A Great Beauty

by A. O'Connor

It is 1920 and, as the War of Independence rages throughout Ireland, Michael Collins is the most wanted man in the British Empire. He lives a life in hiding, conducting guerrilla warfare, outsmarting the authorities, a figure of mystery and intrigue. Very few know even what he looks like. He occasionally finds rest and comfort with the family of Kitty Kiernan, his best friend’s sweetheart. Then Michael finds himself falling in love with the complex and enigmatic Kitty.

Lady Hazel Lavery, wife of famous artist Sir John Lavery, is considered the most beautiful and charming society hostess in London. An American of Irish descent, haunted by a tragic past, she sets out to use her friendships with men like Winston Churchill to bring peace to Ireland.

When Michael, recently engaged to Kitty, arrives in London as part of the Irish peace delegation, he finds himself the centre of intense public fascination. Hazel Lavery takes Michael under her wing and navigates him through London high society. They form a close bond and soon are engulfed in rumours of an affair and accusations that Michael has been seduced by the glamour of London and by Hazel. Kitty all but despairs at the situation but is determined to fight for him.

After the infamous Anglo-Irish Treaty, Ireland veers towards civil war. As Michael, Hazel and Kitty arrive in Dublin that fateful week in August 1922,the war is at its zenith – and this love triangle is about to implode with devastating results.

An epic story of war, love, suspense, betrayal and murder – the Michael Collins story

Genres: Historical Fiction, Ireland, Historical, Fiction

496 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2019

About the author

A. O'Connor is the bestselling author of The House, The Secrets of Armstrong House, The Left Handed Marriage and The Footman. A graduate in History and English from the National University of Ireland Maynooth and Trinity College Dublin, the author has contributed to two collections of short stories in aid of Barnardos Charity and played a key role in A.M.D's Fighting Blindness campaign. The House has been translated into German and the Russian edition is due for publication in 2016.

Reviews

[Kate Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Great War has ended and the Irish War for Independence rages on. Britain will not give an inch to the feisty Fenians whose gorilla warfare dogs the British troops in and around Dublin. Deaths are mounting on both sides. A tenuous truce is established but can the two factions come to a peaceful agreeement?

Meanwhile, esteemed Irish artist Sir John Lavery and his beautiful American society bride, Hazel hold court in their Kensington home within London. They are open in expressing their hopes for Irish independence much to the chagrine of their British peers and acquaintances. As the second wave of Irish treaty negotiators descends upon London, Hazel Lavery takes to aiding the young, emotional and diplomatically inexperienced Michael Connelly through the treacherous waters of treaty negotions. She who has been in the public eye her entire life is wise beyond her years. She guides Michael well helping him quickly understand the nature of British diplomacy and negotiations. But can the truce even hold? Will the negotiations foster agreement and continuing peace? Through it all, can Michael and Hazel keep their relationship totally plutonic? After all, he is secretly betrothed to another.

Author A. O'Connor does a masterful job of placing the reader smack dab in the middle of all the drama of struggling Ireland. The real life characters are carefully fleshed out and well developed. Empathy for each of the characters runs strong and one hopes for the best outcomes. The historic record has been well researched and where it is thin, the author provides a reasonable take on the missing bits. One can well apreciate the research that went into crafting this story as well as the deft writing by a fine author. I look forward to reading other stories by this wonderfully gifted storyteller.

I am grateful to author A. O'Connor and publisher Poolbeg Press for having provided a free copy of this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers. Their gerosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A O Connor is one of my favorite authors but the last two books have fallen short for me and this one was a disappointment. I now realise that I don't like fictional stories about real people. I don't mind real life characters showing up in books briefly but not whole stories about them.
The character of Michael Collins in this book does not equate to the person I have read so much about. I know this story is only an opinion of the author's but it didn't ring true for me.
Lady Lavery comes across here as totally self absorbed and full of her own importance and is very unlikable.
The historical parts were very interesting and I wish there had been more of that.
It was over sentimental and soppy.
This author has written a brilliant trilogy which begins with The House. He could have written a fantastic story set in the Irish Civil War in the same vein. I think he missed a trick here.

[Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Great Beauty is the latest novel from A. O’Connor, the bestselling author of fourteen novels. Just published on November 12th with Poolbeg Books, this a book that both enthralled and intrigued me. Ireland’s fight for Independence is still a very decisive subject for many but for those who lived through the War of Independence and the Civil War it was to have an enormous impact on their lives and the generations of families that followed.

Described as ‘a little Downton Abbey, a little Great Gatsby, a little Lady Chatterley’s lover – and a whole lot of real life,’ A Great Beauty was inspired by O’ Connor’s fascination with the remarkable and little known relationship between two of Ireland’s icons and how our history books portray the enigmatic Lady Hazel Lavery.

‘Hazel Lavery was so familiar as the face on Irish bank notes for decades, so little was known about her or her intense relationship with Michael Collins or the role she played in securing Ireland’s independence. It was as if she had been airbrushed from history.‘ – A. O’ Connor

I was born and bred in Cork, with strong roots to the county. I am a mix of O’ Driscoll, Murphy and, would you believe Collins. In primary school I always thought I was related to, West Cork born, Michael Collins, as my maternal grandmother was from Skibbereen, West Cork. In fact it is thought that she was present in the very last photo taken of Michael Collins as he left The Eldon Hotel in Skibbereen on 22nd August 1922.

Michael Collins and Eamon DeValera were both very historic figures in Ireland following the Easter Rising in 1916. Initially both were on the same side striving for a single goal, independence. But as the 1920s arrived, Ireland was still a country struggling to gain it’s foothold on the world stage, as the War of Independence raged on.

DeValera was recognised and known to all but Michael Collins had stayed in the shadows, never caught on camera, allowing him a certain level of autonomy as he worked tirelessly for the freedom of the country he loved so dearly.

A. O’ Connor picks up on Michael Collins’ story just before he travelled to London to negotiate a deal with the British government. We get an insight into his life, his friends, his love and his developing relationship with Kitty Kiernan. Michael Collins’ ability to avoid the eye of the British army and that of the fearful Black and Tans allowed his private life to be kept just that, private. Kitty Kiernan was a respected business woman but had no interest in the spotlight or in politics. She knew the risks she took with the friendships she forged and as the months passed and as a terror swept across her own community, Kitty also knew their lives were all about to change irreparably.

With a very unstable truce in place in Ireland, DeValera sent Michael Collins to London to act as chief negotiator and to come home with a deal that would be approved and accepted on all sides. The world held it’s collective breath, the media were awaiting the news but what really happened behind closed doors? A. O’ Connor lifts the lid with this extraordinary insight into the man that was Michael Collins and the woman who was by his side during these tough weeks and months, Lady Hazel Lavery.

Lady Lavery was the face on the banknotes when I was growing up but little did I know, until now, the story behind that face. Her personal story, her passion for a country that was not of her birth, her 100 percent commitment to achieving peace and her adoration and respect for Michael Collins is an incredible story. Their relationship, to this day, is one of whispers and rumours. Many knew of their close friendship but of their suspected romance, very little is documented….until now.

A. O’ Connor paints a very different picture of a the hardened soldier Michael Collins. A man thrown into a political minefield with no experience and a passionate temper, Lady Hazel Lavery took him under her wing helping him to temper his moods and adopt a more sartorial persona. I was amazed at the softer side of his personality, his emotional outbursts and his romantic ideals. He accomplished the best deal he could. He learnt to read the person behind the mask and he became more sociable in a group. For a time the lifestyle suited him. But on his return to Ireland in 1922 everything changed….

“Think what have I got for Ireland … Something which she has wanted these past 700 years, will anyone be satisfied with this bargain, will anyone? I tell you this, early this morning I have signed my death warrant.”
– Michael Collins

A Great Beauty reads like a great romance between two star-crossed lovers. At times I was suspect of the man that was developing in front of my eyes. Was Michael Collins really like this? Did he live a more lavish and passionate time in London than I had expected? Did he fall in love with Lady Hazel Lavery? I now have more questions than I ever had. We will never know what happened that fateful day in Béal na mBláth in West Cork on an August day in 1922 when the life of Michael Collins was cut short. We will never know how history would have been rewritten but A. O’ Connor’s writing of this novel will reignite the interest and the curiosity of many, myself included, of the man known as The Big Fella and of the woman who stood close by him in the shadows, the mysterious Lady Hazel Lavery. Lady Hazel Lavery remains an enigma to me but after reading this novel I have been doing my own research into this incredible person, a woman who inspired such devotion and respect from those close to her.

A Great Beauty is a fascinating and compelling read for all with a passion for historical fiction, but it is also much more than that. This is a story about desire, about romance and about love. It is quite clear the amount of research that was undertaken to assemble this tale, bringing to life in such detail the lives of these extraordinary people, these heroic individuals on all sides who sacrificed so much. The story of Michael Collins, Lady Hazel Lavery and Kitty Kiernan will continue to intrigue for many years as the air of mystery remains over this enthralling period of Irish and English history.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading this author. I enjoyed it. It wasnt a five star because it dragged at times

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A novel of historical fiction set in the 1920s following, firstly, American socialite Lady Hazel Lavery on her mission to help the Irish achieve their independence and secondly, Michael Collins a historical Irish revolutionary fighting for his countries freedom.

We are introduced to both MCs independently in their own environments. Lady Lavery is based in Kensington with her husband, renowned painter John Lavery. They live a privileged life and mix in the highest social circles. Michael Collins’ life is the opposite, living day to day most of the time in hiding, always ready to react to impending threats from those against what he stands for. We are shown glimpses of peace in his life when he visits with the Kiernan family.

Lady Lavery and Michael are brought together when Michael is sent to negotiate with government officials for Irish independence. They become close as she guides him in his actions and attire.

This is a great account of the factual matters of this time and the surrounding narrative helps bring this to life. This is historical fiction that is not very far in the past and still has a lot of meaning and feeling for a lot of people.

It was really interesting to me to read more about this time being British with some Irish ancestors.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free electronic copy of this ARC from Netgalley, BookSirens, A. O'Connor, and Publishers Poolbeg. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this historical novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work.

I am pleased to recommend A. O'Connor to friends and family. This novel, fiction based on the broad timeline of the Irish troubles of 1920-1931 and the lives of Michael Collins, Lady Hazel Lavery, and Miss Kitty Kiernan is an epic tale. A Great Beauty brings to life these 11 years of conflict in Ireland and the accompanying political travails with Britain and brings to life the personalities of these folks so intimately involved in the fight for Irish independence. A. O'Connor's writing style has matured nicely.

Reviewed on June 20, 2020, at Goodreads, BookSIRENS, Amazon, and BookBub. Not available for review on Barnes&Noble, Kobo, or GooglePlay.

[Barbara Heckendorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book as an early review. It grabbed me from the start. It is a subject that I knew very little about.
Mick is a kind of freedom fighter for the independence of Ireland. He has many friends who protect and support him. Among them are an English lady who originally came from America and a young Irish woman. In the course of history, the underground Irishman becomes a 'diplomat' who has to negotiate with the Classe politique of the 1930s in England. This is not his thing and therefore he is supported by the English lady. This creates a love affair that is not hidden from anyone.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hazel Lavery was an American socialite who married the artist Sir John Lavery and became a supporter of Irish Independence. This novel focuses on her relationship with the Irish freedom fighter, Michael Collins. Most of the novel is split between the stories of Hazel and of Kitty Kiernan, an Irish friend of Collins who supports him and eventually becomes his girlfriend. I found the Kitty parts of the book at the beginning stronger than the Hazel parts, as her survival in an Ireland torn apart by civil war and crowded by the Black and Tans was far more interesting than Hazel's life of a spoilt socialite everybody admires who has conceived an interest in the Irish Civil War. Going into great detail about her past too slowed the narrative down somewhat. However, if you are reading this to find out about Hazel or even if you found her a more sympathetic character than I did, you might find this interesting. The novel is populated with historical people such as Lloyd George and Winston Churchill as well as the Irish freedom fighters. I thought that it seemed well researched too.


Reading the first part I wished that maybe the author would put down the thesaurus during the dialog. I thought the constant use of adjectives and adverbs got a little irritating and made the writing seem a little less polished. People are constantly smiling to themselves. However, this did seem to be a little less obvious as the book went on. I also thought the author overused the plot device of people reading letters they'd found or even leaving letters on desks for people to read, makes you wonder if they had any thought of privacy.  I was not entirely convinced by Hazel's relationship with Michael either, to me it seemed to come out of the blue.


Overall, I thought the author chose a good subject for a novel and had done some good work researching the subject. I found that after a slightly shaky start, I mostly enjoyed reading it. 

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a voluntary review.

[Ani Ima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

I received this book in exchange for an objective book review. This does not in any affect my opinion. These are my own words.

A Great Beauty is a wonderfully written book about Michael Collins' life and The Irish War of the 1920's. Michael Collins was one of the members of the Irish Republican Army in the 1920s fighting the British forEmpire for Irish Independence. During this time, Michael was was in hiding from the the Brits Black and Tans, as he orchestrated many of his own ambushes against them. He did so in retaliation for the murder of his own and to procure independence for his Country.

He was sent to London by Eamon De velera, then president o the IRA, and designated president of the soon-to-be Independent Ireland. Michael Collins is sent there with other members for peace talks with the British Government.

Peace do not favor Ireland. The Anglo-Irish Treaty is a failure in the eyes of many. Many pull their backing and make ready for Civil War in Ireland.

Michael Has one card left as the Treaty passes through the Dail, parliament, in Ireland. he hasa society women, Hazel Lavery and her husband John lavery, from London that happen to be friends. Hazel and John helped to 'groom' Michael to speak with the PM, Lloyd George and Winston Churchill.

Hazel Lavery turns out to be a staunch supporter of Collins' and the War for Independence.

Hazel and John still work their magic within their circles with Churchill and others, while Michael works in Ireland to set the Treaty to work in terms that will negate the Civil War somehow.

As Civil War breaks out, Michael Collins becomes Commander-In-Chief, after two previous Presidents in the Dail are assasinated. People in the Dail now feel that Michael Collins and others that are Pro-Treaty are traitors to their Country.These individuals have already had a fair vote in the General election, and they have still marked the Pro-Treaty people as targets. Michael has become the primary target because he has negotiated and brought back this Treaty for consideration. He negotiated with the British.

Now Hazel and her husband are in Ireland staying with friends' house. They periodically go out as a couple, however, Hazel seems to spend a great deal of time alone with the now engaged Michael.

As hazel and Michael go out, they are now being ambushed by both sides. Who is trying to kill Michael? Is it the the Black and Tans? Or is it the one's who labelled him a traitor to his Country? Will they kill Hazel? What happens to Ireland if the other side wins? How long can the Civil War rage on? Can there ever be peace in Ireland?

Now that Michael experiences several ambushes, he appoints guards for himself. He tells Kitty Kiernan, his fiencee, to set a Wedding Date. he is making plans for the future.

Michael Collins still travels about the Ireland, day and night with his convoy of guards watching his country and evading ambush.

The author has so beautifully illustrated these historical events I have described in such a way as to keep me hanging on the edge of my seat. There were real-life characters here with gripping, wrenching stories that were brought to life by the authors pen. A great novel.

[Anne Leazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A epic historical fiction story that is set in the Nineteen Twenties during the war of Independence of Ireland, Michael Collins is a wanted man for his war efforts. Kitty Kiernan, his best friend's lady friend, is caught up with the enigmatic Michael. As Micheal and Kitty fight their way through their feelings, a new lady, Hazel Lavery, enters in the picture to assist Michael in the Irish's peace efforts with Britian. Michael is caught in a triangle of love and deceit between two strong women who love him dearly. With many lives are on the line, Michael has some decisions to make regarding a country's independence and his heart to the one he truly loves.

This is a very epic dramatic story about three very strong and independent characters during the early 1920s. The pace of the story is nicely written with no gaps and it was never boring, which is a plus to this reader. A lot of back history regarding these characters during the Anglo-Irish War that is divided into books that provided the historical aspects during this time period for new readers.

There are many quirky and colorful characters in this book, such as Molly the Maid and her snappy comebacks to the Kiernan family.  I love this character, her complaints are on point due to the fact that she does speak her mind quite often. The dialogue between the characters have some funny zingers, such as, "been around the block more times than the No. 64 Tram." regarding a certain woman's reputation is hysterically funny. The drama intensity is top-notch, the characters are speaking bluntly without any regard to the mindset of others that adds to the nuance of drama.  

A few drawbacks is the confusing family history so a re-read was necessary for this reader to fully understand who was related to whom. This book has a high level of profanity due to the subject matter in this book that may be a turn off for some readers. 

Overall Rating of book - A very riveting read with very colorful interesting characters, realistic conversations, and a very intriguing story line that kept my interest the whole time. I was given an ARC for an honest book review.

[Margaret Mary Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novel based in Ireland around the events of the early 1920's, the fight for Irish independence and the much disputed Anglo-Irish treaty which lead to the civil war.
It is a romantic tragedy with lots of complicated relationships. Michael Collins is portrayed firstly as a military commander who was constantly on the run. He was in charge of funds and careful about writing receipts for any money spent. However he is portrayed as a very different man when he was he was sent to London by Eamon De Valera, with a delegation including Arthur Griffith & Erskine Childers, to negotiate a treaty. He seems to spend funds carelessly, on hampers of food and drink from Harrods and having parties with his friends. He is introduced to Hazel and John Lavery who invite him to have his portrait painted by John. Hazel is an Irish American and a supporter of the Irish cause but she also has close ties with members of the English parliament including Winston Churchill and Lloyd George. Hazel soon becomes Michael's close confidant and they attend several social gatherings, theatrical events and museums together. They become romantically involvement despite the fact that Michael is engaged to Kitty Kiernan. Michael had originally been in love with Kitty's sister Helen but she rejected him for another man. Kitty also had romantic ties with Michael's best friend Harry Boland, before he went to America with Eamon De Valera to raise funds for the Irish volunteers. Harry ends up fighting with the anti treaty side against Michael Collins, in the civil war.
History lessons teach us about dates, wars and politicians but this story paints a picture of the people and stories behind some of these historical characters. I did not know the story behind Hazel Lavery's face being chosen as the image on the first Irish pound note.
Overall an enjoyable read.

[Kymm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Beauty by A. O'Connor deserves at least 8 stars, I feel! I have not read a book in many months that captured me the way this one has. He's been a favorite author of mine since June when I discovered his books on Kindle Unlimited and after reading 9 of them so far he's definitely hooked me. This one is a historical fiction that takes place in the early 1920's when Ireland was fighting to gain their independence from Britain. I didn't know much about that time in history and now have been enlightened. Michael Collins, a soldier, a huge figure in Ireland and one of the main revolutionaries fighting against British rule, is soon thrown into the politics of the war and made to negotiate with the Brits for a peaceful end to the fighting. He's a soldier, not a politician, but with the help of Hazel Lavery, a London socialite he soon learns the lay of the land. By reading the author's notes these people really did exist and the story is pretty close to what really happened between the two of them, but then there's Michael's fiancee Kitty Kiernan waiting patiently in Ireland for Michael to come home to her. It's a story of love, jealousy, war and politics of the day. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one day. This one will most definitely stay with me for a while. I cheered, I screamed, I even cried. When a book can bring out all those emotions in me it's a definite winner! I can't recommend this one enough, you'll be captured from page 1, as I was, I just know it! Happy Reading!

[Aoife · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 1920, and Michael Collins is one of the most wanted men in Ireland (by the Brits) thanks to his role as Ireland's Chief Intelligence Officer during the Irish War of Independence and his introduction of guerilla military tactics against enemy forces. Thankfully the English never had a face to put to the name, and for a while he was safe, moving between safe houses and never putting down roots. During this time, Collins began a relationship with Kitty Kiernan, who was also the love interest of his friend Harry Boland and a love triangle ensued. And Collins was chosen by Eamonn DeValera to lead Treaty talks between Ireland and England in 1921 where he met socialite Hazel Lavery who was later to become the face of Ireland's new currency as a free state.

I really enjoyed this book, and I think anyone with an interest or passion in Irish history would too. While there's definitely a little bit of hero worship going on in this book for Michael Collins, I mean who can blame the author either as he was definitely a brave, clever man in Irish history and if he hadn't of done many of the things he did, the Irish War of Independence could have been far different.

This book also looks at Michael's romantic relationships and particularly his romance with Kitty Kiernan, and possibly one with Hazel Lavery. I liked finding out more about these women, particularly Hazel who I don't think I'd ever really heard about before which is a real shame and she sounds like she was a fire house and a staunch supporter of Irish freedom as someone who regularly dined with English government officials like Winston Churchill.

This is a chunky book, but I felt like it was a fast read for me as I became really engrossed it. I do wish there were a few mentions of Cumann na mBan in this - I took a little bit of umbrage there was never a mention of this vital women's group that supported the IRA during this time as they would have been mainly responsible for the safe houses Michael stayed in (and not so much the implication in this book he was probably sleeping with these women) and Kitty Kiernan was also a member (which contradicts the view in this book that Kitty was completely disinterested in Irish politics).

I'd recommend this for anyone who is a bit of a Michael Collins fan, and wants to read more about the Big Fella that's not non fiction, and anyone who is looking to learn more about what was going on in Ireland during this time, and about an important figure in Ireland's fight for freedom.

[Abchap · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story reads like a movie scenario, it is the perfect combination of war, romance, rebellion, intrigue and tragedy with a love triangle twist. Based on factual events and persons, This historical fiction takes some liberties.
I found myself time and time again fact checking the story and researching the protagonists.
It is an engaging chronicle about the English-Irish guerrilla war and the Irish revolutionary period, which not being Irish, I knew nothing about.

I felt that the writing was a little slow at the beginning of the book, while all the characters were introduced, but once the base was established i became quickly engrossed in the story.
The narrative mainly follows the 1920’s ‘Most beautiful woman” of London the affluent and flirtatious Lady Lavery of American and Irish origins, the ‘Most wanted man” in Britain, enigmatic and elusive Irish revolutionary Michael Collins and his fiancee Kitty Kiernan.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone curious about this epic period of the Irish fight for independence, to anyone craving a great story with powerful and strong characters, however this is a historical fiction narrative at times closer to the fiction than the historical side.

Thank You to bookSirens, Poolberg books and A. O’Connor for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review that I am leaving here voluntary.

[R J Mckay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Great Beauty focuses on The Irish war for independence from Briton. Michael Collins is living his life in hiding, hoping to stay one step ahead of the British authorities who want to imprison him. The only time he seems to be at ease is when he is with the Kiernan family. But his attraction to Kitty Kiernan is fraught with problems. Kitty is his best friends’ girl.
And in England, Sir John and Lady Hazel Lavery are Irish supporters. Sir John is a renowned artist while Lady Hazel is a wonderful hostess used to getting what she wants.
When Collins is eventually lured to England to participate in the Irish-English negotiations, it is Lady Hazel who takes him under her wing. She teaches him how to dress, and behave in society. She introduces to the political movers and shakers of the time.
And slowly, the two find themselves in each other’s arms.
The author brings the 1920’s to life. The reader feels the tension and fear as the Irish Civil War grips the country as well as the ever-growing internal struggles of Kitty, Michael and Hazel, as their personal life reaches a combusting point.
Well researched and well written, this story will bring history to life for the reader.

[Keiffer Farr · Rating 2 out of 5]

"A Great Beauty," by A. O'Connor tells the unlikly pairing of Hazel Lavery and Michael Collins during the War of Independence for Ireland.
Hazel Lavery, an Irish American from Chicago Illinois, leaves America with her young daughter and Irish Artist husband Sir John Lavery, after the death of Hazel's sister. Hazel b comes part of high society and finds compassion to help out Ireland in their quest for freedom.
Michael Collins, a wanted man on the run, is doing this best for family and country to bring freedom to Ireland. Often times sacrificing his or friends' well being. He is then introduced to Hazel, who together are a force to be reckoned with.

I gave this novel two stars because I felt like the story dragged on. I was often bored with the writing. The author would write about Hazel, leaving me to wonder what happen to Michael; then would write about Michael, making me think what happened to Hazel. It was a time of history I didn't know anything about and was entice by it, but at the same time I was waiting for more.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Trick Wiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I decided to review for Book sirens! They have books you can read for free with honest reviews! This is a complicated story of Ireland fighting for her independence against the English rule. You have the famous Michael Collins story going and a rich family fighting for Ireland's cause but living in England. The characters in this story ,you will become involved with,you have two different sides of emotional stories. It's up to you on who you want to win this fight but yet it's a war,involving so many people who believe in their cause and will die for it! In the middle of all of the conflict,you have love stories going on,where you begin to know your characters! It's a historical war and love story and you can tell so much research went into the book! At times it kinda dragged on and on,but other than that you will so enjoy their love,their fight and their personal war! It's a very much read to help explain why this was so important to England and especially Ireland! It goes into some depth on why this happened in their history,you will so learn so much!!

[Pamela Devereux · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting book. The first part was introducing us to all the characters. I enjoyed going from Ireland to England. The Keirnan family, Harry Boland, Michael Collins and many more fighting for Ireland's independence. John and Hazel Lavery in England who want a peaceful end with Ireland gaining their independence. The second book takes Michael to England to negotiate a peace treaty. Hazel has taken Michael under her wings. She wants him to shine. She had become his adviser on how to deal with the powers that be in England. The third book takes us back to Ireland with peace treaty in hand. Now he needs to get them to ratify it. It seems that the men that he ran with, are now on the opposing side. Civil war breaks out. It is Michael and the government against Harry and so many of his friends. It is also a bad time to figure out that you are no longer the same man that fell in love with Kitty but has grown to love your adviser. War is hell. Some will make the ultimate sacrifice. I was given this book for free and the review is all mine.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the things that is important to me when reading a historical novel is whether or not the story makes me want to research the actual people and events. This book did that and it was interesting to note that the book is more history than fiction. My Irish grandmother hated the British and my American born father had absolutely no use for the English. Both would roll in their graves if they knew what a Anglophile I've become. It amuses me to hear derogatory remarks in British programming about the heavy handedness of the Yanks in their interactions with the Brits and others. Reading this history as well as other tales of the Empire, I can only say, we learned from the best. How sad British arrogance brought such pain to the nations who wanted their freedom from the Empire on which, at one time, "the sun never set."
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Niamh Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where do I begin with this captivating novel?As an Irish Republican I found this book very interesting. Everyone in our little country of Ireland is familiar with Michael Collins. To read about him from the authors perspective was a fascinating journey. This novel captures the fight for Irish Independance in a very realistic way. The romances though an interesting read were not central to the authors story which made it all the better. On a more personal note I loved that the author showed the petulant child that De Valera really was. There is a very strong dislike of him in my family so those little details really made me smile.

[Colleen Maclennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

To believe in a cause and to fight for it was the story behind this book. The characters of Michael Collins and Hazel Lavery personified this. Their determination to have an independent Ireland was hard fought but necessary . Although they came from different backgrounds they understood the struggles of the everyday Irish people and saw the need for change in a very hostile political and social environment. Amidst the violence of uprisings this book shows the love affair not only for a country but for people ...John /Michael and Hazel, Michael /Harold and Kitty, Winston Churchill and Clementine and others.

[Diane Secchiaroli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great historical novel about the legendary Michael Collins, Kitty Kieran and Lady Hazel Lavery. When Michael travels to London as a delegate to the Irish peace talks, he meets socialite Hazel who has an interest in Ireland’s independence. He leaves his fiancé Kitty home in Ireland. The story is about romance, love, historical characters, sacrifices, and intrigue. The characters are well defined and interesting. It is a four way love story. The research into these larger than life figures was substantial. It portrays a part of Irish history that I was not familiar with. I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Helena · Rating 2 out of 5]

My husband gave me a signed copy of this book for Christmas. I really wanted to enjoy it as I love the Armstrong house trilogy, however it just didn't draw me in and took me two months to read. Maybe because it it based on real people and events and not fiction. To speculate on a relationship between Michael Collins and Lady Lavery and insinuate that he cheated on Kitty Kiernan... tarnishing their names with little to no evidence long after their deaths...just doesn't sit right with me. Very disappointed and reluctant to pick up another A. O'Connor book...

[Anne Whiting · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I hadn't read any by A OConnor before but will certainly read more of this author.

I have always been fascinated by Irish history and particularly Michael Collins. What a man of many facets he was, on one hand the dedicated Republican soldier who had a firm band of loyal friends and followers. On the other, the politician who enthralled London society and Lady Hazel Lavering in particular.

I can't wait to try more ...

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Great Beauty is the story of Michael Collins and his supposed love affair with London’s high society socialite Lady Lavery. The book details much of the British and Irish conflict as Ireland sought independence. While I thought it was well written, I did get bogged down in the details of the politics. I found myself rushing to get to the story line of the characters interactions. I feel very neutral towards the book and give it three stars simply because I rushed to finish; but not because I was invested in the book, I just wanted to finish.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book I have read by this author but it won't be the last.A historical fiction book based around Michael Collins in Ireland. I knew nothing really about this man apart from the obvious. I enjoyed this story and feel I know more now than before, even if the fiction is weaved into facts.I found thw book very very readable and it flowed easily for me. Thanks to Booksirens for the ARC, in return for this review.

[lainy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all of A O Conners books I loved every page of this. I’ve grown up knowing all about the great Michael Collins but to read about him from this perspective was very interesting. I’d never heard of Lady Lavery and was shocked to read she’s the face on the old Irish banknotes. I’m going to go down a google hole now researching her and Kitty and Harry. Thanks so much to the author for a most enjoyable read.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very interesting full of twist and turns during the battle between Ireland and the UK. A lot of good information on each of the characters, especially Michael Collins. It was a good read and the only issue I had was with using the “f” bomb so many times. It didn’t do anything for the story. I also still haven’t figured out why the author named it A Great Beauty. I look forward to more from the other.

[Jane O · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big fan of historical fiction, this one does not disappoint. Although familiar with the story of Michael Collins, I loved Hazel Laverty and her addition to the novel. A very complex character who added to the charisma of ‘the big fella’. A well woven novel with very lovable characters and a plot that followed the events as they happened. Although I knew the ending was coming, I couldn’t help but will Michael through the novel to not travel to Cork as I knew what fate awaited him.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel helped me discover a period in history about which I knew next to nothing. I found the premise and the historical figures intriguing, and O'Connor does a wonderful job of helping the reader understand them as real people. At the same time, I felt that the novel's length detracted from the pace of the plot.