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All Those Things Revealed
In 1822, Ireland’s ancient traditions are under attack, including the most controversial one of all, that of the Priest Woman, or Cailín an Tsagairt. Constanza Delamar lives in a part of Ireland where ancient traditions are viewed with nostalgia, by people who are eager to move beyond them. A personal tragedy changes her life and she finds herself in a remote village where these traditions are still a way of life. When a parish priest suddenly arrives to challenge the village's traditional priest and condemn his Priest Woman; the village is turned against itself. Constanza suddenly finds herself confronting and then defending the most controversial of traditions. The mounting tensions in the village culminate in a devastating event with long-term consequences for all those involved.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 28, 2019
An Irish tale of long ago traditions and early Catholic faith. The basic premise of a young girl in 1822, raped by her uncle and hidden in shame by her parents is a good idea for a story, and tying it into elements of the Celtic Rite that were practiced in secret, including the allowing of married clergy works well.
But the writing is not skilled enough. It lacks polish, and reads like an exercise from a college writing course.
Also, getting rid of all the people who are in the way of a happy ending by having them die of fever? I last used that old chestnut in a play I wrote in 7th grade. I used cholera.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads.
But the writing is not skilled enough. It lacks polish, and reads like an exercise from a college writing course.
Also, getting rid of all the people who are in the way of a happy ending by having them die of fever? I last used that old chestnut in a play I wrote in 7th grade. I used cholera.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2019
Historical fiction has become one of my favorite genres. I loved the Irish history of this book however it was difficult to determine truth from fiction but that is a credit to authors writing. There are aspects of the story that sound true but don't appear in any history book I've read previously unless it is being presented by the author as it was carried down through oral history.
This book carries the weight of the strong religious traditions so prominent in Irish culture. I don't mean just Catholic traditions but the ancient earth religions which go back before the Catholic Church arrived and how the two traditions intertwined.
O'Callaghan's book will make you feel like you are reading an depth family history and her story reveals all of the crisis and turmoil of two generations.
Interesting and thoughtful read. I highly recommend it.
This book carries the weight of the strong religious traditions so prominent in Irish culture. I don't mean just Catholic traditions but the ancient earth religions which go back before the Catholic Church arrived and how the two traditions intertwined.
O'Callaghan's book will make you feel like you are reading an depth family history and her story reveals all of the crisis and turmoil of two generations.
Interesting and thoughtful read. I highly recommend it.
June 9, 2019
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I was captivated from the beginning. I was not expecting everything to be factual so I had no problem with not being certain which parts were true and which not. I can remember as a child listening to relatives from Ireland. I grew up being afraid that I would hear the cry of a banshee. I knew who she was and what her cry meant. I heard other tales, too. I was constantly on the look out for fairy folk and knew that leprechauns were hiding whenever I saw a rainbow. I have grown older but still believe with the heart of a child. Perhaps this is the reason that I was able to fall completely under the spell of the author. I had no trouble following the storytelling. I found everyone believable, especially when you look through the lens of yesteryear. I think if you try to understand Constanza’s parents, and their reaction to a certain event, by holding to standards of today, you may believe they are falsely portrayed. It is important to remember what time period the story takes place in. Even today, though, when a person feels they failed to protect someone, sometimes you will find they shift the blame to the victim. For me, the story worked. The author did a great job transporting me to 19 century Ireland. I did not want to put the book down and when the end came, I wished for more. I know this is a book I will read again.
I was captivated from the beginning. I was not expecting everything to be factual so I had no problem with not being certain which parts were true and which not. I can remember as a child listening to relatives from Ireland. I grew up being afraid that I would hear the cry of a banshee. I knew who she was and what her cry meant. I heard other tales, too. I was constantly on the look out for fairy folk and knew that leprechauns were hiding whenever I saw a rainbow. I have grown older but still believe with the heart of a child. Perhaps this is the reason that I was able to fall completely under the spell of the author. I had no trouble following the storytelling. I found everyone believable, especially when you look through the lens of yesteryear. I think if you try to understand Constanza’s parents, and their reaction to a certain event, by holding to standards of today, you may believe they are falsely portrayed. It is important to remember what time period the story takes place in. Even today, though, when a person feels they failed to protect someone, sometimes you will find they shift the blame to the victim. For me, the story worked. The author did a great job transporting me to 19 century Ireland. I did not want to put the book down and when the end came, I wished for more. I know this is a book I will read again.
October 3, 2018
I won this ebook in a Goodreads giveaway.
I enjoyed the book. The majority of it is written in the past, a story being told by a mother to her daughter. It reflected many of the views of the time in the early 1800s in Ireland. (Females roles in society, blame for sexual assault are a few examples.) There was a part about the Priest Women, who were the wives of priests that I found interesting. As someone fascinated by history, I tried to do a bit of searching about this, but to no avail. I don't know if this is the fiction portion of this historical novel.
Overall the book had decent flow. Towards the end of the novel did I find it move way too quickly, almost as if the author ran out of words & time. The conclusion didn't fit in as well & felt clumsily tagged on the end. I do think the author has great potential and with a bit of polishing will write many more great books.
I enjoyed the book. The majority of it is written in the past, a story being told by a mother to her daughter. It reflected many of the views of the time in the early 1800s in Ireland. (Females roles in society, blame for sexual assault are a few examples.) There was a part about the Priest Women, who were the wives of priests that I found interesting. As someone fascinated by history, I tried to do a bit of searching about this, but to no avail. I don't know if this is the fiction portion of this historical novel.
Overall the book had decent flow. Towards the end of the novel did I find it move way too quickly, almost as if the author ran out of words & time. The conclusion didn't fit in as well & felt clumsily tagged on the end. I do think the author has great potential and with a bit of polishing will write many more great books.
March 29, 2019
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. I liked reading this story as it was fairly engaging and an easy read, but it did have a few shortcomings. There were a couple of sections written as "info dumps"; a way to impart a lot of information by putting it in a letter, story, or other vehicle that requires no real interaction between characters. While it's not all bad, it is a somewhat lazy way to give the reader details you want them to know without having to work them into the story. I think it would have been a much better book if there were another 100 pages added and those details came out through conversations and interactions between characters. It would also allow for more relationship building. As it stands, there are some lovely scenes and, as I said, it is a quick read. I would recommend if you like reading about Ireland and enjoy historical fiction.
***SPOILER ALERT***
The one part that bothered me most was the reaction of Constanza's parents to her rape. Based on how they were with her up to that point, and the fact that they knew her uncle was not a good man, I expected them to be compassionate and caring when they found out. It seemed very out of character, especially for her father. They still could have taken her away to avoid those in her hometown finding out and much of what happened after would still be the same.
***SPOILER ALERT***
The one part that bothered me most was the reaction of Constanza's parents to her rape. Based on how they were with her up to that point, and the fact that they knew her uncle was not a good man, I expected them to be compassionate and caring when they found out. It seemed very out of character, especially for her father. They still could have taken her away to avoid those in her hometown finding out and much of what happened after would still be the same.
February 1, 2019
I received this book from the giveaway section and this is my honest review. For me the book started slowly and kept that pace. I usually enjoy books with historical backgrounds, but this story just felt drab and dreary. I could not connect with any of the characters in the story.
Want to read
February 14, 2019Just received the ARC! Review to come.
September 16, 2018
I received an ebook copy of this book for free through a giveaway hosted on GoodReads.
All Those Things Revealed is a fascinating look at Irish religious tradition, told through the scope of a woman whose personal struggles in many ways reflect those felt by her neighbors, and particularly the religious figures who try to uphold old beliefs deemed blasphemous by the greater Catholic population. It begins with Constanza, a fifteen-year-old young woman, in a happy and modestly prosperous family. Her father is a well-known and respected builder, and his near-constant work allows the family to have a larger home, and a fairly relaxed lifestyle compared to many. However, when her drunkard uncle begin living with the family, his actions set in motion events that will change Constanza’s life forever. She and her family are suddenly uprooted from their home by a faraway job, and the carefree relationship she held with her family is shattered, as Constanza is blamed for events which are beyond her control. And although she meets many friends in her new home, she also bears witness to a number of tragedies as well. She also learns much about the old traditions of Ireland, particularly that of the Priest Woman, a priest’s wife who bears the shame of a community torn between what has always been and what they are forced to accept by foreign religious doctorine.
I loved this book so much. Constanza’s story broke my heart on many occasions, but her inner strength and refusal to bow down to even the most forceful of unfair demands. Her insistence to do what is right and fair, even if she risks punishment and shunning for doing so, makes her into a great and memorable character. The book is also full of fascinating history of the Irish traditions that would make anyone interested in the country or in old tradition hooked. Furthermore, the way that Constanza’s own struggles with bearing unfair shame and scorn mirror the outside world, where her neighbors shame a the Priest Woman Una for her supposedly adulterous relationships because they feel guilt over their own decision to regent the old for religious approval, is masterful, and really pulls the narrative and the history together in a way that made the story fly by.
The only reason I cannot give this story a full five stars in that, while the narrative is near-perfect, the technical aspects are not. As was mentioned by prior reviews, the author overuses commas, placing multiple in each sentence and breaking up the phrases in a patchy manner. Furthermore, though not bad enough to be a distraction, I did notice that the word “adulterous” (adjective, relating to or involving adultery) was used at least twice in place of the word “adulteress” (noun, a woman who commits adultery). Also, while I did find the information about Ireland’s traditions interesting, they were dumped upon the reader as part of aside explanations, rather than woven more into the narrative itself, which caused them to drag a bit. However, this is forgivable to an extent, as it was often done in the form of Constazna explaining things to her daughter as part of the story she is telling. So, while it does seem sudden and narrative-breaking from a reader standpoint, it is a realistic portrayal of verbal storytelling.
Honestly, all of the mistakes were ones that could be easily corrected by some extra revision, and the good parts of this book far outweigh the bad. It is a great book, and a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories and histories of Ireland, especially in how it was shaped by its religious beliefs and how those beliefs were in turn shaped by outside invading forces. It was a fun and informative read, and I would not hesitate to read another story like it in the future.
All Those Things Revealed is a fascinating look at Irish religious tradition, told through the scope of a woman whose personal struggles in many ways reflect those felt by her neighbors, and particularly the religious figures who try to uphold old beliefs deemed blasphemous by the greater Catholic population. It begins with Constanza, a fifteen-year-old young woman, in a happy and modestly prosperous family. Her father is a well-known and respected builder, and his near-constant work allows the family to have a larger home, and a fairly relaxed lifestyle compared to many. However, when her drunkard uncle begin living with the family, his actions set in motion events that will change Constanza’s life forever. She and her family are suddenly uprooted from their home by a faraway job, and the carefree relationship she held with her family is shattered, as Constanza is blamed for events which are beyond her control. And although she meets many friends in her new home, she also bears witness to a number of tragedies as well. She also learns much about the old traditions of Ireland, particularly that of the Priest Woman, a priest’s wife who bears the shame of a community torn between what has always been and what they are forced to accept by foreign religious doctorine.
I loved this book so much. Constanza’s story broke my heart on many occasions, but her inner strength and refusal to bow down to even the most forceful of unfair demands. Her insistence to do what is right and fair, even if she risks punishment and shunning for doing so, makes her into a great and memorable character. The book is also full of fascinating history of the Irish traditions that would make anyone interested in the country or in old tradition hooked. Furthermore, the way that Constanza’s own struggles with bearing unfair shame and scorn mirror the outside world, where her neighbors shame a the Priest Woman Una for her supposedly adulterous relationships because they feel guilt over their own decision to regent the old for religious approval, is masterful, and really pulls the narrative and the history together in a way that made the story fly by.
The only reason I cannot give this story a full five stars in that, while the narrative is near-perfect, the technical aspects are not. As was mentioned by prior reviews, the author overuses commas, placing multiple in each sentence and breaking up the phrases in a patchy manner. Furthermore, though not bad enough to be a distraction, I did notice that the word “adulterous” (adjective, relating to or involving adultery) was used at least twice in place of the word “adulteress” (noun, a woman who commits adultery). Also, while I did find the information about Ireland’s traditions interesting, they were dumped upon the reader as part of aside explanations, rather than woven more into the narrative itself, which caused them to drag a bit. However, this is forgivable to an extent, as it was often done in the form of Constazna explaining things to her daughter as part of the story she is telling. So, while it does seem sudden and narrative-breaking from a reader standpoint, it is a realistic portrayal of verbal storytelling.
Honestly, all of the mistakes were ones that could be easily corrected by some extra revision, and the good parts of this book far outweigh the bad. It is a great book, and a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories and histories of Ireland, especially in how it was shaped by its religious beliefs and how those beliefs were in turn shaped by outside invading forces. It was a fun and informative read, and I would not hesitate to read another story like it in the future.
March 1, 2020
I won a Kindle copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway, for which I'd like to thank the author and publisher.
An interesting idea, but while it worked as a story, it didn't always flow well. For instance, the beginning starts with narration. No problem. Then the reader goes into the main story. Seven chapters later, we're back to narration - which was so jarring (I'd forgotten that happened due to being so seeped into the main story). Then we go back to the main story.
While I understand why the family moved, I greatly wished that the parents hadn't suddenly switched from being very loving and understanding to backing their relative's actions (and I did keep wondering - what happened to him?). I also found the ending a bit rushed and people dropping from the fever seemed a bit too convenient (and rushed). In fact, I was hoping for a mention that the family member above had also died from the fever - just for absolute closure.
I found a few grammatical errors (Mother'r in one place), spelling mistakes, and a number of things an editor should have noticed and corrected. They weren't huge, but they were there.
This was an interesting idea and I could tell that some research went into it, and while a quick read, it didn't completely work for me, thus a solid 3.5 stars.
An interesting idea, but while it worked as a story, it didn't always flow well. For instance, the beginning starts with narration. No problem. Then the reader goes into the main story. Seven chapters later, we're back to narration - which was so jarring (I'd forgotten that happened due to being so seeped into the main story). Then we go back to the main story.
While I understand why the family moved, I greatly wished that the parents hadn't suddenly switched from being very loving and understanding to backing their relative's actions (and I did keep wondering - what happened to him?). I also found the ending a bit rushed and people dropping from the fever seemed a bit too convenient (and rushed). In fact, I was hoping for a mention that the family member above had also died from the fever - just for absolute closure.
I found a few grammatical errors (Mother'r in one place), spelling mistakes, and a number of things an editor should have noticed and corrected. They weren't huge, but they were there.
This was an interesting idea and I could tell that some research went into it, and while a quick read, it didn't completely work for me, thus a solid 3.5 stars.
April 14, 2021
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.
I would have benefitted from some sort of roadmap or a page of definitions with all of the religious terms I am being introduced to. As I continue to read and am introduced to more, I am forgetting what earlier things are. I'd also like to know who is related to who/who descended from which legend. There are so many names and new religious or Irish terms to remember (truly an info dump!) that it becomes a giant mess.
This novel contains a lot of beautiful, lengthy passages. It goes over in great detail legends, history, and song. Constanza speaks about the ins and outs of truth and dreaming. The beginning reads like a lesson an ancient Irish religion--but it isn't being preachy or forcing itself on you. In the beginning I didn't know why I should care about the religious talk so I was getting bored.
The book travels between 1822 and 1840. In 1840, a mother (Constanza) is speaking to her daughter and the man she wishes to marry. The mother discusses Irish legends with them and returns to her adolescent years with her own parents.
About halfway through the book we return to 1840. We are introduced to more legends, and by that point, I cannot remember why we are getting a history lesson on the mother's past as well as Irish history.
This is a very compelling, quick read. I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I would have benefitted from some sort of roadmap or a page of definitions with all of the religious terms I am being introduced to. As I continue to read and am introduced to more, I am forgetting what earlier things are. I'd also like to know who is related to who/who descended from which legend. There are so many names and new religious or Irish terms to remember (truly an info dump!) that it becomes a giant mess.
This novel contains a lot of beautiful, lengthy passages. It goes over in great detail legends, history, and song. Constanza speaks about the ins and outs of truth and dreaming. The beginning reads like a lesson an ancient Irish religion--but it isn't being preachy or forcing itself on you. In the beginning I didn't know why I should care about the religious talk so I was getting bored.
The book travels between 1822 and 1840. In 1840, a mother (Constanza) is speaking to her daughter and the man she wishes to marry. The mother discusses Irish legends with them and returns to her adolescent years with her own parents.
About halfway through the book we return to 1840. We are introduced to more legends, and by that point, I cannot remember why we are getting a history lesson on the mother's past as well as Irish history.
This is a very compelling, quick read. I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
April 10, 2020
I won this book in a Giveaway.
There were parts of this book that were good, and grabbed my attention. Unfortunately, every time I was involved in reading the main part of the story, the author would revert to having on of the characters tell a story, pulling me out of the book. I think that there are much better ways of tying these stories and legends of the past into the main book than simply stopping all action and having a character tell us.
I didn't know about the history of the Celie De in Ireland and found that fascinating.
I also have a question about Maureen and Mícheál. I wish the author had at least mentioned how this would be handled.
There was one other thing which bugged me, although I realize I am OCD about grammar and this may not bug everyone. There comma usage was odd. There were a lot of sentences structured like this: My heart sank, when I heard this. What is that comma doing in that sentence?
There were parts of this book that were good, and grabbed my attention. Unfortunately, every time I was involved in reading the main part of the story, the author would revert to having on of the characters tell a story, pulling me out of the book. I think that there are much better ways of tying these stories and legends of the past into the main book than simply stopping all action and having a character tell us.
I didn't know about the history of the Celie De in Ireland and found that fascinating.
I also have a question about Maureen and Mícheál. I wish the author had at least mentioned how this would be handled.
There was one other thing which bugged me, although I realize I am OCD about grammar and this may not bug everyone. There comma usage was odd. There were a lot of sentences structured like this: My heart sank, when I heard this. What is that comma doing in that sentence?
May 16, 2019
Erasure of faith and erasure of identity are two similar but completely separate phenomena. The former is often sudden, precipitated by some calamity or even a windfall of sorts. The latter is gradual, taking place over years, the weathering wind of time stripping down you down and remaking you in another's image. It's a transformation, an acculturation to the dominant norms, beliefs, and ideas that seems benign at first. In this book, the realization of this struggle to retain culture and conservative norms is the center of the conflict. Even for a people who had been broken by the tides of history, this Irish lifeblood still runs thick. The stories move in the same ways as they did before and inform decisions just like they have done for their ancestors. This book is a beautiful exploration of this culture and a family anchored in that substrate being buffered by winds of change. It's a story of adaptation, of concession but not surrender.
May 14, 2018
Banshee
I enjoyed this book. I liked its flow. I learned from it too. I didn't realize a banshee was female. And even though the author didn't edit well and waaaay overused commas and repeated words continuously, there was a hypnotic rhythm to that too. The beginning was a bit befudling but the plot of a family history well told and surprise ancestry tying the knot at the end was worth any other flaws. The Irish religious traditions, though sadly restrictive and tediously complex, were very interesting too. The female repression drew me in strongly as the heroine was utterly wrongly blamed for a sexual act of an uncle. I have it a three star more than anything else to encourage the author to keep writing (better editing please) as she has much potential. It was fun. Thank you.
I enjoyed this book. I liked its flow. I learned from it too. I didn't realize a banshee was female. And even though the author didn't edit well and waaaay overused commas and repeated words continuously, there was a hypnotic rhythm to that too. The beginning was a bit befudling but the plot of a family history well told and surprise ancestry tying the knot at the end was worth any other flaws. The Irish religious traditions, though sadly restrictive and tediously complex, were very interesting too. The female repression drew me in strongly as the heroine was utterly wrongly blamed for a sexual act of an uncle. I have it a three star more than anything else to encourage the author to keep writing (better editing please) as she has much potential. It was fun. Thank you.
March 27, 2025
I want to thank M. Maureen O'Callaghan, author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the eBook Kindle copy of All Those Things Revealed that I won in the Giveaway.
All Those Things Revealed started slowly with a mother telling a story to her daughter and the young man that was interested in marrying her. She explains Irish history and how both of their families are part of that history. She gives both of the young couple the truth about their heritage and how the clans started. Each is part of the the family that started with the religious growth of Ireland and how they are part of the direct heritage to the church as it developed with influence from Rome and the Catholic Church, the Protestants and the traditional Celtic rituals and how they came to co-exist in the 1820s. I loved the ending.
All Those Things Revealed started slowly with a mother telling a story to her daughter and the young man that was interested in marrying her. She explains Irish history and how both of their families are part of that history. She gives both of the young couple the truth about their heritage and how the clans started. Each is part of the the family that started with the religious growth of Ireland and how they are part of the direct heritage to the church as it developed with influence from Rome and the Catholic Church, the Protestants and the traditional Celtic rituals and how they came to co-exist in the 1820s. I loved the ending.
June 17, 2019
I won this book on a Goodreads Giveaway. All opinions are my own.
Loved this historical novel set in Ireland. O'Callaghan wrote in a way that made me feel like I was listening to a grandma tell her family history. She looked at how the Catholic Religion was seen during this time and the Ceile De. It's a book that will get you thinking of your own families past as well. This is one of many qoutes I found in the book that I found profound:. 'All of the truths that we possess belong to us. They are not secret things or shameful things, but instead truths revealed. They are for us to impart to our children and they to theirs for truth is eternal, everlasting to everlasting. All those things revealed belong to us.'
Happy Reading 😊
Loved this historical novel set in Ireland. O'Callaghan wrote in a way that made me feel like I was listening to a grandma tell her family history. She looked at how the Catholic Religion was seen during this time and the Ceile De. It's a book that will get you thinking of your own families past as well. This is one of many qoutes I found in the book that I found profound:. 'All of the truths that we possess belong to us. They are not secret things or shameful things, but instead truths revealed. They are for us to impart to our children and they to theirs for truth is eternal, everlasting to everlasting. All those things revealed belong to us.'
Happy Reading 😊
March 14, 2019
Is there more?
I would like to thank Goodreads for this free copy.
The story was enjoyable but there seems to be a lot missing. The first few chapters are unclear as to what is happening and who is talking. Then I let it go and followed the details which created a good story. At chapter 7 I got lost again for a bit. The tale had an interesting story line. However, it just ends and I’m very confused as to the point I was supposed to get in the last few pages. I think this could be a good book but it needs some development with a better timeline.
I would like to thank Goodreads for this free copy.
The story was enjoyable but there seems to be a lot missing. The first few chapters are unclear as to what is happening and who is talking. Then I let it go and followed the details which created a good story. At chapter 7 I got lost again for a bit. The tale had an interesting story line. However, it just ends and I’m very confused as to the point I was supposed to get in the last few pages. I think this could be a good book but it needs some development with a better timeline.
April 17, 2019
I received an e-book copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways.
I am sad to say my experience with this book was rather disappointing. I waited throughout the entire book for that moment when I would finally connect - find the rhythm, flow of the story, connect with a character, develop a sense of where the story was headed - but this never happened.
I am a huge fan of Historical Fiction and have found stories of Ireland's history very interesting lately. I understand not every story, author is a good match for every reader - perhaps this one just isn't for me.
I am sad to say my experience with this book was rather disappointing. I waited throughout the entire book for that moment when I would finally connect - find the rhythm, flow of the story, connect with a character, develop a sense of where the story was headed - but this never happened.
I am a huge fan of Historical Fiction and have found stories of Ireland's history very interesting lately. I understand not every story, author is a good match for every reader - perhaps this one just isn't for me.
May 29, 2019
I often receive ARCs, and many of them are unfortunately terrible, but thankfully that was not the case with this one.
This is a story that takes places in Ireland in the early 19th century, and told through the eyes of a 15-16 year old girl. The author does a pretty good job of taking us to that era, not only in her descriptions of the places and the people, but also the traditions, and customs. I would like to say more but I fear I may spoil the book if I do so, but I did enjoy it, and would recommend it.
This is a story that takes places in Ireland in the early 19th century, and told through the eyes of a 15-16 year old girl. The author does a pretty good job of taking us to that era, not only in her descriptions of the places and the people, but also the traditions, and customs. I would like to say more but I fear I may spoil the book if I do so, but I did enjoy it, and would recommend it.
January 29, 2020
A gentle read
I love Irish Stories , even if dispensed in a Fictional read. Families devotion , anger and reconciliation through good fiction is a delight to this reader. The book went quickly ,I read it in 2 nights. I learned a bit more of The Irish ways, how the Catholic Church tried to change " the old ways ", sometimes not so kindly as one would hope. Some places and description met with my Dad's telling of some of the Legends from his childhood home in Kilkenny. Just a nice book....do read it !
I love Irish Stories , even if dispensed in a Fictional read. Families devotion , anger and reconciliation through good fiction is a delight to this reader. The book went quickly ,I read it in 2 nights. I learned a bit more of The Irish ways, how the Catholic Church tried to change " the old ways ", sometimes not so kindly as one would hope. Some places and description met with my Dad's telling of some of the Legends from his childhood home in Kilkenny. Just a nice book....do read it !
April 25, 2019
M. Maureen O'Callaghan weaves a story like only an Irishman - or woman! - can do. She takes the reader back in time to a time just before the Great Famine, to a time when Ireland herself was fighting to keep her heritage. This story is told from the viewpoint of Constanza, as she tells her daughter and her daughter's intended the story of both their ancestors and how the families are weaved together.
June 28, 2019
Truth
Family secrets and Irish traditions combine to tell a wonderful story of love and betrayal in Ireland of the 1800's. As two young people contemplate marriage, they are told of family connections they had no reason to suspect.
The story is well constructed with characters that come alive and an insight to the history of Ireland and the Church of Rome.
You will want a few tissues handy.
Family secrets and Irish traditions combine to tell a wonderful story of love and betrayal in Ireland of the 1800's. As two young people contemplate marriage, they are told of family connections they had no reason to suspect.
The story is well constructed with characters that come alive and an insight to the history of Ireland and the Church of Rome.
You will want a few tissues handy.
October 7, 2019
Sad but wonderful
I truly enjoyed this ebook with its storyline and richness of the characters. For a young woman to endure so much emotional pain and heartache to turn and still love and have the desire to make her own truth to pass on to the next generation; it is exquisite in its honor. I took my time to read it because it almost felt like my own truth, thankfully it's not, but I felt a part of the story. Truly engaging!
I truly enjoyed this ebook with its storyline and richness of the characters. For a young woman to endure so much emotional pain and heartache to turn and still love and have the desire to make her own truth to pass on to the next generation; it is exquisite in its honor. I took my time to read it because it almost felt like my own truth, thankfully it's not, but I felt a part of the story. Truly engaging!
July 22, 2021
Loved it! ❤️
This was a sweet story, though I was often confused by the stories and legends of the past. The ending was sweet and I’d recommend this book to anyone who doesn’t mind a challenge to keep things straight.
The introduction specifically states that it is completely a work of fiction and any similarities to reality are coincidental. I wished it was historic fiction because there was SO much information about the Celts and French and the kings and queens, etc.
This was a sweet story, though I was often confused by the stories and legends of the past. The ending was sweet and I’d recommend this book to anyone who doesn’t mind a challenge to keep things straight.
The introduction specifically states that it is completely a work of fiction and any similarities to reality are coincidental. I wished it was historic fiction because there was SO much information about the Celts and French and the kings and queens, etc.
February 17, 2019
There is a lot of information about Catholicism in Ireland, and the traditions of Celtic priests marrying. The story is told by a main character to her daughter and the daughter's intended, but I did find that it became a bit confusing for me at times.
I received this book from Goodreads for an honest review, and do appreciate the opportunity.
I received this book from Goodreads for an honest review, and do appreciate the opportunity.
May 16, 2019
ginger@thebeach
This was a Good reads win for me. It starts out very slow, which is why I think it has so many bad reviews. As the story moves along it definitely gets better. It turned out to be a good story about Ireland. The ending is quick, but I think that a drawn out ending would have been too long for this story. An enjoyable book.
This was a Good reads win for me. It starts out very slow, which is why I think it has so many bad reviews. As the story moves along it definitely gets better. It turned out to be a good story about Ireland. The ending is quick, but I think that a drawn out ending would have been too long for this story. An enjoyable book.
June 10, 2019
Irish historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, no question. Although I think the flow of the story could have been improved with more editing, I really felt for the main character. I appreciated that her struggle and that of the town mimicked each other. Overall, it was a win for me but didn't feel as finished as it could have.
August 7, 2019
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. I wasn’t sure what to expect because the cover was rather plain. But I was wonderfully surprised by the story. I don’t know much about Irish history and don’t know how accurate it is, but I loved the characters. It has some tragic moments that captured my heart.
October 18, 2018
I would like to thank Goodreads, Kindle and Ms o'Callaghan for a story that looks to my heritage. Call me nostalgic. Thanks for a great little read dealing with all kinds of issues that make you think abouyt how far we have come. Tnanks
March 8, 2019
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book ... I appreciate it.
This is a well-written fictional story with some very interesting history blended in about Ireland. For me, it was a delightful reading experience.
This is a well-written fictional story with some very interesting history blended in about Ireland. For me, it was a delightful reading experience.
March 14, 2019
Captivating
This book captured my attention and never let go. It is a story within a story describing some of the legends and history of ireland, specifically the ceile de, Irish priests and their illegal wives.
This book captured my attention and never let go. It is a story within a story describing some of the legends and history of ireland, specifically the ceile de, Irish priests and their illegal wives.
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