O my aching heart! Once again I am moved to wordless wonder by the passion, loss and beauty of Ms O’Shea’s poignant story that involves the Great Hunger of Ireland. Due to the author’s excellent writing, it was easy to walk in Nellie’s steps and experience her grief and the endless disappointments she faced. How she battled her fears and yet found courage to keep going. First in waiting two years for her husband to send for her and their children. And then when the time came, she found courage to cross the ocean in one of the ‘coffin ships’ as they were called to America. Worst yet, the bitter shock that met her when she arrived—starting with losing her daughter Annie. My heart anguished at the rough and challenging path she trod, how alone she must have felt at times. The author brings home vividly and powerfully the awful predicaments many women and children found themselves in. The men who made sacrifices, too. These were terrible times.
Without question, The Irish Child is a heartbreaking tale etched in tears but also a telling to remind us of the anguish the Irish suffered during the famine at home and abroad. So many lost loved ones in Ireland, on the crossing, on the battlefields. Many fought in another country’s wars. Numerous Irish joined in the fight for freedom in the American Civil War. This novel touches on all these areas and more.
The Irish Child is told in two timelines. In the modern thread, Erin, a violinist for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, is an American with an Irish heritage. After surviving a terrible accident and losing the love of her life, she decides to get away to heal. Her parents have other ideas for her but she knows she must follow her heart. After receiving her grandparent’s Bible, it sparks something deep inside her that inspires her to take a journey to Ireland, Roone Bay (Cork area) to find out what happened to her ancestor Nellie. In doing so, she hopes it will provide her with answers, peace and direction. When she begins to explore possibilities in the town where Nellie and her family once lived, she meets many intriguing persons who touch her life in various ways. During the search for her ancestor Nellie, she starts to feel a connection to the land and her family’s past. She also stumbles across an unexpected love that may carry her into the next stage of her growth.
In the historic timeline we are given first-hand account of Nellie’s life. This is woven beautifully together with the modern thread. There are many suspenseful moments when I was holding my breath. Tears often streaming from my eyes as I could relate to the difficulties she faced. Those of us who have Irish ancestors certainly cannot help but feel emotionally broken by this story. I also personally went to Ireland seeking my own family’s past and it was quite moving to walk on the paths they once walked. I was incredibly inspired by the landscape they saw and loved and did not want to leave! I had a rush of tears when I said good-bye as this beautiful island fiercely pulled at my heart to stay. I believe there is a spiritual connection to our ancestors that can span centuries, so I fully relate to Erin’s emotions through her search to learn about Nellie.
I loved this novel immensely and commend Ms O’Shea at delivering it with such thoroughness, compassion and grace. She never pulls back or masks the pain these people experienced. This novel sings of sacrifice, courage and resilience. It is also shows us the power of love in Nellie’s and Erin’s life. Though they had great losses, there are tender moments of joy. And the wonderful inclusion of music is glorious as it is such an important part of Irish culture. (Being a musician I can relate to the need to create!) The ending is well delivered and uplifting, so I also had some happy tears!
I whole-heartedly recommend this stunning portrayal of the Irish during the famine years, plus the accurate account of what is involved in ancestry research. Be prepared with tissues: the love that flows across these pages will capture your imagination and soften your soul. The Irish Child is a must read for dual time line lovers of quality fiction. History with Heart. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.
