The Wild Irish: A Novel of Elizabeth I and the Pirate O'Malley (Perennial)

This is a rip-rollicking work of historical fiction from a master storyteller. Original in concept, the author tells the tale of two women, Queen Elizabeth I and the Irish pirate, Grace O'Malley. Both are fiercely intelligent, independent, iron-willed women, and they are protagonists in this book. Relating parallel stories, the author juxtaposes turbulent late sixteenth century English court life and the ongoing rebellion in Ireland. In England, turmoil is never far when Robert Devereaux, the Earl of Essex is near. Step-son to Robert Dudley, the late Earl of Leicester and the beloved favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, Essex has stepped into his step-father's shoes and is now the favored courtier of the aging Queen. Yet, he has a knack for repeatedly falling from the Queen's grace, driven by an inordinate sense of self-importance and ambition. In Ireland, there is a different kind of turmoil brewing, as the Irish continue to refuse to kowtow to their English masters. With Irish clan chieftains and their followers trading sides repeatedly, it is difficult to say which of them are with the English and which of them are fighting against the English colonization of Ireland. There is one person, however, who is very sure as to which side she is on and that is the pirate Grace O'Malley, known to her countrymen as the "Mother of the Irish Rebellion". When Grace O'Malley and Queen Elizabeth meet, the story of the Irish rebellion unfolds, as does Grace O'Malley's own story. It is a story well worth reading. With fully fleshed characters and descriptive period detail, this is a well-researched work of historical fiction. It tells the story of these two great women, and details, as well, the fall from grace by the Earl of Essex. This is a wonderfully creative novel that those who love well-written historical fiction will enjoy.

From the shores of an embattled, blood-soaked Ireland to the haunted chambers of Elizabeth I's palaces, Robin Maxwell's "The Wild Irish" is that rare treat: an intelligent, beautifully written novel that is as much about us as it is about history. After suffering a lifetime of loss and hardship at the hands of the marauding English, the Irish pirate Grace O'Malley sails up the Thames for a confrontation with her nemesis, Queen Elizabeth I. She comes prepared to implore the queen for help in saving her imprisoned son's life; instead, she and Elizabeth find a wary, mutual accord in which Grace is allowed to relate the story of her struggle to see Ireland freed from tyranny. The meeting of these two very different women - one a robust, vibrant survivor, the other a brittle, isolated figure who is no less a survivor - takes on added dimension as the dashing, paranoid figure of doomed Essex becomes an integral part of both women's lives, causing each to confront her own inner demons. As in real life, the climax is neither easy nor pat, but rather as inevitable as the past events that have driven the central characters to their individual fates. A paen to the courage of the Irish and the lonely splendor of England's most famous queen, this is an engrossing novel of historical fiction by a writer at the peak of her own significant powers.

An amazing tale about a little known pirate named Grace O'Malley who had the audacity to demand an audience with Queen Elizabeth when England was raiding Grace's homeland of Ireland. Granted this audience, Grace proves herself to be as astounding an orator as she is a pirate. This is a wonderfully written novel by Robin Maxwell, one of her best, and I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about women in history whose voices have been silenced. This is also a wonderful read for anyone who is interested in the Elizabethan Age, particularly Ireland as is was hundreds of years ago.Amazing research and a very fine novel. EVERYONE should read this book!

The legend of Grace O'Malley, Pirate Queen of Ireland, has been told by many Irish storytellers. Her story has been passed on from generation to generation, inspiring awe and gratitude in the hearts of many. However, you won't see this remarkable woman's tale in many history texts. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if few people outside of Ireland have ever even heard of her. This amazing woman, who fought for her beloved country, has been forgotten or simply overlooked by many history professors. Why? Why else? She was a woman in a man's world. The story of Grace O'Malley is an astonishing one. She was a daughter, a mother, a wife and lover. But, most of all, Grace O'Malley was a fighter. She was Ireland's saving grace for years during the English invasion of the 1500's. She fought side by side with men to defend her beautiful homeland. The daughter of a pirate and a one herself, she was well equipped to fight and battled with everything she had. Robin Maxwell's novel The Wild Irish is a historical account of this woman's life and the life of another female figure of the times, Queen Elizabeth. In this book, the aging Grace and Queen Elizabeth meet secretly to discuss the ongoing tragedies occurring in Ireland. The women come to an agreement, but will they keep their word? The destinies of two countries lie in their hands.The book is an extraordinary read. This version of the O'Malley tale is quite intriguing. A sizeable part of the story is told in Grace's own narrative. As she speaks, you can't help but be whisked back in time to accompany her on all her past adventures. She is, somehow, rough, abrasive, and gentle altogether as she tells her side of the conflict. As a reader, you are also allowed a peek into the minds of several other characters, including the Lord Deveraux, Queen Elizabeth's trusted confidante and ex-lover. Robert Deveraux, owing a great deal to the Queen, is sent to Ireland to quell the uprising of the Irish. Will he remain loyal to England or be swayed by the persuasive Grace O'Malley and her kin?Robin Maxwell has written a fantastic epic, rich in history and legend. However, you may need to take a few notes. The characters can become confusing. The clans in Ireland during the 1500's were quite numerous and it can be difficult to keep track of them all. In spite that, though, the novel is a marvelous piece of literature and should be on the reading list of anyone who loves Irish or historical fiction. When you are finished, pass the book on. Spread the word of this amazing woman who is often forgotten in the rich pages of history.

I saw this author when she came to read in LA, and she said that it was going to be her mission to make sure people knew about Grace O'Malley as much as William Wallace and Robert Bruce. This book should do it -- especially since Grace O'Malley was much more successful than either of those guys! Besides being really fun, with lots of swashbuckling adventure and romance and a terrific, powerful, witty heroine, this book tells a little-known dark story about the great Elizabeth I: her behavior toward the Irish. It's a very satisfying novel and would make a great Christmas present!