The Last Prince of Ireland

The history of Ireland is studded with tragedies, but none is more poignant, or more decisive, that the battle of Kinsale. There the Gaelic nobility who held sway over Ireland for two thousand years were finally and resolutely crushed by the English invaders. There would follow four hundred years of English domination.

The Last Prince is Donal Cam O'Sullivan, still determined after the battle not to surrender his homeland. He flees with his clan toward an inland stronghold, as the Gaelic nation is ripped apart not only by war but by the seed of betrayal planted by the English, whose powerful bribes turn brother against brother. The awesome saga of Donal Cam and his clan's winter journey is a powerful vision of honor and betrayal, pride show more and desperation. Morgan Llywelyn captures the heart of the Irish struggle to survive. show less

Substance: An historical drama from Ireland: the fifteen-day trek by the followers of Donal Cam O'Sullivan Beare in January 1602 from their defeat in south Ireland to their refuge in the north (approximately 200 miles). Reduced from 4000 to under 100 by running-battles, starvation, and exposure, O'Sullivan's followers epitomize the spirit of the Gael under English oppression. The epic exploit high-lights the savagery of the age and the tragedy of a people fighting against its own members in individual self-interest. The author follows the stories of several people intended to represent their class or station. The mature love of the older couple and the friendly rivalry of two elderly men is the most realistic. Except for the obligatory show more dastard who values gold more than loyalty, everyone else is uniformly dedicated to their leader. It is unclear how many of the actors actually existed, outside of Donal Cam himself, but the author certainly invented most of the detailed action and all of the pyschology of the book.
Style: Sometimes poetic, usually just Romantic. Sometimes the description of past events was hard to follow, since the chronololgy was not made clear in the very beginning as to when some of the prior battles and events ocurred. show less

An astounding but sad story, like much of Ireland's history with England.

Donal Cam O'Sullivan is a historic figure in Irish history. After the battle of Kinsale, in which the English conquerors defeat the Irish, he takes his clan into the inner wilderness, determined to stay free of the English. The grueling journey with women and children is one not to be forgotten.