It May Be Forever: An Irish Rebel On the American Frontier

by David M. Quinn

It May Be Forever is a nineteenth century tale of adventure and tragedy, based upon the real-life story of Michael Quinn. To escape the grinding poverty of Ireland's Great Famine, Michael and his family flee to England, where at age eight, Michael becomes a child laborer in a textile mill. As he grows older and more aware of British prejudice and discrimination, he is motivated to enlist with the Fenian rebels, a group determined to free Ireland from British colonial rule. Chronic unemployment, however, drives him to America, and defeat on the battlefield lands him on the untamed plains of the Wild West. Faced with unaccustomed opportunity, Michael quickly abandons the fight against oppression and turns away from family and friends. Dreams of achieving a great fortune lead him to support the dispossession of Native Americans of their lands and livelihood. But after the massacre at Wounded Knee, demons of conscience rise up in terrible nightmares, and only a Lakota holy man offers the hope of redemption. It May Be Forever is a cautionary tale, which shows how the many small decisions of life can create the most unintended consequences, and how easily a man of strong convictions may become that which he hates. Visit David Quinn's www.itmaybeforever.com.

392 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2005

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

was my book club selection for the month. The book was okay--would not want to read again. It is supposedly based upon fact that written as a novel; was hard to tell what was true and what was fiction. The first half of the book went along quickly; the second half of the book was not as interesting. And--the ending was not fulfilling.

[Hannah Bieniek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book means a lot to me, as it was written by a distant cousin of mine and tells the tales of my ancestors immigration to America. Being able to gain a deeper understanding of my roots is priceless!!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very quick read. Not that it was short, but it was SO well written with very descriptive chapters that it was an easy read. I felt like I was in the story and I knew the characters. I came away with a few things while reading this. One of which was a reminder to never give up or in when the going gets tough. And cherish those you love no matter how upset they make you. Don't sweat the small stuff. A very refreshing read!