitty’s story and even his growing understanding of his own father’s experiences. The reader is drawn into the story inexorably. Where will Jimmy’s latest heartfelt but foolish action lead him to?
I loved this book and the depth of historical context. I will be searching out the next in series and highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2023
Against the background of the Irish Rebellion led by Robert Emmet is the story of Jimmy, a poor peddler who is trying to raise enough money to purchase passage to America for himself and his dying mother. He is in love with Kitty who is involved with the rebel group known as the United Irishmen. The story weaves its way back and forth between the events surrounding the trial and execution of Emmet and the ups and downs of Jimmy's relationship with Kitty.
A historical novel should not only tell a story but it should also educate. Unfortunately, this novel does neither all that well. The historical details are lacking and the novel ends without any real conclusion to the story.
A historical novel should not only tell a story but it should also educate. Unfortunately, this novel does neither all that well. The historical details are lacking and the novel ends without any real conclusion to the story.
June 18, 2017
Liberty Boy was a fun read. The character arcs were finely drawn. My background is theater, so I am particularly keen on seeing a character grow and change (something often missing in novels) Jimmy O’Flaherty moves from being a kid who keeps his head down and his nose out of trouble into an aware young man (woke, as the kids say)... as the ongoing Irish rebellions and British hangings give him no real choice in the matter. The book was full of surprises, and I am eager to read the next installment.
June 23, 2017
Dublin is on edge after the failed rebellion against British rule. Jimmy O’Flaherty is keeping his head down, just trying to make enough money to buy passage for him and his mother to America. Then he meets Kitty Doyle, who he thinks is a trouble maker, while, she thinks he’s spying for the English. The problem is, they fall in love.
Liberty Boy by David Gaughran is a story of English-Irish conflict from a street-level perspective. Chocked full of the history of the time, with gritty dialogue and entertaining characters. Interesting historical fiction.
Liberty Boy by David Gaughran is a story of English-Irish conflict from a street-level perspective. Chocked full of the history of the time, with gritty dialogue and entertaining characters. Interesting historical fiction.
June 6, 2017
Enjoyable read but could have been so much more.
I enjoyed Liberty Boy and feel a bit guilty about not enjoying more because I feel that I am being a little selfish. I was hoping that the book would have explored Robert Emmet and the United Irishmen a little more, as it is the book was a good yarn set in 1803 Dublin.
I think Mr Gaughran has laid the foundations for a good historical series and look forward to the future tale of Jimmy and Kitty.
I enjoyed Liberty Boy and feel a bit guilty about not enjoying more because I feel that I am being a little selfish. I was hoping that the book would have explored Robert Emmet and the United Irishmen a little more, as it is the book was a good yarn set in 1803 Dublin.
I think Mr Gaughran has laid the foundations for a good historical series and look forward to the future tale of Jimmy and Kitty.
June 17, 2017
This novel follows a young couple (more like lovers than a couple honestly) living in Dublin during the Robert Emmet uprising in 1803. Historically, this novel was brilliant. You can tell that the author has researched the time period and the area in detail because of the level of detail he gives to the geography and street names.
That might be the issue with this novel. Because it focuses so much on the history of the novel, the plot and fiction takes a hit and is relatively weak.
That might be the issue with this novel. Because it focuses so much on the history of the novel, the plot and fiction takes a hit and is relatively weak.
July 23, 2017
A riveting tale of an overlooked rebellion that's told from the perspective of the streets. Its unfolding is seamless except for a minor error where the final victim of the hangman's noose has his hands bound behind his back and yet he grasps the rope choking his neck. But this flaw is eclipsed by gifted dialogue that is more heard than read and the unexpected twists that leave you breathless from first page to last. Intertwined throughout is a compelling ray of hope amid the misery and death.
July 9, 2017
A Touch of Irish Adventure and Romance
Great story peppered with interesting historical tidbits and a love story from the man's point of view. If you love Ireland and/or stories that take place in Ireland, you are likely to enjoy this book. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Great story peppered with interesting historical tidbits and a love story from the man's point of view. If you love Ireland and/or stories that take place in Ireland, you are likely to enjoy this book. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
February 24, 2018
Great read!
I’m not Irish. I’m not a history buff. I have acquired a bit of interest in history thanks to an old friend and a recent trip to Ireland has broadened my horizon. This book aligns well with what I learned on that trip, and adds to my Follow This list, and for that I thank you.
I’m not Irish. I’m not a history buff. I have acquired a bit of interest in history thanks to an old friend and a recent trip to Ireland has broadened my horizon. This book aligns well with what I learned on that trip, and adds to my Follow This list, and for that I thank you.
June 1, 2017
Two stars
This book was not the book for me
Expected more after reading reviews from various sources, but it just didn't come through for me. Drawn out and hard book to be focused on for me
This book was not the book for me
Expected more after reading reviews from various sources, but it just didn't come through for me. Drawn out and hard book to be focused on for me
June 22, 2017
A hard life
It was tough and is now out in the far rural countryside, although free from English rule, the living is meager. My late wife's family relatives still do, we visited them and were shocked
It was tough and is now out in the far rural countryside, although free from English rule, the living is meager. My late wife's family relatives still do, we visited them and were shocked
August 29, 2017
I liked this book, it gave you a sense of what it was like for the ordinary person living in Ireland in the early 1800's. It helped me understand why someone would want to leave their country and move to America. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
October 3, 2017
A very good book that will keep you reading through to the end and then leaves you wanting y.
This author has you hungry for his plot and after every chapter you just need more. I look forward to reading his next book in the series.
This author has you hungry for his plot and after every chapter you just need more. I look forward to reading his next book in the series.
June 9, 2020
Liberty boy
Very good read, looking forward to reading more from this author.
The characters in the book really jumped off the pages and the description of Dublin made me feel I was right there with them. 5 stars.
Very good read, looking forward to reading more from this author.
The characters in the book really jumped off the pages and the description of Dublin made me feel I was right there with them. 5 stars.
September 11, 2021
Irish rebellion
I enjoyed the history but love makes people do stupid things and the protagonist was stupid. This made it a frustrating read and I won't bother with the other books in the series.
I enjoyed the history but love makes people do stupid things and the protagonist was stupid. This made it a frustrating read and I won't bother with the other books in the series.
November 8, 2025
Great Read
I'm usually not into historical fiction but this book is so well written it immediately grabbed my attention and held it all the way to the last page. Looking forward to checking out his other books.
I'm usually not into historical fiction but this book is so well written it immediately grabbed my attention and held it all the way to the last page. Looking forward to checking out his other books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews