The Rebels of Ireland
Books | Fiction / Historical / General
4.2
Edward Rutherfurd
Edward Rutherfurd’s stirring account of Irish history, the Dublin Saga, concludes in this magisterial work of historical fiction. Beginning where the first volume, The Princes of Ireland, left off, The Rebels of Ireland takes us into a world transformed by the English practice of “plantation,” which represented the final step in the centuries-long British conquest of Ireland. Once again Rutherfurd takes us inside the process of history by tracing the lives of several Dublin families from all strata of society – Protestant and Catholic, rich and poor, conniving and heroic.From the time of the plantations and Elizabeth’s ascendancy Rutherfurd moves into the grand moments of Irish history: the early-17th-century “Flight of the Earls,” when the last of the Irish aristocracy fled the island; Oliver Cromwell’s brutal oppression and confiscation of lands a half-century later; the romantic, doomed effort of “The Wild Geese” to throw off Protestant oppression at the Battle of the Boyne. The reader sees through the eyes of the victims and the perpetrators alike the painful realities of the anti-Catholic penal laws, the catastrophic famine and the massive migration to North America, the rise of the great nationalists O’Connell and the tragic Parnell, the glorious Irish cultural renaissance of Joyce and Yeats, and finally, the triumphant founding of the Irish Republic in 1922.Written with all the drama and sweep that has made Rutherfurd the bestselling historical novelist of his generation, The Rebels of Ireland is both a necessary companion to The Princes of Ireland and a magnificent achievement in its own right.
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Author
Edward Rutherfurd
Pages
896
Publisher
Doubleday Canada
Published Date
2009-02-24
ISBN
0307371476 9780307371478
Community ReviewsSee all
"<strong>AA journey through irelands troubled modern history</strong><br/><br/>Here's a medium-length Amazon review for *The Rebels of Ireland* by Edward Rutherfurd:<br/><br/>---<br/><br/>**A Fascinating Journey Through Ireland’s Tumultuous History**<br/><br/>*The Rebels of Ireland* by Edward Rutherfurd is a captivating exploration of Irish history that seamlessly blends factual events with fictional narratives. As someone who enjoys historical fiction, I found this novel to be an enlightening and engaging way to learn about Ireland's rich and often tumultuous past.<br/><br/>Rutherfurd masterfully spans several centuries, from the late 16th century to the early 20th century, capturing pivotal moments such as the Irish Rebellion, the Great Famine, and the country's fight for independence. His ability to intertwine the lives of fictional families with real historical figures and events provides a personal and emotional lens through which readers can experience Ireland’s struggles and triumphs.<br/><br/>One of the most compelling aspects of this book is how it vividly brings history to life. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and their personal stories highlight the broader social and political changes in Ireland. Through the eyes of these families, Rutherfurd offers a deep understanding of the Irish people's resilience and spirit in the face of adversity.<br/><br/>The novel is well-researched, and Rutherfurd’s attention to historical detail is evident throughout. He skillfully balances the historical narrative with character-driven storytelling, making the book both informative and enjoyable to read. I particularly appreciated the way he portrayed the complexity of Irish identity and the enduring legacy of its cultural heritage.<br/><br/>While the novel is long and covers a vast period, Rutherfurd’s engaging writing style keeps the reader invested in the story. I highly recommend *The Rebels of Ireland* to anyone interested in learning about Ireland’s history through the lens of a beautifully written novel. It is a rewarding read that offers both education and entertainment.<br/><br/>---"
David Farrar