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A review by canada_matt
1949: A Novel of the Irish Free State by Morgan Llywelyn
4.0
In an Irish independence series that keeps getting better, Morgan Llywelyn lays further groundwork for readers to better understand the struggle and plight that pervaded much of the 20th century. In what would later be called the inter-war years, Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom are in a somewhat peaceable state. However, the thorn remains of Northern Ireland not being part of the independent Ireland, a theme not lost on the ever-maturing Ursula Halloran. After completing her studies, she leaves Ireland for a time before returning with a thirst to relay the news while promoting all that is Ireland. Securing a position at 2RN, the Irish National Broadcaster, Ursula begins to see the world’s reaction to the Irish question, as well as the build-up of European aggression with a few strong political leaders in Germany, Spain, and Italy. The IRA is still holding firm that it will stop at nothing while the North remains under British rule, but Ursula is not part of any formal plan to force the question. As Western leaders stand by and allow Hitler to march across the continent, claiming spoils without reaction, she cannot help but wonder if the sentiment would have been the same had Ireland tried this approach. After an accidental tryst leaves Ursula questioning her own integrity, she flees for Switzerland under the auspices of covering the League of Nations. War explodes across Europe and Ursula bears a son, nicknamed Barry. She wishes never to tell anyone of his father and remains stoic and vague, even when pressed. While Ireland stays neutral in the Second World War, there is a push to shake off the final shackles of British servitude; renunciation of their place in the Commonwealth. This will surely be the first item on the agenda when all fighting has been concluded. Once Ursula returns to her native Ireland and sets her sights on further independence, an apparent stranger darkens her door. Ned Halloran is back and very ill. He has come home to make amends with those with whom he created a schism during the Irish Civil War. Allowing Barry to meet and learn about his grandfather, Ursula can only hope that she will be as strong a fighter as her father came to be in the Irish fight for independence. Ireland stands as a Republic, but what is next on the agenda? Llywelyn presents another stunning tale not to be missed by those who enjoy the series, as well as readers with an interest in modern Irish history.
Morgan Llywelyn does well in this book again to show that things were anything but simple or straightforward with the Irish Question, leaving the reader to learn and ask some of the poignant questions. In what is becoming a true multi-generational series, Ursula Halloran takes the spotlight, having evolved from the orphaned Precious into a woman with both grit and determination as she seeks to fulfil more of the passions her ‘parents’ raised her to hold. Mixing the best attributes of Ned Halloran and Henry Mooney from the previous books, Ursula finds herself reporting the news and watching the world react to others who sought to turn their respective countries over in their own images, with little interference, especially by the British. Llywelyn contrasts this nicely with the Irish Question, both bluntly and subtly through Ursula’s thoughts and actions, a brilliant effort. Add to that the arrival of Barry and his veiled parentage, which is sure to propel the story forward in the fourth novel the series has to offer. Many others grace the pages of this piece, historical figures and those created by Llywelyn, offering varied flavours to the complex narrative. Llywelyn effectively builds the Irish sentiment throughout, leading to the 1949 declaration of its being a republic and no longer part of the Commonwealth. This novel was again a strong piece, full of history and great development, with a lighter feel to it. The attentive reader will enjoy a mix of longer and quick chapters. There is much to be learned in this neutral perspective as the world rushes to its own political and social fires. I am eager to see what comes next in this great series, sure to offer added twists and turns as history marches onwards.
Kudos, Madam Llywelyn, for never losing momentum in a century that saw a great deal of torment and maturity for the Irish Free State.
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/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
Morgan Llywelyn does well in this book again to show that things were anything but simple or straightforward with the Irish Question, leaving the reader to learn and ask some of the poignant questions. In what is becoming a true multi-generational series, Ursula Halloran takes the spotlight, having evolved from the orphaned Precious into a woman with both grit and determination as she seeks to fulfil more of the passions her ‘parents’ raised her to hold. Mixing the best attributes of Ned Halloran and Henry Mooney from the previous books, Ursula finds herself reporting the news and watching the world react to others who sought to turn their respective countries over in their own images, with little interference, especially by the British. Llywelyn contrasts this nicely with the Irish Question, both bluntly and subtly through Ursula’s thoughts and actions, a brilliant effort. Add to that the arrival of Barry and his veiled parentage, which is sure to propel the story forward in the fourth novel the series has to offer. Many others grace the pages of this piece, historical figures and those created by Llywelyn, offering varied flavours to the complex narrative. Llywelyn effectively builds the Irish sentiment throughout, leading to the 1949 declaration of its being a republic and no longer part of the Commonwealth. This novel was again a strong piece, full of history and great development, with a lighter feel to it. The attentive reader will enjoy a mix of longer and quick chapters. There is much to be learned in this neutral perspective as the world rushes to its own political and social fires. I am eager to see what comes next in this great series, sure to offer added twists and turns as history marches onwards.
Kudos, Madam Llywelyn, for never losing momentum in a century that saw a great deal of torment and maturity for the Irish Free State.
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/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons