Mary Ryan (1) (1945–)

Quite an interesting 1920's story in Ireland where the characters are involved in the war of independence and their own lives and it's not certain which one is more fraught.

Kitty Delaney is married to Leonard. It's Leonard's second marriage and he's quite a staid man. Kitty thinks that he's shy but he's sure of his place in the world and also of her's. She's finding Rural Ireland a different prospect to Dublin. At the same time they hire a girl from an orphanage as maid.

The story of the two show more women is somewhat a parallel story told with the troubles as a background. A changing Ireland and women who are making choices between different men.

Quite interesting this story flows well and is interesting. show less

Interesting and not really what I was expecting from the blurb. A little laboured with the message about the treatment of women.

Interesting but weak at establishing a sense of place. The story of three women whose lives are effected by Glenallen, an estate with a history and not all of it is good.

Puzzling and told with the spirit of the Irish, it was well worth the read.