Scan barcode
cfairwea's review
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
clare_west04's review
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
ilegnealle's review against another edition
5.0
This was really an emotional rollercoaster.
Funny and heartwarming at times, absolutely devastating and heartbreaking at others.
Really one of the best books I have read, ever.
I think it is very well written - so well, that you should prepare to sympathize with people who were willing to not only die, but kill for their cause.
I knew what the ending would be, but I cried nevertheless.
As for historical accuracy, I'm sadly not informed enough to judge here. But as a rule of thumb, I would say not to read a novel when what you're looking for is a history lesson.
Funny and heartwarming at times, absolutely devastating and heartbreaking at others.
Really one of the best books I have read, ever.
I think it is very well written - so well, that you should prepare to sympathize with people who were willing to not only die, but kill for their cause.
I knew what the ending would be, but I cried nevertheless.
As for historical accuracy, I'm sadly not informed enough to judge here. But as a rule of thumb, I would say not to read a novel when what you're looking for is a history lesson.
kanejim57's review against another edition
4.0
Part of a five volume series by Llywelyn, on key moments in 20th century Irish History. This volume begins with the fictional main character, Ned Halloran, surviving the sinking of the Titanic and ends with the defeat of the Irish rebellion on Easter Monday, 1916. Numerous story lines back and forth across the Atlantic. Well written with both narrative, that I did lose track of at times, that tells the personal side of the characters, both fictional and historical, and attention to detail of the actual events of that week. (Audio book)
amurray914's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is historical fiction at its best. The story is based in early 20th century Dublin, leading up to the Easter Rising of 1916. The plot intermingles real historical protagonists like Pádraig Pearse, Tom Clarke, Seán Mac Diarmada, James Connolly, etc. with a small set of fictitious characters to tell a story of patriotism and love set against a backdrop of real events; the history is accurate and the fiction is engaging and plays seamlessly. The author also annotates historical events and quotations and includes a bibliography and a brief bio of the historical characters. Even the dialect is accurate; I had to smile when I read a passage describing a local giving directions; “Go up the road to the first right but don’t take that”; exactly how an Irishman would give directions!
This book provides a highly enjoyable way to learn a little about early 1900’s Irish history, albeit Dublin-centric. Highly recommended!
This book provides a highly enjoyable way to learn a little about early 1900’s Irish history, albeit Dublin-centric. Highly recommended!
kanejim57's review against another edition
4.0
Part of a five volume series by Llywelyn, on key moments in 20th century Irish History. This volume begins with the fictional main character, Ned Halloran, surviving the sinking of the Titanic and ends with the defeat of the Irish rebellion on Easter Monday, 1916. Numerous story lines back and forth across the Atlantic. Well written with both narrative, that I did lose track of at times, that tells the personal side of the characters, both fictional and historical, and attention to detail of the actual events of that week. (Audio book)
booksbeaches's review against another edition
5.0
Over 500 pages, this is a hefty read. Even though the book is a fictional novel, it has a whole cast of historical characters. It has details that you want to slowly absorb and embrace. I paced myself at 25 pages a night at bedtime. Those who have pledged to read 3,000 books by year end will laugh at me. I think if you have experienced 1916: A Novel of the Irish Rebellion you will agree with me, this work should be cherished at a leisurely pace.
That being said, even at a leisurely pace I would find myself confused by the host of historical characters at times. I don’t think this is the author’s fault, more likely the fault of the reader who had worked long hours, ate a giant dinner, then tucked into her super warm bed with heated mattress cover. This was an amazing rebellion and it took the efforts of many people. Shame on my pea brain not to remember this angry poet from that angry poet when I’m drowsy.
I adored the main character, Ned Halloran. You are introduced to him as he is taking a voyage with his parents on a grand ship! This ship is heading to America and they will be attending his sister’s wedding in New York. Oh, but why did the buy tickets for the Titanic?
I never thought I was going to get to the actual ass kicking! Call me a girl who loves some action, blame it on my Irish pride. I was ready for the boys to get out there and take back what was theirs. You must be patient though. If not you’ll find yourself feeling like Scarlet on the steps of Tara.
There was one thing that was keeping me going when the ass kicking seemed to never come.
Father Paul O’Shaughnessy. A good looking priest holding up the faith, no matter how hard that may be at times. Father Paul has himself in an awkward situation. A damsel of the congregation is in distress and she is asking for house calls. Holy Temptation!
You good Catholics are probably saying, ‘Not a man of God! He couldn’t.’ I’m not religious, so I can say … Tap that religious ass, girlfriend!
That was probably too much.
An enjoyable aspect of the book for me was the Irish slang. I have promised to incorporate the saying, ‘Funnier looking that a fish with three ears.’
All fun, games and erotic priest aside, I loved this book. I agree with those readers who enjoyed the historical lesson without the classroom feel. There’s enough emotional storyline to keep you drawn in, even if the war comes or not. There were some unanswered questions in the end, but none that were uncalled for. The end of a book isn’t always supposed to spell out every little detail for you. Some books leave you to imagine all the endless possibilities on your own.
www.melaniejomoore.com
That being said, even at a leisurely pace I would find myself confused by the host of historical characters at times. I don’t think this is the author’s fault, more likely the fault of the reader who had worked long hours, ate a giant dinner, then tucked into her super warm bed with heated mattress cover. This was an amazing rebellion and it took the efforts of many people. Shame on my pea brain not to remember this angry poet from that angry poet when I’m drowsy.
I adored the main character, Ned Halloran. You are introduced to him as he is taking a voyage with his parents on a grand ship! This ship is heading to America and they will be attending his sister’s wedding in New York. Oh, but why did the buy tickets for the Titanic?
I never thought I was going to get to the actual ass kicking! Call me a girl who loves some action, blame it on my Irish pride. I was ready for the boys to get out there and take back what was theirs. You must be patient though. If not you’ll find yourself feeling like Scarlet on the steps of Tara.
There was one thing that was keeping me going when the ass kicking seemed to never come.
Father Paul O’Shaughnessy. A good looking priest holding up the faith, no matter how hard that may be at times. Father Paul has himself in an awkward situation. A damsel of the congregation is in distress and she is asking for house calls. Holy Temptation!
You good Catholics are probably saying, ‘Not a man of God! He couldn’t.’ I’m not religious, so I can say … Tap that religious ass, girlfriend!
That was probably too much.
An enjoyable aspect of the book for me was the Irish slang. I have promised to incorporate the saying, ‘Funnier looking that a fish with three ears.’
All fun, games and erotic priest aside, I loved this book. I agree with those readers who enjoyed the historical lesson without the classroom feel. There’s enough emotional storyline to keep you drawn in, even if the war comes or not. There were some unanswered questions in the end, but none that were uncalled for. The end of a book isn’t always supposed to spell out every little detail for you. Some books leave you to imagine all the endless possibilities on your own.
www.melaniejomoore.com
kathieboucher's review against another edition
4.0
Well-done presentation of fairly recent Irish history. Illuminating book--gives me some insight on family history and attitudes.
mindyt's review against another edition
5.0
This was an excellent book. Through the use of fictional characters (clearly stated in the first pages) woven in with actual historical figures (also clearly listed) it made it easier to read and understand the powerful events of 1916. A must read if you are ever planning a visit to Dublin.
john_raine's review
3.0
I enjoyed it but not as much as 1921. The ending felt a little rushed, but overall it was an enjoyable read