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cfairwea's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
ilegnealle's review against another edition
4.0
I probably loved this book as much as its predecessor, 1916. However, this one only gets 4 stars as opposed to the 5 that 1916 got.
Here's why:
1. The style of writing
When I started this book, I expected it to be similarly written to 1916. However, it is much more episodical - which is not bad at all! But it did throw me off at first and took me a good 100 pages to really get into it.
2. The overview
With 1916, I felt like I had a good understanding of what happened at the Easter Rising, who belonged to which group and so on and so forth. This was not the case here. After about half of the book, it was really difficult to keep track of every new developement. However, this is most likely not the fault of the author but due to the complexity of events. Still, this made it more difficult to read.
3. The resolve
I don't know about you, but I'm not the biggest fan of holding off the resolve until the very, very end of the book - especially if the next book in the series plays some 25 years later. I want to know more. What happened? Is everything really fine again? How does the characters' relationship change?
Over all, though, I really loved this book. It also made me very emotional at times, which I see as a success of the book. I really recommend this series to everyone who is interested in Irish history but prefers novels over history books.
Here's why:
1. The style of writing
When I started this book, I expected it to be similarly written to 1916. However, it is much more episodical - which is not bad at all! But it did throw me off at first and took me a good 100 pages to really get into it.
2. The overview
With 1916, I felt like I had a good understanding of what happened at the Easter Rising, who belonged to which group and so on and so forth. This was not the case here. After about half of the book, it was really difficult to keep track of every new developement. However, this is most likely not the fault of the author but due to the complexity of events. Still, this made it more difficult to read.
3. The resolve
I don't know about you, but I'm not the biggest fan of holding off the resolve until the very, very end of the book - especially if the next book in the series plays some 25 years later. I want to know more. What happened? Is everything really fine again? How does the characters' relationship change?
Over all, though, I really loved this book. It also made me very emotional at times, which I see as a success of the book. I really recommend this series to everyone who is interested in Irish history but prefers novels over history books.
nicolepiermanwriter's review against another edition
5.0
I read the second book first in the Irish Century novels, but it's fiiiine…. Here's my BookTube review on the novel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz5v-G5_I8Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz5v-G5_I8Y
rebekel89's review against another edition
dark
informative
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
kboc923's review against another edition
4.0
really good follow up to the first book. nice to see the events of the irish civil war from a different perspective. i really enjoy the way the author makes historical events so accessible to the reader!
katrinaburch's review against another edition
4.0
Just like Llywelyn's 1916, 1921 starts off slow and took me a bit to get into but once I did, wow... Things moved quickly. I thought Llywelyn did a much better job of explaining the politics in this book than she did in 1916 and it's a lot to cover so that was nice. I was a little taken aback of this book focusing on Henry rather than Ned because I felt a bit unsatisfied of where 1916 left off with certain characters. However, it turned out okay in the end and I can't wait to read the next book!
Once again, two major spoilers
1: What happened with Kathleen (Ned's sister). Llywelyn just left the reader hanging in 1916 and still no real mention of what happened to her and the priest here.
2: WTF! Why did you kill Síle!!! Hasn't Ned had enough heartbreak in his life! Christ... Was so pissed about that and not sure I can forgive Morgan Llywelyn for it... I was in tears
Once again, two major spoilers
Spoiler
1: What happened with Kathleen (Ned's sister). Llywelyn just left the reader hanging in 1916 and still no real mention of what happened to her and the priest here.
2: WTF! Why did you kill Síle!!! Hasn't Ned had enough heartbreak in his life! Christ... Was so pissed about that and not sure I can forgive Morgan Llywelyn for it... I was in tears
carriegessner's review against another edition
5.0
Great blend of history and fiction. Superb writing style. Very readable. This was my first book by Llywelyn, but I'm definitely going to pick up more from here on out.
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition
1.0
It seems that the book can't make up it's mind what it wants to be - love story or historical fiction with no love story.
canada_matt's review against another edition
4.0
Continuing her Irish independence series, Morgan Llywelyn dazzles readers with nuggets of history embedded around a strong narrative and compelling set of characters. While the Irish Rebellion did not go as well as expected, there are many who continue to push for full independence and recognition. While the reader learned much about Ned Halloran in the opening novel, he stood alongside Henry Mooney, whose rural upbringing helps offer a new and refreshing flavour of the Irish sentiment. Mooney, a journalist tied to the cause, has developed wonderful bonds with Ned and his wife, Síle, as well as the child Ned took in, Ursula, commonly called Precious. While the British Government promised Ireland Home Rule, they have dragged their feet, leading to the rise of ongoing angry sentiment and the mobilisation of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). When the Great War ends and the International Peace Conference is not prepared to extol the independence of Ireland, pressures force the American president and British House of Commons to take note and negotiations begin. However, the British are not willing to simply hand everything over and they propose a division. Ireland may have its home rule, but the Ulster (read: Protestant-strong) six counties in the North will remain under British control. This sends a united Irish front into a tailspin, as it would seem there is a new idea on the table. While Ned, Henry, and Síle watch, Irish sentiment is divided, leaving some ready to take the larger land as their own and claim victory, while others want all or nothing. With the Irish ‘Free State’ question settled, it is time to decide how to push forward with the Ulster portion. Britain pushes for acceptance of the Free State, while the IRA want the Ulster portion included, no questions asked. Civil War seems to be brewing mere months after seven centuries of British shackles are freshly removed. All eyes turn to Ireland, as it stands at a fork in the road. Accept the Free State or seek an entirely free Ireland, even if its citizens are not of one voice? Blood and destruction continue to rain down on all and Henry must come to see that life as a journalist is anything but predictable. Will he live to see Ireland free or will the blood flow through the streets, allowing Britain to crush any resistance yet again? Llywelyn offers another stunning tale that should not be missed by those who enjoyed the opening novel, as well as readers with an interest in modern Irish history.
Morgan Llywelyn continues to impress with her writing and ability to keep the reader involved in the story, balancing level-headed facts with the passion that violent confrontation brings. She is able to show that things were anything but simple or straightforward, leaving the reader to bask in the nuances. The introduction of Henry Mooney offers an interesting spin on the story, one the reader may enjoy. While the Hallorans remain firmly rooted in this piece, it is Henry’s journalistic perspective that thickens the plot as Ireland is faced with new and troublesome decisions. The reader learns much about the Mooney family, at least until Henry makes his way to Dublin, then there is little backstory to be had. However, Henry does develop effectively, bringing his own narrative to offset the larger Irish one being told throughout. The Hallorans also receive some more attention, with a focus on the grittier side of Ned and Síle as they attempt to push for the cause. Precious, still young, begins to come into her own and sheds the child-like moniker as she seeks to be taken a little more seriously. Many others grace the pages of this piece, historical figures and the like, offering their own flavour to the ever-evolving narrative that pits peaceful legislators seeking Irish independence and the more revolutionary side that will accept nothing less than a complete Ireland. Llywelyn effectively builds this throughout. This second novel was again a strong piece, full of history and great development, though it comes across as denser and more focused on the Cause for Irish autonomy. The attentive reader will see this in longer chapters and storylines that take a more serious approach. There is much to be learned in this highly important part of the Irish Century and one cannot fault Llywelyn for wanting to keep things a little heavier. I am eager to see what comes next in this explosive series, sure to have more twists and character development throughout.
Kudos, Madam Llywelyn, for keeping things going with wonderful history and twists to keep the personal side from being lost.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
Morgan Llywelyn continues to impress with her writing and ability to keep the reader involved in the story, balancing level-headed facts with the passion that violent confrontation brings. She is able to show that things were anything but simple or straightforward, leaving the reader to bask in the nuances. The introduction of Henry Mooney offers an interesting spin on the story, one the reader may enjoy. While the Hallorans remain firmly rooted in this piece, it is Henry’s journalistic perspective that thickens the plot as Ireland is faced with new and troublesome decisions. The reader learns much about the Mooney family, at least until Henry makes his way to Dublin, then there is little backstory to be had. However, Henry does develop effectively, bringing his own narrative to offset the larger Irish one being told throughout. The Hallorans also receive some more attention, with a focus on the grittier side of Ned and Síle as they attempt to push for the cause. Precious, still young, begins to come into her own and sheds the child-like moniker as she seeks to be taken a little more seriously. Many others grace the pages of this piece, historical figures and the like, offering their own flavour to the ever-evolving narrative that pits peaceful legislators seeking Irish independence and the more revolutionary side that will accept nothing less than a complete Ireland. Llywelyn effectively builds this throughout. This second novel was again a strong piece, full of history and great development, though it comes across as denser and more focused on the Cause for Irish autonomy. The attentive reader will see this in longer chapters and storylines that take a more serious approach. There is much to be learned in this highly important part of the Irish Century and one cannot fault Llywelyn for wanting to keep things a little heavier. I am eager to see what comes next in this explosive series, sure to have more twists and character development throughout.
Kudos, Madam Llywelyn, for keeping things going with wonderful history and twists to keep the personal side from being lost.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
velocitygirl14's review against another edition
3.0
I again found this book a decent telling of the civil war in Ireland. I wish that I heard it before going to Ireland and watching "Michael Collins", because I already knew the story already. Entertaining, nevertheless.
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