Review of 'The Irish House' by Ann O'Loughlin

Review of The Irish House by Ann O'Loughlin

Release date: April 14th, 2023

Publisher: Bookouture

☘️ ☘️ ☘️ ☘️ ☘️

REVIEW

I am speechless and emotionally wrung out after reading this incredibly powerful and moving novel by Ann O’Loughlin. It tapped into my heart and squeezed out every tear I tried to hold on to but the waterfall could not be held back and the tissue box became my constant companion during the unfolding of The Irish House. This is my first Ann O’Loughlin story but it won’t be the last! In fact, I just bought two of her previous releases and look forward to more of her exceptional writing.

I was immediately swept into a whirlwind of Irish drama and felt like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when she was transported into another realm. Though this is not a fantasy, the fictional world became as real as my own. The author has provided glorious descriptions of this gorgeous Wicklow setting in Ireland. You can see the colourful array of flowers, hear the festive birds, see the shimmer of waters and picture every movement and creature that capers across this beautiful emerald landscape. I was completely and whole heartedly lost to The Irish House and the characters became as friends. It was a tumultuous journey, at times, for a few characters as I followed them through pain, disappointment, challenges and heartbreak. But eventually I too sang the high notes of victory as they found the answers and happiness they sought.

Collie Keane, the focus of the story, appeared as a strong woman who knew her mind and never failed to voice her thoughts. But below that tough exterior was a fear wrapped in secrets. Most of which would be released in death to Marianne, her chosen granddaughter: the one she asked to carry out her missions.

Marianne was New York born and raised. Her mom, Chloe, left Ireland and moved to the Big Apple to start a new life. But even though Marianne grew up American, she visited her grandmother’s home at various intervals and many happy memories were made. Though she is absent during her grandmother’s illness and passing, her reasons for not being there are valid, yet her Aunt Katherine disagrees. And when she is called back to the reading of the will, war breaks out on both fronts. One with her aunt and the other back in NY with her job and these events begin radically changing her life.

There are so many obstacles to overcome on Marianne’s arrival back in Ireland: such as making peace with her Aunt Katherine, whose tongue is razor sharp due to having an angry and wounded heart. The fires of jealousy rage at the reading of the will. Much to everyone’s surprise, Marianne inherits the homestead and Collie also requests she take over parenting her two nieces. Rachel and Katie lived with their grandmother for two years after the death of their mother Aisling. The responsibility is a big challenge for a young woman and with Katherine fighting against her, it is even harder. And although the journey to healing is a long and turbulent one, Marianne continues to try and build a bridge between them while trying to fulfil her grandmother’s wishes.

I loved how Marianne finds herself being drawn back into the magic of Kilteelagh and how her profession as a dress designer is used to revive herself and the old homestead in a new way. How it also brought together a team of gifted women to build the business. Community spirit surfaces when they all pull together to deliver a successful fashion show. All this to make Marianne’s dream come true. It is beautiful, too, how she finds love when she does not expect it.

There are many secrets in this story. Many of which are connected to Collie—her children, her love life. Letters she has written in her last days to Marianne, are arranged to be sent out to her granddaughter at intervals, after her passing. These written confessions and advice provide a clear and vivid picture of this woman’ life and why she has left her home and two granddaughters in Marianne’s care. This letter approach reminds me of that used in the novel PS I Love You by Irish writer Cecilia Ahern (later made into a movie) and it is just as effective.

There was never a moment I was not glued to this novel as I felt fully immersed—completely drawn into the world and lives of the Keanes. And I was delighted at how the author ties up all the loose threads for the ending and reveals the mysteries and secrets of Collie’s life. There are some surprises and joyful unions and reunions. This gripping romantic page-turner left me wanting more!

I know I am singing this author’s praises pretty loudly for this is one of the most soul stirring stories I have ever read about family, broken hearts, failed relationships and grief. But it also is a wonderful celebration of creativity, rebirth, forgiveness, healing and finding a new purpose. And, of course, romantic love— found, lost, denied, separated and then re-joined. It is a love that exhibits profound depth and everlastingness. One that lives on past the grave. In many ways, it is a haunting Wuthering Heights love. But it is also about a mother’s love for her daughters and granddaughters. And one granddaughter who must learn to be a surrogate mother for her nieces. It is even about finding home: a place of peace, safety, solitude and inspiration. And beautiful Kilteelagh House (and its surroundings) in Wicklow, Ireland, is not only the actual setting of this haven but it is also a character in itself which rises from ruin to restoration. Complete transformation comes at all levels: physical, mental and spiritual in both fictional characters and world.

Yes, I highly recommend The Irish House but be prepared to stay up late and keep the fires burning as this story won’t let go of you until you have turned the last page. And even then, you won’t forget it. Its grip will last. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.