Question 3. History

[Ashley]

DO YOU LIKE THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE POTATO FAMINE IN IRELAND THROUGH THE CIVIL WAR IN THE U.S.?

[Ashley]

The historical background of the "blight" in Ireland was much more interesting and compelling than the part in the U.S., in my opinion. The Chicago partt of the book, ironically enough because the novel is so long, seemed rushed. If I were writing it, I would've considered making 95% of the novel set in Ireland, with an epilogue of how they eventually made it in America. That alone would've cut about 200 pages!

[Cheryl]

ASH, I AGREE THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE BOOK SHOULD HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN IRELAND, BUT THE ESCAPE TO THE U.S. WAS NECESSARY FOR HOPE TO SURVIVE. AT LEAST THEY WERE DOING SOMETHING RATHER THAN SUCCUMBING TO DESPAIR. PERHAPS A SEQUEL IN CHICAGO? I WANTED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SCRAPPY SPIRIT OF THE IRISH WOMEN (AND OTHER EMIGRANTS) IN THE WORKFORCE, WHICH, BY THE WAY, IS ADDRESSED IN VREELAND'S CLARA AND MR. TIFFANY.

[Carol]

Excellent responses ladies. I agree basing it in Ireland is important, but they did have to move in order to move the story forward. Excellent points both of you!

[Ashley]

I'm not against showing us some Chicago stuff; but the America half just seemed like a totally different book. Kelly took her time describing the blight and all that, and then she crammed about a gazillion plot points into the Chicago part and it felt rushed (not that I wanted it longer). I think a lot could've been cut and we could've jumped to Honora as an old lady.