Scan barcode
tania_1975's review against another edition
5.0
I was so engrossed in this story I really didn't want it to end. Although I've titled this a beautiful love story this book is so much more than that. Its not just about the relationship between Ellie and John but also family loyalties and friendships.
I loved reading about Ellies life in both Ireland and America and the massive contrast in both countries. The characters are all likeable and strong, even Ellies mother in the end!
I have read Kate Kerrigan's Recipies for a Perfect Marriage which I loved but I couldn't get into her second novel, I may give it another go though now. Can't wait for her next book.
I loved reading about Ellies life in both Ireland and America and the massive contrast in both countries. The characters are all likeable and strong, even Ellies mother in the end!
I have read Kate Kerrigan's Recipies for a Perfect Marriage which I loved but I couldn't get into her second novel, I may give it another go though now. Can't wait for her next book.
philippakmoore's review against another edition
3.0
A lovely, well written story of a young woman's journey to find freedom and acceptance, and it ends up being in the place she left behind. Ellie is a likeable character but there were times I wanted to shake her, she was far too pious and martyr-like in places - but seeing that she almost ended up in a convent perhaps that was the point! When she came back to Ireland, after three years in New York, I expected her to get fed up, leave John and go back to America and into the arms of Chanel No. 5 Charles. This is not what happened at all, and I unexpectedly enjoyed what unfolded as she leaves the past behind and forges on. I liked the message that freedom is not always a physical thing, it has to come from within ourselves. It was a neat ending to a nice story.
samstillreading's review against another edition
4.0
I had heard Ellis Island being mentioned as ‘being a book you’d like if you enjoyed [Colm Toibin’s] Brooklyn’. I really enjoyed Brooklyn, so I thought I’d read it. However, don’t trust what you hear- although this book has vague similarities to Brooklyn (namely Irish girl goes to America), that where the comparison stops. Firstly, Ellis Island is set earlier, during the War of Independence, so our main character Ellie, steps foot in New York in the 1920s. Secondly, Ellie is married with an injured husband to support.
I should backtrack to give you an overall idea of the plot – it quickly explains Ellie’s restricted upbringing in Ireland and her hasty (but loving) marriage to John, a boy she’s known since childhood. Her parents cast her out after hearing of her marriage (she was meant to be joining a convent) and Ellie and John live in a small cottege in the woods. Money is scarce and when John is wounded during the war, Ellie goes to America to work as a lady’s maid to save money for John’s operation. It will only be for one short year…or not. Ellie finds life in America to be free and cheerful in comparison to home. She makes good friends, earns good money and doesn’t want to come back to Ireland. She is eventually forced back by circumstances, but will she stay?
I found Ellie a very likeable character who desperately wants to fit in with her neighbours, but is not sure how to go about doing it. I found John to be rather frustrating at times (particularly later in the book) but his reasoning for being so stubborn is understandable. The story flows well, and I didn’t find myself skimming over any parts. I think it’s a light and interesting representation of the Irish and American people at that time.
I finished this book very quickly, as I was reading almost every moment that I had. I’m also excited to hear that there’s a sequel in the works – is Ellie happy with her decision?
If you enjoy historical novels dealing with love, family, religion and happiness, pick this book up. It’s a lot happier than Brooklyn and has a definite resolution.
I should backtrack to give you an overall idea of the plot – it quickly explains Ellie’s restricted upbringing in Ireland and her hasty (but loving) marriage to John, a boy she’s known since childhood. Her parents cast her out after hearing of her marriage (she was meant to be joining a convent) and Ellie and John live in a small cottege in the woods. Money is scarce and when John is wounded during the war, Ellie goes to America to work as a lady’s maid to save money for John’s operation. It will only be for one short year…or not. Ellie finds life in America to be free and cheerful in comparison to home. She makes good friends, earns good money and doesn’t want to come back to Ireland. She is eventually forced back by circumstances, but will she stay?
I found Ellie a very likeable character who desperately wants to fit in with her neighbours, but is not sure how to go about doing it. I found John to be rather frustrating at times (particularly later in the book) but his reasoning for being so stubborn is understandable. The story flows well, and I didn’t find myself skimming over any parts. I think it’s a light and interesting representation of the Irish and American people at that time.
I finished this book very quickly, as I was reading almost every moment that I had. I’m also excited to hear that there’s a sequel in the works – is Ellie happy with her decision?
If you enjoy historical novels dealing with love, family, religion and happiness, pick this book up. It’s a lot happier than Brooklyn and has a definite resolution.
chrissireads's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this book, it was easy to read, but for me there wasn't enough about Ellis Island, I would've liked to have read a bit more about that. Still, a good story though.
bibliobethreads's review against another edition
A good easy to read novel about emigration from Ireland to America in the 1920s. I loved the characters and the pace of the story but wish more had been made of the hardship suffered by some trying to enter America via ellis island.
More...