This is an Amazon Vine book that took me out of my comfort zone; it required me to fancy myself Irish and just accept what I read. If it hadn't contained such marvelous characters, I don't think I would have suspended disbelief so well but these characters have such depths to them that I'll be thinking about them for a long while.
The story begins when Sean Corrigan, of New York, is given a journal kept by his father's brother Michael. Sean had never known about an Uncle Michael, but apparently his uncle had been a NY cop who ran to Ireland to escape a murder charge. As the story continues, Sean goes to Ireland to solve the mystery of what happened to his uncle there and meet the people who knew his uncle.
Now it gets really intriguing and mysterious. Sean doesn't know what's going on half the time and I could only figure things out in retrospect in some cases. Still I was glued to the pages as I needed to find out. All I could do was settle in for a wild ride, particularly when Anne, the girl who is sent to pick Sean up at the airport, is driving. This girl is one of the most fascinating characters in the book, and her driving is absolutely insane.
The beautifully described settings vary from lonely islands, one of which Sean's family owns, to city streets. The IRA is involved, the Troubles, killing of innocent people in the cause of a free Ireland, guns and money from the U.S., revenge killings, and the British fighting back. You will wonder throughout who is Declan? You will wonder what happens to Kate and Michael and Sean and Anne. And unfortunately if I tell you anymore I'll spoil the story for you.
I'll have to be satisfied with saying that the story is very Irish, and that it is illogically logical. If you have "eyes that see and ears that hear", you will understand. I highly recommend this haunting book.
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When we were in Northern Ireland last year, I became very fascinated with the Troubles, so this sounds like a book I'd love.
ReplyDeleteYou sure have been patronizing those Amazon Vine books! Interesting! :--)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful review. You have me intrigued by this story. Sounds like a combination mystery, thriller, historical fiction, maybe a little romance?
ReplyDeleteYou do find fascinating books - I just don't have time to read them all! At the moment I'm looking forward to the new Jo Nesbo 'Phantom' due out in March. Have you read 'The Snowman' by him? Chilling! (No pun intended :O)). Hope you're feeling much better now and sorry I've not been around much (and thank you for always leaving such lovely comments on my blog).
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments everyone. Margot, there is a unique love story in this novel, a love story that will satisfy every romantic's heart.
ReplyDeleteJill, Amazon Vine has such a good selection of books that I just can't resist. I'm averaging two per month.
Kathy, I'm sure you would be intrigued by the plot of this book and the history involved. The descriptions of Ireland are superb.
Barbara, So glad you stopped by. I am feeling much better although the cough lingers and drives my David crazy. I love your blog - but I'm envious as all-get-out of your photographic skills. I'm always on the lookout for a new author or a really good read.
This sounds like a very intriguing read. I've always liked books set in Ireland - it's such a beautiful country.
ReplyDeleteYou have a great way of making me want to try new books. I'm curious.
ReplyDeleteI did get a copy of this one from the publisher.
Oh, this one sounds extremely tempting!
ReplyDeleteAnd I´m glad to see you are blogging more. I hope that means you are better.