Gracelin O'Malley: A Historical Novel of Ireland's Darkest Hour
Set during Ireland's devastating potato famine, a spellbinding novel of a young woman torn between love for her family and duty to her English husband.
Patrick O'Malley names his newborn daughter Gracelin for the light of the sea that shines in her eyes. But when young Gracelin is only six years old, her mother's untimely death drains joy and laughter from the O'Malley clan.
At fifteen, Gracelin saves her family from financial ruin by marrying Bram Donnelly, the son of a wealthy English landowner. But, even though Gracelin is Protestant, she is snubbed by English high society for marrying above her station. To temporarily appease her husband's cruel nature, she intends to provide him with an heir--but that, too, will end in sorrow.
As famine sweeps Ireland, Gracelin openly defies her husband by feeding the desperate souls who come to their door. In secret, she also sides with the rebels who call themselves the Young Irelanders. Led by Morgan McDonagh and joined by Gracelin's beloved brother, Sean, the Irelanders are determined to fight and free their homeland from the yoke of English rule.
First Book in the Acclaimed Trilogy
This vivid chronicle of nineteenth-century Ireland introduces readers to the first volume of Ann Moore's popular trilogy. The novel movingly portrays an indomitable people as they struggle to survive the infamous famine and the brutal civil war that arrived in its wake. The story continues with Leaving Ireland and concludes with 'Til Morning Light.
Critical Acclaim
Fans of gripping historical fiction will love this "epic saga that sweeps you into the life of a remarkable woman" (Romantic Times). The novel combines meticulous historical detail with compelling character development, bringing to life one of the most tragic periods in Irish history through the eyes of an unforgettable heroine.
