Gracelin O'Malley

Gracelin O'Malley is an unforgettable character as are the other members of her poor but proud Irish family. They are hard-working and struggle desperately against all odds to stay together and survive. When Gracelin's father promises her in marriage to the wealthy Squire Donnelly, it appears she is headed for a life of luxury. However, underneath the Squire's handsome façade lie many layers of evil. Emotionally and physically abusive to Gracelin and their child, he makes enemies of all he encounters. Fortunately, Gracelin's enduring spirit and love of her countrymen make her a shining beacon of hope as the Irish attempt to survive the potato famine that ravished their country. The unspeakable cruelty of the English and the horrible plight of the Irish make for a vivid and emotional reading experience, one that will give the reader tremendous insight into the problems that still plague Northern Ireland today. In addition to being a masterpiece of historical fiction, it is the amazing characters that elevate this novel to a totally-involving experience. Gracelin herself is a heroine of epic proportions but also totally endearing are her crippled brother Sean, her remarkable friend Morgan, her beloved Mary Kate and many others that enrich this grim, yet extraordinary tale of the Irish people and the tenacity that led them through a horrible period. By novel's end you will be so caught up in Gracelin's story, that not reading the sequel, LEAVING IRELAND, will be unthinkable.

This is perhaps the most inspirational book I've read so far this year. It makes me real glad that I am not Gracelin O'Malley ~~ having to see my family and friends starve to a slow death in the great famines of Ireland. I look at my rosy-cheeked chubby babies and thank the fate that I was born in this century. This book haunts you and will transport you back into time. A time of love and death, slavery and drudgery, of dreams and lost hope. And Gracelin O'Malley is a wonderful hero. Ann Moore did an extensive research on this book ~~ looking through letters and journals to get the Irish voice from that era. She has written of despair and fear so well, that you can picture the characters vividly in Ireland. You can picture the huts and cottages, the men singing and the dancing ~~ the fear in the tenants' eyes once they realize they can't pay rent on thier land. When Gracelin's husband, the squire, beat her, you feel as if he was beating on all the Irish. You sense the deep hatred the Irish feel for the English. Ann Moore has revived a period of history that I know very little of. She has also sparked an interest to know more too.If you're looking at a novel that speaks of love and honor, loyalty, dreams and despair, the fight between two countries, the courage to go on despite all the death and disease ~~ if you're looking for a heroine like Gracelin who did not let anything stop her from living life ~~ this book is it. You will not be disappointed. Also, this is one of the most inspirational books you'll ever read. Don't fear, Moore didn't throw the biblical verses at you every time you turn a page ~~ no, she picked out verses that inspire Gracelin and her family to continue on despite the strife in their lives. You sense the strong faith in God throughout this book ~~ and the writing is very lyrical ~~ almost as gentle as the lilt in Irish voices.This is one of the best books I've read in ages ~~ and it is definitely one that I will want to keep.3-11-03

Following the story of a young woman, Gracelin O'Malley is a marvelous Irish tale. The trials and tribulations experienced by those in Ireland under English rule are vividly described in this work. Ann Moore has constructed a passionate novel of dignity, strength and character. Her characters are three dimensional and will become a vivid picture in your mind. Moore's ability to create a setting is sophisticated. She truly knows how to captivate a reader, and sweep them away to another time. Historical fiction fans will be delighted with this stirring tale. It truly brings life and a personal aspect to the troubles that Ireland once faced. If you are a fan of Irish literature this read will captivate you. All in all, I think this is a novel for anyone with an appreciation for passionate writing. Enjoy this amazing read, Moore has truly created a work of art, that will move you.

It seems that most of the world has forgotten the horrible potato famine in Ireland. I don't think that many of us(americans) realize just how brutal it was. This book brought it all to life for me. The poverty and starvation was shocking, but through it all, babies were born, people fell in love, people died. Life continued and this is the story of one woman's struggle through it. Gracelin is such a strong character, I can't wait to read more about her in the sequel, Leaving Ireland.

I love this writers first published novel. It is a powerfully passionate telling of the lives of Northern Ireland tenant farmers attempting to survive their repressive relationships with British landlords. The natural disaster of the mid-1800's potato blight further deepens the desperation of these people, whose strength of character rises through the mire. Moore does a beautiful job of developing characters that are passionate for their country, religion and family. She entwines the history of Great Britain and Ireland in such a real life manner that the history lesson itself is assimilable. Her writing evokes tears of sadness, gratitude and relief. I personally had to put other things aside in order to stay within this compelling story and am ready to reread it already.I understand that this novel is the first of a trilogy and I will hungrily await the second volume! This work lends itself naturally to discussion and is formatted with questions at its end that could spur forth a book group dialogue. A must read!