Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Galway Bay - BLOG TOUR!

Galway Bay by Mary Pat Kelly

Published by: Grand Central Publishing
Date published: February 9, 2009

Book 25 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge

rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book description:
Here at last is one Irish family's epic journey, capturing the tragedy and triumph of the Irish-American experience. In a rousing tale that echoes the myths and legends of Ireland herself, young Honora Keeley and Michael Kelly wed and start a family, inhabiting a hidden Ireland where fishermen and tenant farmers find solace in their ancient faith, songs, stories, and communal celebrations. Selling both their catch--and their crops--to survive, these people subsist on the potato crop--their only staple food. But when blight destroys the potatoes three times in four years, a callous government and uncaring landlords turn a natural disaster into The Great Starvation that will kill one million. Honora and Michael vow their children will live. The family joins two million other Irish refugees in one of the greatest rescues in human history: the Irish Emigration to America. Danger and hardship await them there. Honora and her unconventional sister Maire watch their seven sons as they transform Chicago from a frontier town to the "City of the Century", fight the Civil War, and enlist in the cause of Ireland's freedom. The Kelly clan is victorious. This heroic story sheds brilliant light on the ancestors of today's 44 million Irish Americans.

My Thoughts:

This is one of those great sweeping generational sagas. It was long, but I loved it. I didn't know much about the Potato Famine before, and for some reason I never really connected how the immigrants at that time would land themselves into a budding Civil War. I found this book both enjoyable and interesting, and I really felt that I broadened by life perspective by reading it. If you have any interest at all in the Irish-American history of the 1800s, this book is a must-read. I felt emotionally involved in the characters (yes, there were tears) and I feel like I came away with a better appreciation of life during that time. I highly recommend it.


Thanks to Miriam for organizing the tour. This book is a definite winner!

From what I've read so far, this one is garnering great reviews in the blogging world. Check these out:

http://2kidsandtiredbooks.blogspot.com/
http://athomewithbooks.blogspot.com/
http://book-thirty.blogspot.com/
http://readersrespite.blogspot.com/
http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/
http://bermudaonion.wordpress.com/
http://www.acircleofbooks.blogspot.com/
http://www.corinnesbookreviews.blogspot.com/
http://lorisbookden.blogspot.com/
http://www.bookthoughtsbylisa.blogspot.com/
http://teddyrose.blogspot.com/
http://libraryqueue.blogspot.com/
http://allisonsatticblog.blogspot.com/
http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com/
http://luanne-abookwormsworld.blogspot.com/
http://bookingmama.blogspot.com/
http://enroutetolife.blogspot.com/
http://thetometraveller.blogspot.com/
http://www.marjoleinbookblog.blogspot.com/
http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspot.com/
http://cafeofdreams.blogspot.com/
http://jennsbookshelf.blogspot.com/
http://thebookczar.blogspot.com/
http://www.writeforareader.blogspot.com/
http://linussblanket.com/
http://booksbytjbaff.blogspot.com/
http://www.caribousmom.com/
http://hiddenplace.wordpress.com/
http://www.chikune.com/blog
http://librarygirlreads.blogspot.com/
http://diaryofaneccentric.blogspot.com/
http://savvyverseandwit.blogspot.com/
http://www.kayespenguinposts.blogspot.com/
http://writebyfaith.blogspot.com/
http://www.frommipov.blogspot.com/
http://booksiesblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.bookbargainsandpreviews.com/reviews/history/galwaybay.htm
http://wendisbookcorner.blogspot.com/
http://www.thisbookforfree.com/
http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/

9 comments:

Luanne said...

I found myself crying at many spots as well! Glad you enjoyed it as well!

Book Lover Lisa said...

I never realized the connection of the war happening so soon for these immigrants either. I loved this book.

Alyce said...

I loved this book for some of the same reasons you listed: because it was so educational and also for the emotional involvement.

Serena said...

I adored this book as well and cried a couple of times.

bermudaonion said...

I loved this book, too. It really made me reflect on the bravery of immigrants.

Anna said...

So glad to hear you liked the book. I thought it was wonderful, and once I got into the story, I stopped noticing how long it was. It was a quick read for a book that's nearly 600 pages! I didn't know much about the Potato Famine, either, and the book gave me a lot to ponder.

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

Sandra said...

Looks like a good one. I'll have to try it.

Kim said...

This sounds really good. I hope I can get my hands on it soon.

Melissa said...

You liked it, Corinne liked it, another blogging friend of mine liked it... it must be good. :)