Books matching: irish immigrant experiences
19 result(s)
- #1
Save:Gracelin O'Malley by Ann Moore is a historical fiction novel set during the time of The Great Famine in Ireland. The story follows the protagonist, Gracelin O'Malley, a strong and resilient young woman who faces tragedy, abuse, and challenges during this tumultuous period in Irish history. The book intricately weaves historical events such as the potato famine, civil war, and uprisings against British rule into the narrative, providing a vivid and emotional portrayal of the hardships faced by the Irish people.
The novel delves into themes of survival, resilience, sacrifice, and the will to overcome adversity. Through the character of Gracelin O'Malley, readers witness the struggles of the Irish population during a time of mass starvation, disease, and political turmoil. The author, Ann Moore, skillfully combines realistic characters with meticulous historical research, creating a compelling story that sheds light on the social and emotional impact of this devastating period in Irish history.
CAMPFIRE flickered in the woods along the far bank of the River Lee. It was early spring and the tinkers had come. If they had waited but another day, they would not have witnessed the terrible thing ... Jackie's Girl: My Life with the Kennedy Family is a memoir that offers a unique perspective into the life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis through the eyes of Kathy McKeon, who worked as her personal assistant. The book delves into the personal stories of the author, showcasing the intimate moments she shared with the Kennedy family. It provides a glimpse into Jackie's private life, portraying her as kind, funny, and warm, appreciative of her staff's work. The narrative also highlights the challenges and changes in both McKeon's life and the Kennedy family during a tumultuous period in history.
On a chilly fall Thursday morning in 1964, I stood beneath the green awning at the entrance to an elegant prewar apartment house at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Eighty-fifth Street. Central Park was...- #3
Save:Rose Gallagher, a housemaid on Fifth Avenue, embarks on a daring mission to find her missing employer, Mr. Thomas Wiltshire. Unraveling a world of ghosts, shades, and occult wonders, Rose navigates through a fast-paced paranormal adventure with elements of romance sprinkled in. Set in Gilded Age Manhattan in 1886, the novel follows Rose's journey as she defies societal norms and dives into a mysterious case involving murder, kidnapping, Irish gangs, Pinkerton agents, witches, and more. The story is narrated in the first person from Rose's perspective, offering an intimate look into her character and the atmospheric setting of historic New York.
As I tell you this story, I’ll thank you to remember that I was young and in love. That’s not an excuse, but if you’re looking to understand what happened on that day in January 1886—what really happe... - #4
Save:The novel "Wickett's Remedy" by Myla Goldberg is a story set during WWI in Boston, focusing on the Spanish Influenza epidemic and the patent medicine soft drink industry. The book weaves together the impact of the 1918 influenza epidemic, World War 1, the situation of Irish immigrants in Boston, and the unique experience of the patent medicine industry. The writing style includes sidebars that tell the story from another perspective, such as news reports, personal letters, and sidebar comments from outside the story.
Lydia, the main character, is a young Irish woman living in South Boston before World War I, who gets involved in creating a patent medicine with her husband, Henry Wickett. The story follows Lydia's experiences during the Spanish Influenza Epidemic of 1918 and her journey as she adapts to different circumstances, including working as a nurse on an island conducting experiments on the transmission of the flu.
On D Street there was no need for alarm clocks: the drays, ever punctual, were an army storming the gates of sleep. The wooden wagons were heavy and low-riding with loud rattling wheels, their broad p... - #5
Save:'Red Sky in Morning' is a brooding historical suspense novel that delves into themes of mystery, betrayal, incest, murder, and the struggles of Irish immigrants in America. The writing style is described as unique, with concise storytelling, captivating imagery, and a poetic quality that leaves readers feeling like they have experienced an epic journey in a relatively short book.
NIGHT SKY WAS BLACK AND THEN THERE WAS BLOOD, morning crack of light on the edge of the earth. The crimson spill sent the bright stars to fade, hills stepping out of shadow and clouds finding flesh. F... - #6
Save:'Murphy' by Samuel Beckett is a novel that follows the wanderings of the protagonist, Murphy, a solipsist who struggles to find meaning beyond his own existence. Born and raised in Dublin and living in London, Murphy avoids employment and eventually finds work at a mental hospital, where he forms an affinity with the inmates. The novel explores themes of sanity, existential despair, and intellectualism through Murphy's unconventional journey and relationships with characters like Celia, Neary, and Miss Counihan. Beckett's lyrical prose and darkly comedic tone create a unique narrative structure that blends comedy and tragedy, showcasing his early experimentation with existential themes.
THE sun shone, having no alternative, on the nothing new. Murphy sat out of it, as though he were free, in a mew in West Brompton. Here for what might have been six months he had eaten, drunk, slept, ... - #7
Save:Days Without End by Sebastian Barry is a historical fiction novel set in mid-19th century America, following the journey of Thomas McNulty, an Irish immigrant who becomes a soldier and experiences the Indian Wars and the Civil War. The narrative is presented in a first-person perspective, showcasing McNulty's deep reflections on his experiences, his relationship with his comrade John Cole, and the makeshift family they create with a young Sioux girl named Winona. The writing style is described as punchy, colloquial, and precise, with vivid imagery that brings the American West to life while delving into themes of love, friendship, and the harsh realities of war.
THE METHOD OF LAYING out a corpse in Missouri sure took the proverbial cake. Like decking out our poor lost troopers for marriage rather than death. All their uniforms brushed down with lamp-oil into ... - #8
Save:Maggie-Now by Betty Smith is a novel set in Brooklyn, New York, depicting the lives of the Nolan family in the early 1900s. The story follows Maggie as she navigates through challenges and relationships, including her marriage to Claude Bassett. The writing style is praised for its depiction of the time and place, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world of Brooklyn at the turn of the century.
- #9
Save:Rare Objects by Kathleen Tessaro tells the engaging story of Maeve Fanning, a first-generation Irish immigrant in Depression-era Boston. After a tumultuous past marked by an attempted suicide and a stay in a psychiatric hospital, Maeve returns home, determined to reinvent herself. She takes a job at an antique shop, where she encounters Diana, a wealthy socialite, leading to a complex friendship that mirrors their struggles to break free from their world's constraints. The novel explores themes of identity, trauma, and societal expectations against the rich backdrop of 1930s Boston.
Tessaro's writing is vivid and immersive, drawing readers into the characters' lives with relatable struggles and desires. The prose is beautifully crafted, enhancing the story's emotional depth. While the pacing can be slow at times, the detailed character development and the exploration of life's complexities keep the reader engaged. The ending leaves some questions unanswered, allowing for personal reflection, making "Rare Objects" a thought-provoking read that resonates with its themes of value—both of objects and of people.
- #10
Save:The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry is set in the late 1800s in Montana, featuring an Irish immigrant named Tom who finds himself entangled with a mail-order bride named Polly. The story is a mix of humor and drama, portraying Tom's struggle with love and addiction amid a backdrop reminiscent of both the American West and Ireland. While some readers appreciate the lyrical language and the portrayal of frontier life, others feel the plot lacks depth, making the characters seem one-dimensional and the setting ambiguous.
Barry's writing style is distinctive, marked by rich and humorous language that captures the spirit of the characters and their environment. The narrative is structured in brief, often fragmented chapters, which adds to its adventurous pacing. Despite its emotional themes, the book leaves readers with a sense of uncertainty about love, ultimately blending the tragic with the whimsical.
