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Title: 1921 : The Great Novel of the Irish Civil War by Morgan Llywelyn ISBN: 0-8125-7079-0 Publisher: Forge Pub. Date: 15 March, 2002 Format: Mass Market Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.4 (15 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: HISTORY TELLS WHAT HAPPENED, FICTION TELLS HOW IT FELT
Comment: In this sequel to her powerful novel, 1916, Morgan Llywelyn revisits the Irish struggle for independence. Although Ned Halloran, the main character in 1916, continues to be an important character in this book, this is the story of the events of 1916-1922 as seen through the eyes of Ned's friend, journalist Henry Mooney. Via a journalist's eyes the reader is treated to a very personal view of the events in the aftermath of the 1916 Easter Rising and Ireland's struggle for independence.
As a journalist, Henry is privy to a lot of private information - some he isn't even able to print. In 1921 the events become more than just dates and places and the people involved more than just names. They become very real to the reader as Henry finds himself smack dab in the middle of much of the action. His friendship with Michael Collins is at the forefront of the story, but as Henry tries his best to remain neutral after the treaty is signed, it is clear it is going to be very difficult for him to do so.
There's romance for Henry as well. He falls for widow Ella Rutledge, an Irish native of English ancestry, a protestant whose family allegiance lies with the British. Will he ever find true happiness with the beautiful, intelligent young woman when her family feels like they do?
I was surprised to see that Llywelyn used Henry as the protagonist instead of Ned, but I applaud her for doing this as in so doing she was able to give a more objective point of view - something that might appear very difficult to do.
Even though the reader may be aware of many of the historical events, he/she is still stunned at the brutality and the atrocities of war in a story which it is difficult to know which side to sympathize with as horrible, unspeakable acts of brutality were carried out by both sides. It becomes clear it isn't as simple as Catholics vs. Protestants.
By the time the reader finishes these two novels (1916 and 1921) they are certain to have a better understanding of today's Irish "Troubles" -- although understanding doesn't mean condoning the violence.
One can only hope that Llywelyn is planning to continue this series as has done such a spectacular job and as Henry tells Ned, "History tells what happened; literature tells what it felt like."
Rating: 3
Summary: Llywelyn offers up a compelling history but little else
Comment: Morgan Llywelyn has made a franchise out of Irish history and mythology, providing fictionalized accounts of many major events and figures. "1921" continues in this vein, another painstaking blend of history and fiction.
Llywelyn picks up almost where her prequel "1916" left off and follows the Irish struggle for total independence from the United Kingdom. Told from the perspective of newspaper reporter Henry Mooney, Llywelyn gives an insider's view of the efforts to secure an Irish Free State. She does well characterizing historical figures such as the enigmatic Eamon de Valera and the complicated, charismatic Michael Collins, but where she falters is in her original creations. The same cliches that plagued "1916" abound in "1921"--the plucky Irish speak in cadences heard more often in Hollywood than Limerick and the fictional subplots quickly devolve into predictable melodrama.
Henry Mooney is a bit of a wet blanket hiding behind a byline, which he uses to spread anti-British sentiment without taking arms. His good friend, Ned Halloran (who was the focus of "1916") becomes deeply involved in the IRA, encouraged by his wife Sile Duffy, a red-haired stereotype of the fiery Irish woman. Henry's wooing of the rich Anglo-Irish widow Ella Rutledge is a meandering, ultimately unsatisfying distraction, and the cloyingly precocious, one-dimensional Ursula "Precious" Halloran, Ned and Sile's adopted daughter, does little more than annoy. Making Henry Mooney the eyewitness to history is quite helpful, if a bit coincidental, but the subplots involving these characters add little to the novel.
Llywelyn sprinkles the book with carefully-footnoted Irish slang and expressions as well as historical citations, perhaps to establish her credibility, a gesture that seems a bit excessive. Llywelyn has already shown her gifts as an historian. Her meticulous recreation helps clarify a dense, complex chain of events. Where she needs help is in the writing itself. When not recreating history, Llywelyn seems out of her depth.
Anyone who seeks a narrative-driven account of the Irish fight for independence will likely find this book informative and enjoyable. Those expecting Llywelyn to create a work that is as poetic and artful as it is exhaustively researched will probably be disappointed.
Rating: 5
Summary: Kid Gloves
Comment: I am extremely impressed with the condition of this book. I did not expect to receive a book of this age in such great shape. I am not sure if I want to read it for fear of turning it into a used book. The book arrived very soon after ordering...not the standard fare. Packed with care, the book arrived beautifully.
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Title: 1949: A Novel of the Irish Free State by Morgan Llywelyn ISBN: 0312867530 Publisher: Forge Pub. Date: 22 February, 2003 List Price(USD): $25.95 |
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Title: Brian Boru : Emperor of the Irish by Morgan Llywelyn ISBN: 0812544617 Publisher: Tor Books Pub. Date: 15 October, 1997 List Price(USD): $4.99 |
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Title: The Last Prince of Ireland by Morgan Llywelyn ISBN: 0812579135 Publisher: Tor Books Pub. Date: 15 March, 2001 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
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Title: Lion of Ireland by Morgan Llywelyn ISBN: 0812553993 Publisher: Tor Books Pub. Date: 15 March, 1996 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Finn Mac Cool by Morgan Llywelyn ISBN: 0312877374 Publisher: Tor Books Pub. Date: 17 May, 2002 List Price(USD): $15.95 |
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