This is a novel about two women; two stories, and 100 years of secrets. Hannah’s story starts in 1919, during the struggles for Irish Independence. Ellen’s story starts in 2019, when she’s at a crossroads in her life, and decides to return to Ireland and purchase the farm where Hannah grew up.
Comments:
- It’s well-written, and I really liked Hannah, though I didn’t warm to Ellen as much.
- I loved the historical aspect; what was happening during the Irish struggles for independence, and Hannah’s story.
- I wanted to know what happened to Hannah in America, I wanted something positive for her.
- I found it unremittingly miserable. I couldn’t imagine Ellen living in the dark farmhouse, even though it contained echoes of her history. The story seemed rather contrived, with more flow to Hannah’s story than Ellen’s.
- I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
- I struggled initially with the characters and jumping timescales but once I dedicated a decent amount of time to the first few chapters it got much easier, and in fact became an easy read.
- I enjoyed the descriptions used by the author as she managed to make you like both the main characters and want them to be happy. It was good when both women reconciled with their respective mothers and sisters.
- I felt the ending was a bit of a let-down with many unanswered questions (what happened to Hannah and why didn't she come back... what would Ellen do and would she even want to live in a place where someone tried to rape her??).
- On the whole I enjoyed the book and would read more by this author.
Marks out of ten: 8,7.5 (x2), 7, 6.5, 6, 5.5, 5, 4.