Helpful Score: 1
Nice mix of Ireland, romance, Irish traditions, and historical fiction in 'The Yellow House.' Would appeal to anyone with an affinity for Ireland.
Born in Ireland, the author understands Ireland's political history and the people. This is an excellent read with the religious struggles illustrated through the lives of fictitious people who lived in the county of Ulster. Only one person actually lived through this period - Michael Collins, whose leadership propelled and united the Catholic rebels. While the country has significant populations of Roman Catholics, Protestants, and Quakers, the struggle between Catholics and Protestants continued for years. The county of Ulster is dominated by Protestants.
The story unwound with the key character, Eileen O'Neil, losing her home, her father, brother, and her mother when their home is burned. Determined to reunite her family, she goes to work in the mill which is operated by a Quaker family who hires both Catholics and Protestants. Her struggles are entwined with those of James Conlon, who is driven to do whatever it takes to live in a free Ireland. The tale is well written and exciting, fraught with poverty, violence, romance and deep emotions. My only concern was with the book's ending which seemed a bit unrealistic to me. Hence, my rating.
The story unwound with the key character, Eileen O'Neil, losing her home, her father, brother, and her mother when their home is burned. Determined to reunite her family, she goes to work in the mill which is operated by a Quaker family who hires both Catholics and Protestants. Her struggles are entwined with those of James Conlon, who is driven to do whatever it takes to live in a free Ireland. The tale is well written and exciting, fraught with poverty, violence, romance and deep emotions. My only concern was with the book's ending which seemed a bit unrealistic to me. Hence, my rating.
