kecb12's review against another edition
5.0
I truly enjoyed this people-driven view of Irish history. History is, after all, the stringing together of actions or decisions by people great and small. I was woefully aware of how little I knew about Irish history, despite considering myself a connoisseur of all things Irish, and the book made me want to learn more about this country where my grandfather grew up. Overall, I think this book is a great way to learn about the small but mighty country.
lanternheart's review against another edition
2.0
Objectively, this is not a bad book. However, for a first timer’s try on an Irish history novel, I think I’d like something more traditional. For someone familiar with Irish history, I think this could be an engaging, easy refresher! I might come back to this at some point, but for now I’m happy to put it down and come back at a later point.
cindie's review against another edition
3.0
A great cursory history of Ireland, from the legends of the Celts, the Norman invasion, and heavily focused on the last two hundred years. Highlighting specific personalities and their impact on major events, it's an easy read but has enough historical context to keep it interesting.
It's a bit sad to read the last few chapters: they speak of hope, of the dawn of a new age in Ireland culture and economy. Published before the current economic crises, you can't help but feel the "happy" ending is written prematurely. Hopefully in the next decade the optimistic outlook will be more realistic once again.
It's a bit sad to read the last few chapters: they speak of hope, of the dawn of a new age in Ireland culture and economy. Published before the current economic crises, you can't help but feel the "happy" ending is written prematurely. Hopefully in the next decade the optimistic outlook will be more realistic once again.
ciannait76's review against another edition
5.0
Please Read my short review of the book at my website: Malachy McCourt's History of Ireland
crystabrittany's review against another edition
I really wanted to like this book. Really really. But I found it difficult - I stopped around Queen Elizabeth, which was frustrating because at least then we were in a history I already knew, with players with whom I was already familiar. I think I would've done better with an audio version, and had it really feel like stories.
tayguti's review against another edition
3.0
A good overview of the history of the country but somehow left me wanting more and less at the same time?