1921: The Great Novel of the Irish Civil War

In this sequel to her powerful novel, 1916, Morgan Llywelyn revisits the Irish struggle for independence. Although Ned Halloran, the main character in 1916, continues to be an important character in this book, this is the story of the events of 1916-1922 as seen through the eyes of Ned's friend, journalist Henry Mooney. Via a journalist's eyes the reader is treated to a very personal view of the events in the aftermath of the 1916 Easter Rising and Ireland's struggle for independence.As a journalist, Henry is privy to a lot of private information - some he isn't even able to print. In 1921 the events become more than just dates and places and the people involved more than just names. They become very real to the reader as Henry finds himself smack dab in the middle of much of the action. His friendship with Michael Collins is at the forefront of the story, but as Henry tries his best to remain neutral after the treaty is signed, it is clear it is going to be very difficult for him to do so.There's romance for Henry as well. He falls for widow Ella Rutledge, an Irish native of English ancestry, a protestant whose family allegiance lies with the British. Will he ever find true happiness with the beautiful, intelligent young woman when her family feels like they do?I was surprised to see that Llywelyn used Henry as the protagonist instead of Ned, but I applaud her for doing this as in so doing she was able to give a more objective point of view - something that might appear very difficult to do.Even though the reader may be aware of many of the historical events, he/she is still stunned at the brutality and the atrocities of war in a story which it is difficult to know which side to sympathize with as horrible, unspeakable acts of brutality were carried out by both sides. It becomes clear it isn't as simple as Catholics vs. Protestants. By the time the reader finishes these two novels (1916 and 1921) they are certain to have a better understanding of today's Irish "Troubles" -- although understanding doesn't mean condoning the violence. One can only hope that Llywelyn is planning to continue this series as has done such a spectacular job and as Henry tells Ned, "History tells what happened; literature tells what it felt like."

Few books have had the power to move me as this one has. I couldn't put it down. This book and its lead-in, "1916", have renewed my curiousity about an area of the world that my ancestors were from. While the action is set between 1916 and 1923, the story is full of action and romance and personal stories that make you want to find out more about that whole era. If you're a history buff and are looking for an interesting educational work of fiction, then "1921" is perfect!

I agree, this was a book that kept me on edge. The historical content was excellent, and the story line kept the book all too real, to the point that I felt geniune angre and heart ache through many portions of the book. I too would very much like to continue the story, and I am quite anxious for the next bit of history! As I told everyone about this book, it feeds my passion and stirs a hunger!

I am astonished at PW's thinking this latest work of Llywelyn's went into too much detail. I just finished 1921 and found it every bit as fascinating and compelling, as unforgetable, as 1916. She takes a very complicated situation, many historical events and by using Henry Moody as an observer, helps to clarify what happened, why it happened, the motivations and feelings, the fears and the almost incomprehensible tradgedy of the civil war. Henry Moody serves as a continuous thread, and helps bring a cohesivness to the story; but more than that he helps the reader to understand the very important emotions, and men that drove so many events. I had recently read a bio of De Valera, and thanks to 1921, I was better able to "fit" him into the total picture. I found it both fun and helpful to find the places on the map that were described. I think she pulls it all together and still manages to encompass a magnitude of historical events and the people involved. Tedious? Hardly!! The only ambivalence I felt was not being able to put it down, yet at the same time not wanting it to end~~~~I cannot WAIT for her next one!

I was browsing @ Borders when I came across Llywelyn's latest on Eire. It was a fabulous. I strongly recommend it. Llywelyn weaved the story of the uprising from 1916-1922 effectively with the story of Henry Mooney and Ned Halloran. I think this an excellent historical novel. The depiction of the struggles and rivalry between Michael Collins & Eamon DeValera were enlightening as well as the story of the civil war after 1921.