I wouldn't call this book an enjoyable read. It is very dark and moody and somewhat depressing throughout. However, it did tell quite a story and gave a good snapshot of what life must have been like in Ireland and England in the mid 1800's. The story follows one young man's journey as he escapes the famine in Ireland, the dangers of life as a peasant in England and the dangerous and diseased journey across the ocean to America. The reward for finishing the book is a somewhat promising and uplifting ending. This is definately not a feel good book but it was interesting and I am glad I read it. ( )

My family came to Canada during the potato famine so I am always interested in the Irish stories .This story had me right from "the get go".The main character Fergus had terrible trials from the death of his entire family to being in the poorhouse to living in fields,starving.I won't go on but you must because it is a wonderful story of courage.

Usually anything about the Irish diaspora and the Potato Famine grips me but I found this book boring and hard to follow ( )