A. O'Connor

NOTE: I won a free eBook copy of this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers (September 2019).

This novel helped me discover a period in history about which I knew next to nothing. I found the premise and the historical figures intriguing, and O'Connor does a wonderful job of helping the reader understand them as real people. At the same time, I felt that the novel's length detracted from the pace of the plot.

I’ve read a book by this author a few years ago and I’m happy I finally read another one.

The book takes the reader to Ireland in 1930, where we meet the beautiful Cassie, who lost her heart to her childhood friend and, as a result, experienced forbidden love and disappointment.

But is this book only about Cassie? As the title indicates, it's about a footman, a young man who was hired at Cliffenden Manor, where he felt very close to Cassie from the very beginning. His loyalty to her was show more tested in such a way that he had to choose his own good over hers and become part of Cassie's misfortune. He was loyal to her, but then he betrayed her.

Years later, Joe, a former footman turned lawyer, takes on a murder case and defends Cassie, who has been in hiding for forty years. Will he prove her innocence and redeem himself for the life he caused her?

Cassie was an amazing person and I just wish her life had gone in a different direction. But then there would be no story to tell.

I was very impressed with this book. It was very atmospheric and full of intrigue. The characters were well developed and the dual timeline was well presented. show less

The Great War has ended and the Irish War for Independence rages on. Britain will not give an inch to the feisty Fenians whose gorilla warfare dogs the British troops in and around Dublin. Deaths are mounting on both sides. A tenuous truce is established but can the two factions come to a peaceful agreeement?

Meanwhile, esteemed Irish artist Sir John Lavery and his beautiful American society bride, Hazel hold court in their Kensington home within London. They are open in expressing their show more hopes for Irish independence much to the chagrine of their British peers and acquaintances. As the second wave of Irish treaty negotiators descends upon London, Hazel Lavery takes to aiding the young, emotional and diplomatically inexperienced Michael Connelly through the treacherous waters of treaty negotions. She who has been in the public eye her entire life is wise beyond her years. She guides Michael well helping him quickly understand the nature of British diplomacy and negotiations. But can the truce even hold? Will the negotiations foster agreement and continuing peace? Through it all, can Michael and Hazel keep their relationship totally plutonic? After all, he is secretly betrothed to another.

Author A. O'Connor does a masterful job of placing the reader smack dab in the middle of all the drama of struggling Ireland. The real life characters are carefully fleshed out and well developed. Empathy for each of the characters runs strong and one hopes for the best outcomes. The historic record has been well researched and where it is thin, the author provides a reasonable take on the missing bits. One can well apreciate the research that went into crafting this story as well as the deft writing by a fine author. I look forward to reading other stories by this wonderfully gifted storyteller.

I am grateful to author A. O'Connor and publisher Poolbeg Press for having provided a free copy of this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers. Their gerosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone. show less

"A Great Beauty," by A. O'Connor tells the unlikly pairing of Hazel Lavery and Michael Collins during the War of Independence for Ireland.
Hazel Lavery, an Irish American from Chicago Illinois, leaves America with her young daughter and Irish Artist husband Sir John Lavery, after the death of Hazel's sister. Hazel b comes part of high society and finds compassion to help out Ireland in their quest for freedom.
Michael Collins, a wanted man on the run, is doing this best for family and show more country to bring freedom to Ireland. Often times sacrificing his or friends' well being. He is then introduced to Hazel, who together are a force to be reckoned with.

I gave this novel two stars because I felt like the story dragged on. I was often bored with the writing. The author would write about Hazel, leaving me to wonder what happen to Michael; then would write about Michael, making me think what happened to Hazel. It was a time of history I didn't know anything about and was entice by it, but at the same time I was waiting for more.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. show less