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The struggle of the Irish people for independence is one of the epic tales of the 20th century. Morgan Llywelyn has chosen it as the subject of her major work, The Irish Century, a multi-novel chronicle that began with 1916 , and now continues in 1921 , both a story and a history. The two big historical names in 1921 are Eamon de Valera and Michael Collins, both famous, mysterious, and familiar Irish figures. The year 1921 is the year of the Irish Civil War and the year of the separation of Ireland into two nations, south and north. The central character is Henry Mooney, a journalist (based upon the author's grandfather), who struggles for truth in his reporting during the terrible conflict, and falls in love with an Englishwoman in Ireland in the midst of political and military horrors. The Irish Century Novels
1916: A Novel of the Irish Rebellion
1921: The Great Novel of the Irish Civil War
1949: A Novel of the Irish Free State
1972: A Novel of Ireland's Unfinished Revolution
1999: A Novel of the Celtic Tiger and the Search for Peace
1916: A Novel of the Irish Rebellion
1921: The Great Novel of the Irish Civil War
1949: A Novel of the Irish Free State
1972: A Novel of Ireland's Unfinished Revolution
1999: A Novel of the Celtic Tiger and the Search for Peace
448 pages, Paperback
First published March 7, 2001
66 people are currently reading
1566 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Llywelyn
69 books985 followersMorgan Llywelyn (born 1937) is an American-born Irish author best known for her historical fantasy, historical fiction, and historical non-fiction. Her fiction has received several awards and has sold more than 40 million copies, and she herself is recipient of the 1999 Exceptional Celtic Woman of the Year Award from Celtic Women International.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 9, 2019
Continuing her Irish independence series, Morgan Llywelyn dazzles readers with nuggets of history embedded around a strong narrative and compelling set of characters. While the Irish Rebellion did not go as well as expected, there are many who continue to push for full independence and recognition. While the reader learned much about Ned Halloran in the opening novel, he stood alongside Henry Mooney, whose rural upbringing helps offer a new and refreshing flavour of the Irish sentiment. Mooney, a journalist tied to the cause, has developed wonderful bonds with Ned and his wife, Síle, as well as the child Ned took in, Ursula, commonly called Precious. While the British Government promised Ireland Home Rule, they have dragged their feet, leading to the rise of ongoing angry sentiment and the mobilisation of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). When the Great War ends and the International Peace Conference is not prepared to extol the independence of Ireland, pressures force the American president and British House of Commons to take note and negotiations begin. However, the British are not willing to simply hand everything over and they propose a division. Ireland may have its home rule, but the Ulster (read: Protestant-strong) six counties in the North will remain under British control. This sends a united Irish front into a tailspin, as it would seem there is a new idea on the table. While Ned, Henry, and Síle watch, Irish sentiment is divided, leaving some ready to take the larger land as their own and claim victory, while others want all or nothing. With the Irish ‘Free State’ question settled, it is time to decide how to push forward with the Ulster portion. Britain pushes for acceptance of the Free State, while the IRA want the Ulster portion included, no questions asked. Civil War seems to be brewing mere months after seven centuries of British shackles are freshly removed. All eyes turn to Ireland, as it stands at a fork in the road. Accept the Free State or seek an entirely free Ireland, even if its citizens are not of one voice? Blood and destruction continue to rain down on all and Henry must come to see that life as a journalist is anything but predictable. Will he live to see Ireland free or will the blood flow through the streets, allowing Britain to crush any resistance yet again? Llywelyn offers another stunning tale that should not be missed by those who enjoyed the opening novel, as well as readers with an interest in modern Irish history.
Morgan Llywelyn continues to impress with her writing and ability to keep the reader involved in the story, balancing level-headed facts with the passion that violent confrontation brings. She is able to show that things were anything but simple or straightforward, leaving the reader to bask in the nuances. The introduction of Henry Mooney offers an interesting spin on the story, one the reader may enjoy. While the Hallorans remain firmly rooted in this piece, it is Henry’s journalistic perspective that thickens the plot as Ireland is faced with new and troublesome decisions. The reader learns much about the Mooney family, at least until Henry makes his way to Dublin, then there is little backstory to be had. However, Henry does develop effectively, bringing his own narrative to offset the larger Irish one being told throughout. The Hallorans also receive some more attention, with a focus on the grittier side of Ned and Síle as they attempt to push for the cause. Precious, still young, begins to come into her own and sheds the child-like moniker as she seeks to be taken a little more seriously. Many others grace the pages of this piece, historical figures and the like, offering their own flavour to the ever-evolving narrative that pits peaceful legislators seeking Irish independence and the more revolutionary side that will accept nothing less than a complete Ireland. Llywelyn effectively builds this throughout. This second novel was again a strong piece, full of history and great development, though it comes across as denser and more focused on the Cause for Irish autonomy. The attentive reader will see this in longer chapters and storylines that take a more serious approach. There is much to be learned in this highly important part of the Irish Century and one cannot fault Llywelyn for wanting to keep things a little heavier. I am eager to see what comes next in this explosive series, sure to have more twists and character development throughout.
Kudos, Madam Llywelyn, for keeping things going with wonderful history and twists to keep the personal side from being lost.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Morgan Llywelyn continues to impress with her writing and ability to keep the reader involved in the story, balancing level-headed facts with the passion that violent confrontation brings. She is able to show that things were anything but simple or straightforward, leaving the reader to bask in the nuances. The introduction of Henry Mooney offers an interesting spin on the story, one the reader may enjoy. While the Hallorans remain firmly rooted in this piece, it is Henry’s journalistic perspective that thickens the plot as Ireland is faced with new and troublesome decisions. The reader learns much about the Mooney family, at least until Henry makes his way to Dublin, then there is little backstory to be had. However, Henry does develop effectively, bringing his own narrative to offset the larger Irish one being told throughout. The Hallorans also receive some more attention, with a focus on the grittier side of Ned and Síle as they attempt to push for the cause. Precious, still young, begins to come into her own and sheds the child-like moniker as she seeks to be taken a little more seriously. Many others grace the pages of this piece, historical figures and the like, offering their own flavour to the ever-evolving narrative that pits peaceful legislators seeking Irish independence and the more revolutionary side that will accept nothing less than a complete Ireland. Llywelyn effectively builds this throughout. This second novel was again a strong piece, full of history and great development, though it comes across as denser and more focused on the Cause for Irish autonomy. The attentive reader will see this in longer chapters and storylines that take a more serious approach. There is much to be learned in this highly important part of the Irish Century and one cannot fault Llywelyn for wanting to keep things a little heavier. I am eager to see what comes next in this explosive series, sure to have more twists and character development throughout.
Kudos, Madam Llywelyn, for keeping things going with wonderful history and twists to keep the personal side from being lost.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
April 6, 2011
When I began reading about Irish history in the last few months (in preparation for our trip there) I was not only curious about the Irish people and their story - I also felt positively confused about what I thought I knew.
From my childhood to now, the only knowledge of the Irish I was confident about was that St. Patrick was Irish (which he wasn't), they are all red-haired and angry folks (which they aren't), they are only all a about drinking and frivolity (which has only a grain of truth), they like to fight for no apparent reason (hardly true of anyone), they are so shallow minded that they happily fight and terrorize Protestants for no better reason than they are not Catholics (which is wholly wrong), and they are a generally uneducated and backward people (which is a stereotype unworthy of such a noble race).
Morgan Llywelyn's books have been most helpful as a means of filling in the emotional gaps that are often left when finished with a typical Irish history. Empathy is an important virtue for understanding any individual person or any people. While I'm still very confused about much of modern Irish history - I now care deeply about the people for the sake of their history. I care about their concerns, their struggles through the centuries and their hopes for the future. My prayer is that God will raise them up from the ashes to a newness of life beyond their greatest longings.
Above all - this book help me to feel the weight of brother-brother hatred, and how horrifying it can be to have to choose between the ideals that stir your to action and the love you truly have for your brothers. The subject of this book the struggle for Irish independence from the British after centuries of domination, oppression and injustices. And yet - The Irish were not yet ready for the responsibility of godly freedom. For in their pursuit of it, they were torn asunder with a very un-Irish hostility to one another.
I look forward to the next in the series!
From my childhood to now, the only knowledge of the Irish I was confident about was that St. Patrick was Irish (which he wasn't), they are all red-haired and angry folks (which they aren't), they are only all a about drinking and frivolity (which has only a grain of truth), they like to fight for no apparent reason (hardly true of anyone), they are so shallow minded that they happily fight and terrorize Protestants for no better reason than they are not Catholics (which is wholly wrong), and they are a generally uneducated and backward people (which is a stereotype unworthy of such a noble race).
Morgan Llywelyn's books have been most helpful as a means of filling in the emotional gaps that are often left when finished with a typical Irish history. Empathy is an important virtue for understanding any individual person or any people. While I'm still very confused about much of modern Irish history - I now care deeply about the people for the sake of their history. I care about their concerns, their struggles through the centuries and their hopes for the future. My prayer is that God will raise them up from the ashes to a newness of life beyond their greatest longings.
Above all - this book help me to feel the weight of brother-brother hatred, and how horrifying it can be to have to choose between the ideals that stir your to action and the love you truly have for your brothers. The subject of this book the struggle for Irish independence from the British after centuries of domination, oppression and injustices. And yet - The Irish were not yet ready for the responsibility of godly freedom. For in their pursuit of it, they were torn asunder with a very un-Irish hostility to one another.
I look forward to the next in the series!
February 17, 2012
A tragic, and almost, inconceivable period of Irish history.
Once again, Llywelyn sucks you in and transports you into the lives of the brave men and women of Ireland. She puts such detail, passion and truth into this novel that you feel a kinship with the cause and a brief understanding for how things went so terribly wrong...In the whirlwind that brought on the Irish Civil War, Llywelyn tries to show both sides of the story in equal measure. There is a raw honesty in her writing, which brings the period into the light of day so that no stone is left unturned.
I appreciated the way in which this Irish history was layed at my feet. I am not knowledgable on the subject matter that Lylwelyn discussed and presented but I still followed along and became enamored with the characters and setting. I have a new found respect, sympathy, and understanding for what the Irish people have been through.
I cannot reconcile in my head how brothers in arms could become so divided so quickly. I will probably never be able to grasp that horrific truth. It was one thing to read about the struggle of the Irish against the all-encompassing British control. It is another entirely to have the situation turn on its head and become a war among friends and neighbours. It was a heartbreaking tale, a heartbreaking truth.
...
The characters were further developed in this installement of the century series. I very much enjoyed Henry's unbiased perspective throughout the turmoil. I could understand his reasoning and tempermeant more so than Ned's. Therefore, I found myself enjoying this novel even more than the first.
Although, I missed the idealism, high standards, and unshakeable truth of men like Padraic Pearse in this second book. Of course this was not the author's choice, rather the dictates of history. I could feel the struggle to maintain this idealism from the people that survived the 1916 Easter Rising. Some succeeded, others did not. Actually, I think that most lost it in the end, which isn't surprising given the circumstances. But I felt, through her words, this struggle to maintain ones dignity and morales, although I do not know what really happened during that time. Obviously, many lost themselves during this historical period, since they were able to kill their own country men in this way. A horrible tragedy, but one others hopefully learn from.
I am very much looking froward to continuing on with this series and learning more about the history of Ireland. I'm starting book three today!
Once again, Llywelyn sucks you in and transports you into the lives of the brave men and women of Ireland. She puts such detail, passion and truth into this novel that you feel a kinship with the cause and a brief understanding for how things went so terribly wrong...In the whirlwind that brought on the Irish Civil War, Llywelyn tries to show both sides of the story in equal measure. There is a raw honesty in her writing, which brings the period into the light of day so that no stone is left unturned.
I appreciated the way in which this Irish history was layed at my feet. I am not knowledgable on the subject matter that Lylwelyn discussed and presented but I still followed along and became enamored with the characters and setting. I have a new found respect, sympathy, and understanding for what the Irish people have been through.
I cannot reconcile in my head how brothers in arms could become so divided so quickly. I will probably never be able to grasp that horrific truth. It was one thing to read about the struggle of the Irish against the all-encompassing British control. It is another entirely to have the situation turn on its head and become a war among friends and neighbours. It was a heartbreaking tale, a heartbreaking truth.
...
The characters were further developed in this installement of the century series. I very much enjoyed Henry's unbiased perspective throughout the turmoil. I could understand his reasoning and tempermeant more so than Ned's. Therefore, I found myself enjoying this novel even more than the first.
Although, I missed the idealism, high standards, and unshakeable truth of men like Padraic Pearse in this second book. Of course this was not the author's choice, rather the dictates of history. I could feel the struggle to maintain this idealism from the people that survived the 1916 Easter Rising. Some succeeded, others did not. Actually, I think that most lost it in the end, which isn't surprising given the circumstances. But I felt, through her words, this struggle to maintain ones dignity and morales, although I do not know what really happened during that time. Obviously, many lost themselves during this historical period, since they were able to kill their own country men in this way. A horrible tragedy, but one others hopefully learn from.
I am very much looking froward to continuing on with this series and learning more about the history of Ireland. I'm starting book three today!
January 14, 2013
The Irish struggle for independence from the British was something I have always wanted to learn more about. I knew a little that I had read in books and of course what I'd heard about the "terrorists" of the IRA growing up, but after reading this series of books I am appalled (at some points my stomach literally hurt) at what Britain got away with doing to another nation in a modern age. This series not only makes me fiercely proud of my Irish heritage but it also makes me wonder if we are really so civilized and advanced as we think we are.
This series opens with "1916: The Easter Rising", continues on to "1921", "1949", "1972" and ends with "1999". It follows the Hallorans, as they struggle through the tumultuous times. This added story was interesting and helped tie together the "real world" events, however the real world events were so engrossing, to me at least, that I often felt that the story of the Hallorans simply got in the way. Also, the Halloran of "1949", Ursula, was not very bright or likeable so at times it was almost irritating enough to make me put down the book and simply pick up an encyclopedia. I feel that Llwelyn, usually such a smooth writer, really missed a great chance with Ursula because the character does have a very interesting story but she is simply not well written. Ursula's son, Barry, in the further books is also a difficult character like in some respects and so is distracting. I also wish Llywelyn had given more detail to the end. So much build-up, give books worth, and then it's just over. It was a let down.
However, this was a great series and I recommend it to everyone I know now, whether they are Irish or not. The world needs to know Ireland's story, they are a strong, admirable people and they deserve to be recognized.
This series opens with "1916: The Easter Rising", continues on to "1921", "1949", "1972" and ends with "1999". It follows the Hallorans, as they struggle through the tumultuous times. This added story was interesting and helped tie together the "real world" events, however the real world events were so engrossing, to me at least, that I often felt that the story of the Hallorans simply got in the way. Also, the Halloran of "1949", Ursula, was not very bright or likeable so at times it was almost irritating enough to make me put down the book and simply pick up an encyclopedia. I feel that Llwelyn, usually such a smooth writer, really missed a great chance with Ursula because the character does have a very interesting story but she is simply not well written. Ursula's son, Barry, in the further books is also a difficult character like in some respects and so is distracting. I also wish Llywelyn had given more detail to the end. So much build-up, give books worth, and then it's just over. It was a let down.
However, this was a great series and I recommend it to everyone I know now, whether they are Irish or not. The world needs to know Ireland's story, they are a strong, admirable people and they deserve to be recognized.
March 3, 2022
I read the second book first in the Irish Century novels, but it's fiiiine…. Here's my BookTube review on the novel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz5v-...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz5v-...
March 25, 2024
Would give this 10 stars if I could!
April 11, 2025
Morgan Llewellyn is one of the best authors of historical fiction. This book gave me an excellent understanding of the Irish Civil War along with a healthy dose of entertainment.
January 25, 2023
*the wind that shakes the barley plays in the distance*
August 9, 2020
A gripping historical novel about Ireland post Easter Uprising through the Civil War. I emphasize "historical," for all the characters are here in a vast yet tightly woven narrative. A few quotes: "I happen to believe the truth's important whether people want to hear it or not," and "The most degrading attribute of humankind is not callousness or greed or even violence, but the ability to justify all three," and "Can a person hold the truth and a lie in their head at the same time and believe them both? Some people can, Henry told her. They're called politicians." The next quotes are just fun kind of curses- "Great bouncing Barabbas!" and "Jesus in a jaunting car!" and "God's garters!" And the last one is a hoot- "Me oul wan's no oil painting neither. But oo looks at the mantelpiece when 'e's pokin' the fire?"
December 4, 2024
I love Llewelyn! She tells the Irish story with eloquence. I hadn't read her first book in this series for some time. Re-reading it was a wonderful experience. This novel picks up with those characters and is blissful!
March 22, 2012
Llywelyn's Century series is a departure from her usual fantasy novels. Having now read selectively in this series, have been pleasantly surprised. Thankfully this is not the usual sanitized version of the Rising and aftermath nor is it partisan.
Though most of the characters are a bit flat, the author throws in plot twists commensurate with what was happening in the new Republic and tells the wider story in a fairly evenhanded manner. All the novels read to date from 1921 forward throw in lots of factoids, usually without being tedious though some of the dialogue info-dump is tedious.
Overall, this series is a good intro to 20th century Irish politics for readers who have not themselves read primary source nonfiction, history, and the biographies and memoirs of those who were there as written by and about the likes of :
Kathleen Clarke, Countess Markiewitcz, Michael Collins, Ernie O'Malley, Dan Breen, and many others. If you like this series, the original material awaits your discovery.
Though most of the characters are a bit flat, the author throws in plot twists commensurate with what was happening in the new Republic and tells the wider story in a fairly evenhanded manner. All the novels read to date from 1921 forward throw in lots of factoids, usually without being tedious though some of the dialogue info-dump is tedious.
Overall, this series is a good intro to 20th century Irish politics for readers who have not themselves read primary source nonfiction, history, and the biographies and memoirs of those who were there as written by and about the likes of :
Kathleen Clarke, Countess Markiewitcz, Michael Collins, Ernie O'Malley, Dan Breen, and many others. If you like this series, the original material awaits your discovery.
July 20, 2016
This is a history book with a fictional character to tie it together. I couldn't take it in large sections because the history all ran together.
The main character is a journalist, which gives the author the opportunity to emphasize his ties to different figures: Michael Colllins, Eamon de Valera, Tom Barry,...
Very depressing with the amount of death and violence, but that's because that's what really happened, not because the author was trying to titillate people with violence.
I need to take a break before going on to 1949: A Novel of the Irish Free State which is the next in the series.
The main character is a journalist, which gives the author the opportunity to emphasize his ties to different figures: Michael Colllins, Eamon de Valera, Tom Barry,...
Very depressing with the amount of death and violence, but that's because that's what really happened, not because the author was trying to titillate people with violence.
I need to take a break before going on to 1949: A Novel of the Irish Free State which is the next in the series.
January 8, 2018
I really like historical fiction, especially about history that I am unaware of. The Irish fight for a republic and the resulting civil war between the Irish brothers and sisters who thought only a bit differently. I was presented with good fictional characters, especially Henry Mooney and his "little" (not so little in spirit) Ursula or as he called her "Little Business". How Henry the journalist wove his way in and out of the five years between 1918 and 1923 and the supporting cast of real people who because of the treachery, mostly died.
November 9, 2020
This is the second book in a wonderful series by this author. It was a good book to read during our election in our divided country. The Irish have fought each other as well as for their freedom to rule themselves. I added several quotes to my little book where I gather words of wisdom. It was a heartfelt read for me.
May 15, 2018
Loved Morgan Llywelyn's novel 1916 story of the Irish Rebellion and subsequent Civil War in 1921. Great history and great fiction.
June 2, 2019
This story is set amidst the very real events which saw Ireland fighting for self rule, and the subsequent grim horror of civil war. A great read.
March 7, 2021
Awesome from start to finish! The characters are engaging and I’ve enjoyed reading about them through their developing lives.
September 23, 2021
Very good, well-researched book.
August 5, 2015
This is the second book in Llywelyn’s ambitious Irish Century Series. And where the first book 1916 was Ned Halloran’s story, this second book is Henry Mooney’s story.
In the Rising, Ned had suffered a head wound and been saved when Henry smuggled him away from the battle scene using a forged press pass. But Ned is still recovering, has recurrent dizzy spells and cannot work. Henry organizes for Sile, Ned and Precious to be housed with his cousin Louise to keep them out of sight until things cool down.
Henry gradually and unconsciously develops feelings for Sile which he refuses to acknowledge. It causes a great rift in his relationship with Ned, one that cannot be breached. But Henry finally meets a woman of his own, Ella Rutledge a widow of Irish-Anglo ancestry who is also a Protestant. There are many barriers to their relationship including class, money, religion and politics. All of them cause both Henry and Ella much grief.
The years following 1916 were a period of intense and sustained effort to regain Irish independence and many worked voluntarily to achieve it. The majority had not stood with the rebels in the Easter Rising, their apathy bred from years of subservience. But the Irish soul was reborn when they saw the Irish flag fly over the post office in Dublin, read the proclamation that claimed the country belonged to the Irish people and saw courageous men and women die for the cause. It laid down a fertile ground for the continued struggle.
Away from Dublin in the rural areas, nationalist volunteers now called the IRA (The Irish National Army), openly expressed opinions that disagreed with the British establishment. They considered themselves patriots, although Britain, convinced of its God-given right to rule, considered them traitors. Following the Rising, the British had savagely executed the leaders and deported over two thousand Republicans without a trial. They shut down the presses, instituted strict censorship and raided private homes, arresting whoever they pleased. They interrupted harmless social gatherings and dispersed citizens at gunpoint. They set up networks of spies and paid informers to betray their neighbours. Still, the Irish refused to accept British rule and fought back any way they could.
Three figures play a major part in the next years of political jockeying: Lloyd George the British Prime Minister; Eamon de Valera the first President of the Dail (the Assembly) and the first President of the Irish Republic; and Michael Collins, the chairman of the Provisional Government of the Irish Free State.
Lloyd George, an experienced and astute politician, used every means possible to consolidate the British position, including giving the northern counties more parliamentary seats and sending over arms and vigilante squads to create fear and havoc. Eventually, he was able to manoeuvre an Irish delegation into accepting The Irish Free State. It was not what the Irish wanted, but Michael Collins eventually saw that it might be a transitional step towards independence and, in the face of an all-out war they would lose, tried to bring the Irish together to accept some form of peace. The Treaty gave Ireland a greater degree of autonomy than it had known since the beginning of the British occupation years ago. But not all agreed with Collins and many Republicans felt betrayed.
When Collins was assassinated, the country was once more thrown into violence. Civil War erupted with the Free State Army holding the towns and the Republican Army controlling the countryside. Men were ambushed and slaughtered and all common decency seemed swept away. Each side accused the other of barbarous behavior, as fact and fiction merged. Eventually the Republicans were forced to give up their arms, but stayed determined to fight on through the Sinn Fein organization.
The text is hard to follow at times. It is awash in so many details that it is difficult to keep everyone straight as splinter groups form and later splinter once more. The list of characters at the beginning is certainly helpful, but continually flipping pages to check or confirm impressions, interrupts the flow of the narrative.
Llywelyn describes the bands of roving men assassinating those who oppose their views. If they could not find the man they were looking for they executed a family member, often in front of their terrified children. Each atrocity on one side was repeated by the opposing side as violence continued to spiral out of control. Brutal deeds were committed on both sides. No one was safe. Even children and woman were shot. During these pages of intricate detailed history, the fictional novel lags and the reader leaves the interesting story, until it resurfaces near the conclusion of the novel. For the most part, it is why this book failed me.
Where Llywelyn has done well though, is in detailing Henry’s changing political views and sharing his philosophy as a journalist. Henry was at heart an idealist and a patriot but he absolutely abhorred violence. He came to see though, how without it, progress may never have been achieved.
He was also an honourable man. The reader appreciates how he treats others, his manners, his kind and caring attitude towards Sile, Ursula (aka Precious and Little Business) and Ella as well as his devotion to his profession. Henry felt strongly about his role as a journalist, determined to record the true facts about the events he saw. He knew years down the road, memories would fade or modify the truth and he wanted a straight and honest record of what had happened. He put himself in harm’s way to get those facts and he was always fair in his writing, able to give both sides an equal and fair hearing.
Llywelyn brings her story to a close as Henry and Ned confront one another, but Ned cannot take the final step to forgiveness. Meanwhile the author paints an interesting portrait of Ursula, who is growing up quickly and has become a warrior for the republic. So Llywelyn has quietly dropped the thread for the reader to pick up in the next volume which I am determined to get through. But now I need a reprieve. This is not easy reading and at times it is tough to get through it. I think the novel could have been improved by highlighting the fiction more and reducing some of the historical details. There are pages that read like a history book instead of a piece of historical fiction.
In the Rising, Ned had suffered a head wound and been saved when Henry smuggled him away from the battle scene using a forged press pass. But Ned is still recovering, has recurrent dizzy spells and cannot work. Henry organizes for Sile, Ned and Precious to be housed with his cousin Louise to keep them out of sight until things cool down.
Henry gradually and unconsciously develops feelings for Sile which he refuses to acknowledge. It causes a great rift in his relationship with Ned, one that cannot be breached. But Henry finally meets a woman of his own, Ella Rutledge a widow of Irish-Anglo ancestry who is also a Protestant. There are many barriers to their relationship including class, money, religion and politics. All of them cause both Henry and Ella much grief.
The years following 1916 were a period of intense and sustained effort to regain Irish independence and many worked voluntarily to achieve it. The majority had not stood with the rebels in the Easter Rising, their apathy bred from years of subservience. But the Irish soul was reborn when they saw the Irish flag fly over the post office in Dublin, read the proclamation that claimed the country belonged to the Irish people and saw courageous men and women die for the cause. It laid down a fertile ground for the continued struggle.
Away from Dublin in the rural areas, nationalist volunteers now called the IRA (The Irish National Army), openly expressed opinions that disagreed with the British establishment. They considered themselves patriots, although Britain, convinced of its God-given right to rule, considered them traitors. Following the Rising, the British had savagely executed the leaders and deported over two thousand Republicans without a trial. They shut down the presses, instituted strict censorship and raided private homes, arresting whoever they pleased. They interrupted harmless social gatherings and dispersed citizens at gunpoint. They set up networks of spies and paid informers to betray their neighbours. Still, the Irish refused to accept British rule and fought back any way they could.
Three figures play a major part in the next years of political jockeying: Lloyd George the British Prime Minister; Eamon de Valera the first President of the Dail (the Assembly) and the first President of the Irish Republic; and Michael Collins, the chairman of the Provisional Government of the Irish Free State.
Lloyd George, an experienced and astute politician, used every means possible to consolidate the British position, including giving the northern counties more parliamentary seats and sending over arms and vigilante squads to create fear and havoc. Eventually, he was able to manoeuvre an Irish delegation into accepting The Irish Free State. It was not what the Irish wanted, but Michael Collins eventually saw that it might be a transitional step towards independence and, in the face of an all-out war they would lose, tried to bring the Irish together to accept some form of peace. The Treaty gave Ireland a greater degree of autonomy than it had known since the beginning of the British occupation years ago. But not all agreed with Collins and many Republicans felt betrayed.
When Collins was assassinated, the country was once more thrown into violence. Civil War erupted with the Free State Army holding the towns and the Republican Army controlling the countryside. Men were ambushed and slaughtered and all common decency seemed swept away. Each side accused the other of barbarous behavior, as fact and fiction merged. Eventually the Republicans were forced to give up their arms, but stayed determined to fight on through the Sinn Fein organization.
The text is hard to follow at times. It is awash in so many details that it is difficult to keep everyone straight as splinter groups form and later splinter once more. The list of characters at the beginning is certainly helpful, but continually flipping pages to check or confirm impressions, interrupts the flow of the narrative.
Llywelyn describes the bands of roving men assassinating those who oppose their views. If they could not find the man they were looking for they executed a family member, often in front of their terrified children. Each atrocity on one side was repeated by the opposing side as violence continued to spiral out of control. Brutal deeds were committed on both sides. No one was safe. Even children and woman were shot. During these pages of intricate detailed history, the fictional novel lags and the reader leaves the interesting story, until it resurfaces near the conclusion of the novel. For the most part, it is why this book failed me.
Where Llywelyn has done well though, is in detailing Henry’s changing political views and sharing his philosophy as a journalist. Henry was at heart an idealist and a patriot but he absolutely abhorred violence. He came to see though, how without it, progress may never have been achieved.
He was also an honourable man. The reader appreciates how he treats others, his manners, his kind and caring attitude towards Sile, Ursula (aka Precious and Little Business) and Ella as well as his devotion to his profession. Henry felt strongly about his role as a journalist, determined to record the true facts about the events he saw. He knew years down the road, memories would fade or modify the truth and he wanted a straight and honest record of what had happened. He put himself in harm’s way to get those facts and he was always fair in his writing, able to give both sides an equal and fair hearing.
Llywelyn brings her story to a close as Henry and Ned confront one another, but Ned cannot take the final step to forgiveness. Meanwhile the author paints an interesting portrait of Ursula, who is growing up quickly and has become a warrior for the republic. So Llywelyn has quietly dropped the thread for the reader to pick up in the next volume which I am determined to get through. But now I need a reprieve. This is not easy reading and at times it is tough to get through it. I think the novel could have been improved by highlighting the fiction more and reducing some of the historical details. There are pages that read like a history book instead of a piece of historical fiction.
February 24, 2021
I probably loved this book as much as its predecessor, 1916. However, this one only gets 4 stars as opposed to the 5 that 1916 got.
Here's why:
1. The style of writing
When I started this book, I expected it to be similarly written to 1916. However, it is much more episodical - which is not bad at all! But it did throw me off at first and took me a good 100 pages to really get into it.
2. The overview
With 1916, I felt like I had a good understanding of what happened at the Easter Rising, who belonged to which group and so on and so forth. This was not the case here. After about half of the book, it was really difficult to keep track of every new developement. However, this is most likely not the fault of the author but due to the complexity of events. Still, this made it more difficult to read.
3. The resolve
I don't know about you, but I'm not the biggest fan of holding off the resolve until the very, very end of the book - especially if the next book in the series plays some 25 years later. I want to know more. What happened? Is everything really fine again? How does the characters' relationship change?
Over all, though, I really loved this book. It also made me very emotional at times, which I see as a success of the book. I really recommend this series to everyone who is interested in Irish history but prefers novels over history books.
Here's why:
1. The style of writing
When I started this book, I expected it to be similarly written to 1916. However, it is much more episodical - which is not bad at all! But it did throw me off at first and took me a good 100 pages to really get into it.
2. The overview
With 1916, I felt like I had a good understanding of what happened at the Easter Rising, who belonged to which group and so on and so forth. This was not the case here. After about half of the book, it was really difficult to keep track of every new developement. However, this is most likely not the fault of the author but due to the complexity of events. Still, this made it more difficult to read.
3. The resolve
I don't know about you, but I'm not the biggest fan of holding off the resolve until the very, very end of the book - especially if the next book in the series plays some 25 years later. I want to know more. What happened? Is everything really fine again? How does the characters' relationship change?
Over all, though, I really loved this book. It also made me very emotional at times, which I see as a success of the book. I really recommend this series to everyone who is interested in Irish history but prefers novels over history books.
July 3, 2021
The book has a great deal of good information about what happened in Ireland from 1917 to the mid-1920s. The main character is a journalist, which was a good strategic choice in the sense that it meant the book takes the reader to major events of the 1917-1920s revolutionary war and the subsequent civil war. The problem in my view is that the dialogue and narration could have been more refined—for lack of a more vibrant and professional term, the dialogue and narration is a bit cheesy. The first book in the series (“1916”) didn’t have that issue. It’s worth reading still in my view for the understanding and depiction of the two wars that it provides.
My other critique is that the book does not say anything about colonialism by Irish people yet it includes this colonialism. The emigration from Ireland to the Americas is, as in the first book in the series, depicted as completely neutral in terms of colonialism. Perhaps it depicts accurately how most Irish people thought about immigrating to the Americas. But it is disappointing that the struggle against colonialism Irish people organized doesn’t lead to solidarity with Indigenous peoples of the Americas. There must have been some Irish revolutionaries and republicans who recognized the similarity in position between themselves and that of Indigenous peoples of the Americas.
My other critique is that the book does not say anything about colonialism by Irish people yet it includes this colonialism. The emigration from Ireland to the Americas is, as in the first book in the series, depicted as completely neutral in terms of colonialism. Perhaps it depicts accurately how most Irish people thought about immigrating to the Americas. But it is disappointing that the struggle against colonialism Irish people organized doesn’t lead to solidarity with Indigenous peoples of the Americas. There must have been some Irish revolutionaries and republicans who recognized the similarity in position between themselves and that of Indigenous peoples of the Americas.
June 26, 2018
A turgid read about events in Ireland following the Easter Uprising in 1916 up to independence in 1921 and the ensuing civil war.
To follow this historic tumult, the author uses the device of a journalist who covers the unrest, as freelance writer, as newspaper correspondent and as essayist for an illegal republican samizdat. Obviously, this gives him a plausible reason to rush to-and-fro, following the action where it is. Unfortunately, the author must have felt not enough history could be passed along from that point of view, so every page or so, an omniscient narrator drops in to tell you about the latest outrage against Irish civilians happening somewhere else in the country. You realize how intrusive and deadening this is when the narrator then announces the ascension of Hitler (yes, Hitler) as leader of a tiny political party with fewer than a hundred people, a development hardly noticed in Germany and one that certainly had no bearing whatsoever on the political strife in Ireland. It's a true object lesson from Creative Writing 101 in the power of showing versus telling and how telling instead of showing grinds the story to a standstill.
If you are wholly unaware of the Irish Civil War, this book does offer some instruction and you do get to meet key historic figures like Michael Collins and Eamon de Valera. The rest of the cast of characters are as two-dimensional stock as they come. The journalist has a romance with a beautiful women who is not only of higher social station but is also a Protestant! Pity this turned out to be such a snoozer of a novel.
To follow this historic tumult, the author uses the device of a journalist who covers the unrest, as freelance writer, as newspaper correspondent and as essayist for an illegal republican samizdat. Obviously, this gives him a plausible reason to rush to-and-fro, following the action where it is. Unfortunately, the author must have felt not enough history could be passed along from that point of view, so every page or so, an omniscient narrator drops in to tell you about the latest outrage against Irish civilians happening somewhere else in the country. You realize how intrusive and deadening this is when the narrator then announces the ascension of Hitler (yes, Hitler) as leader of a tiny political party with fewer than a hundred people, a development hardly noticed in Germany and one that certainly had no bearing whatsoever on the political strife in Ireland. It's a true object lesson from Creative Writing 101 in the power of showing versus telling and how telling instead of showing grinds the story to a standstill.
If you are wholly unaware of the Irish Civil War, this book does offer some instruction and you do get to meet key historic figures like Michael Collins and Eamon de Valera. The rest of the cast of characters are as two-dimensional stock as they come. The journalist has a romance with a beautiful women who is not only of higher social station but is also a Protestant! Pity this turned out to be such a snoozer of a novel.
March 24, 2025
While technically historical fiction, this was more Irish history with an interesting underlying fictional storyline. The author wisely chose a journalist as the main fictional character, enabling the reader to experience the struggle for Irish independence through the eyes of an ostensibly unbiased reporter. Even better, the journalist is a very likable character whom I enjoyed rooting for throughout. I would give this a 5 but didn’t because I found myself confused at times with all the names (despite a listing of historical characters), places (a map of Ireland would have been nice), and warring factions. An interesting read illustrating that all war is ugly, especially civil war.
April 19, 2025
1921: A Great Novel of the Irish Civil War by Morgan Llywelyn Irish century Novel #2 (Audiobook read on Hoopla app)
This book continues from book one which was entitled 1916. It is told mainly through the eyes of newspaper reporter and friend to Ned Halloran, Henry Mooney. Through his eyes we see the creation of the Irish Free state and the horrifying battles of the Irish Civil War.. which pitted Irish against Irish. I’m being vague in my description because I feel I must reread the book again to gain a better understanding of what all happened. Morgan Llywelyns writing was excellent but the story is complex and I need to read it again.
This book continues from book one which was entitled 1916. It is told mainly through the eyes of newspaper reporter and friend to Ned Halloran, Henry Mooney. Through his eyes we see the creation of the Irish Free state and the horrifying battles of the Irish Civil War.. which pitted Irish against Irish. I’m being vague in my description because I feel I must reread the book again to gain a better understanding of what all happened. Morgan Llywelyns writing was excellent but the story is complex and I need to read it again.
December 18, 2022
I started to say 3.5 stars rounded up to 4, because the story was interesting, but actually, I feel like it got quite muddled towards the middle. Once the Irish Republicans started treating with the British, and there was a split, everything got rather confusing, and trying to keep track of everything was difficult. Maybe that isn’t Ms. Llywelyn’s fault. Maybe the reality of it was very confusing, and hard to follow. But I wish it could’ve all been explained in a way that I could more easily grasp so I didn’t feel so dumb trying to understand who was against whom.
August 24, 2023
A good read, educational and enjoyable. Little Business seemed a bit to smart for her britches...I'm betting she appears again in my future reading of Llwelyn.
The premise of the story revolving around the reporters life was a great way to showcase various events.
I'm a bit disappointed not to find out what happened to Ned's sister in America....did she run off and marry a priest?
Definitely does not shine a kind light on the history of England. Which seemed to be a theme in my recent visit to Ireland also.
The premise of the story revolving around the reporters life was a great way to showcase various events.
I'm a bit disappointed not to find out what happened to Ned's sister in America....did she run off and marry a priest?
Definitely does not shine a kind light on the history of England. Which seemed to be a theme in my recent visit to Ireland also.
November 1, 2019
Loved this book. Poor Ireland. Just like Scotland...run by the British with multiple "Risings" to gain Independence-- great hopes and deep despair. Monumental heroes in this book. Most of them from the annals of history. So complicated, yet predictable as comrades in arm fighting the British become enemies in a Civil War. A war precipitated by British politicians. I'm so grateful the war is over. I wonder how modern day Irish experience this peace.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2023
The second installment of this series finds Ireland mired in the aftermath of the 1921 agreement with Britain that created the partitioned Irish “Free State” and not the independent republic which was sought after. The resulting Irish Civil War sets friend against friend, brother against brother, the legacy of which has sadly lasted for decades. This book centers more around the fictional journalist, Henry Mooney, with the Halloran family taking a smaller but important role.
May 14, 2023
Wow, this book is just as well done as the first one in the series. I learned so much history through an emotionally nuanced story. The atrocities of the civil war and brother fighting against brother were communicated thoroughly without being gratuitous. So, SO good.
February 11, 2025
I’ve read about the Irish Civil War before, and the details always fly out of my head soon thereafter. This time, I think I will remember because of this author’s skill in bringing characters, both historical and fictional, to life.
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