read 09/2009 Good book

Perfect for : Personal reading, book club read

In a nutshell: I was very interested in this story as my husband's side of the family can claim ties to Ireland, and my grandmother immigrated here from Norway (yes, NOT Ireland, but in a way, I feel I can understand what she went through on her journey here a little better after reading this book). I was hoping to learn a little more about the Irish history, and what it was like to travel to America, and I was not disappointed. This is a wonderfully written story that follows the Kelly family. We get a glimpse of life prior to the the potato famine, and then we see how the Irish were treated as they were starving and trying to survive.

This is a story of strength and survival that will keep you riveted. I was amazed by what I learned, and found that I was enthralled by this family who refused to give up, and instead traveled to America to start over. Even more amazing, Honora Kelly was actually the author's great-great-grandmother, which gives the story even more of a lasting impact.

Extended Review:
Characters: The characters within the book were wonderfully written and developed. I grew very attached to the members of the Kelly family and found myself amazed at what they were able to accomplish.

Story-Line: I can only imagine the amount of time that the author put into her research. The story is amazing and highly detailed, giving the reader quite a nice glimpse into the history of both Ireland and America in the 1800's.

Readability: The book is long, but will capture your attention and hold it from the first chapter, until the end of the book.

Overall: I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Irish immigration to America following the potato famine, and to anyone with Irish ancestors. The strength of the Kelly family, and their will to survive is a wonderful testament. This would also be a wonderful book club read due to the number of things that will spark discussions, although you might want to allow a little more time than normal due to the size of the book. ( )

I loved it! ( )

A richly textured family saga, packed with history and told so movingly, I didn't want to put it down. Kelly invites you into a family's very life. From the moment Honora meets her future husband on her sister's wedding day, a reader is drawn into the family and the local village by Galway Bay, then through the potato famine, and the vicissitudes that finaly drive Honora, her sister, and their children to immigrate to America. But it doesn't stop there, as many "immigration novels" do. The hardships continue to come: The difficulty Irish immigrants encounter finding work; the American Civil War, where families and former neighbors find themselves fighting on opposing sides. But the strength of the family prevails. One by one those in the next generation are woven into the 'American mainstream and are living the dream.

I got so attached to the characters, I didn't want the book to end (even after 550 pages). Kelly also provides a nice glossary of Gaelic words and phrases at the back of the book. ( )

WOW...historical fiction at its best. This multigenerational novel covers the struggle for survival during the great famines in Ireland and the immigration of one family to America. From the very first of the 600 pages you are sucked into the story and never let go. Obviously well researched and a joy to read. ( )