greendragonauthor's review
4.0
I have a particular love for both history and Ireland, but I’d never before delved deep into the Norman Invasion of Ireland. The historical detail in this novel is well-researched and accessible, and Aoife MacMurrough is likable and relatable. Her character grows within the story in foil to those men around her, historical characters brought to life by the author’s craft. A failed diplomatic mission and a promise of marriage result in an unforeseen stabilization… and then some. I highly recommend this novel to those interested in historical fiction, first person narratives, or those who wish to experience strong female protagonists.
trishjbutler's review
4.0
A recount of a period of Irish history told in the first person of Aoife, a young wife – 3.5 stars
In 1167, a young Aoife travels from Ireland to England with her family. Her father, Diarmait MacMurchada, the recently overthrown king of Leinster, seeks the support of King Henry II to regain his kingdom and restore peace to his people. Henry II offers him the backing of Richard Strongbow de Clare, Second Earl of Pembroke, whose incentive is to marry Aoife and inherit the title and lands of her father.
Since the story is told in the first person of Aoife, whose experiences happen outside political and military circles, the reader learns about much the fighting, the tense discussions of strategy, and the negotiations for treaties secondhand. I felt this unfortunate as I enjoyed the firsthand description of their trip to England at the beginning and almost thought I could taste the salt in the spray that hit my face.
The author undoubtedly conducted extensive research into this period of Irish history, and I have learned a lot about Ireland that I did not know. That the young Aoife comes into her own when she is widowed early in life seems natural given her intelligence, but again, due to the story unfolding from her point of view, the reader learns about important events surrounding her transition only after they occur. When Aoife travels to Striguil with her protector, Fergal, we don’t learn about his presence until after they arrive, when we see Fergal undertaking some action on Aoife’s behalf.
As I became immersed in the story, I wondered why the author used the anglicized version of some names and not others. For example, Aoife’s father Diarmait became Dermot. Several terms too modern for the period also caught my attention, especially as they appear in the heroine’s first-person account of events. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not comment upon the title of the book. Aoife’s marriage covered only six of the 21 years spanned by the book, and we live in times when a woman's relationship with a man does not define her. Considering these points and that the story aims to portray a woman’s resilience and leadership in a man’s world, perhaps a different title could be found?
An interesting read for those who enjoy history and wish to know more about past conflicts in Ireland.
In 1167, a young Aoife travels from Ireland to England with her family. Her father, Diarmait MacMurchada, the recently overthrown king of Leinster, seeks the support of King Henry II to regain his kingdom and restore peace to his people. Henry II offers him the backing of Richard Strongbow de Clare, Second Earl of Pembroke, whose incentive is to marry Aoife and inherit the title and lands of her father.
Since the story is told in the first person of Aoife, whose experiences happen outside political and military circles, the reader learns about much the fighting, the tense discussions of strategy, and the negotiations for treaties secondhand. I felt this unfortunate as I enjoyed the firsthand description of their trip to England at the beginning and almost thought I could taste the salt in the spray that hit my face.
The author undoubtedly conducted extensive research into this period of Irish history, and I have learned a lot about Ireland that I did not know. That the young Aoife comes into her own when she is widowed early in life seems natural given her intelligence, but again, due to the story unfolding from her point of view, the reader learns about important events surrounding her transition only after they occur. When Aoife travels to Striguil with her protector, Fergal, we don’t learn about his presence until after they arrive, when we see Fergal undertaking some action on Aoife’s behalf.
As I became immersed in the story, I wondered why the author used the anglicized version of some names and not others. For example, Aoife’s father Diarmait became Dermot. Several terms too modern for the period also caught my attention, especially as they appear in the heroine’s first-person account of events. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not comment upon the title of the book. Aoife’s marriage covered only six of the 21 years spanned by the book, and we live in times when a woman's relationship with a man does not define her. Considering these points and that the story aims to portray a woman’s resilience and leadership in a man’s world, perhaps a different title could be found?
An interesting read for those who enjoy history and wish to know more about past conflicts in Ireland.
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