Judy Leslie has written a lovely story that is interesting, informative and, at the same time, instructive. I know I have read an excellent book when it motivates me to read more about the actually history of a particular period. In this case the Irish 19th century "troubles."
Her story takes place in a fairly recent (19th century) explosive and transitional time in Irish history. She has adopted real characters and woven them into a story of unrequited love (for most of the book) around the actual struggle by the active and passive (mostly active) "rebels" for Irish independence. Having personally lived in the United Kingdom in the 1970's and 1980's I saw a bit of this sectarian explosiveness first hand.
Her main antagonist, Margaret Frances Buchanan Sullivan, is an intelligent and strong-willed woman born in Ireland and moved with her mother to the USA as a child. She is now a journalist with the Chicago Tribune living in Chicago married to Alex Sullivan whom she endures.
On a boat trip to Ireland to conduct research for a book she meets Michael Davitt (real person). Mr. Davitt has been on a fund raising trip to the USA and is heading home to Ireland. As a member/former member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, as many of his associates have, he has served a bit of time in a British prison. She is smitten immediately by his cultured charm, rugged looks and stoical Irish independence stance ("She found him interesting and she liked him immensely"). They part upon reaching England but meet again at Irish M.P. Charles Parnell's (real person) home. Michael visits Charles Parnell's house. The more she is around Michael the more she is drawn to him. However...
Margaret eventually returns home to a husband she really can't stand (reads dime store novels vice classics or history) but tolerates. Her husband does have influence in the American Irish community. As a member of the Clan Na Gael and later president he welds a bit of influence and action behind the scenes. This is where a Clan Na Gael member Henri Le Caron (real person) appears in the story and later has an impact on their lives.
The battle with her husband continues and she returns to Ireland for more research. After various adventures including Alex turning up in Ireland, where after an action scene, Alex will bother her no more. Perhaps Margaret and Michael will live happier ever after?
Excellent first novel that keeps the story moving and provides a bit of education on the Irish "troubles."
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