1916

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Summary: "1916" is a must for Irish history buffs.
Review: From the sinking of the Titanic to the bloody climax of the Irish rebellion, Morgan Llywelyn,gives an up close account of events leading up to the Easter Uprising. "1916" gives a historical account of the rebellion through the eyes of a fictional character, up to par, and much in the same way as James Michner does in his historical novels such as "Hawaii." For people who like a good story I would give "1916" an eight, for history fans a ten.

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Summary: This s a wonderful book the
Review: This is the best book you cold ever read

Rating:
Summary: Valid History wrapped in Incompetent Fictionalizing
Review: Mr Llywelyn may very well be a very thorough historian, as is evidenced by his intricate knowledge of Irish culture and hardships of the turn of the century, but he fails miserably to bring these events to light within the context of a third person narrative. The biggest single problem with 1916 is in the loose characterization. For instance, the protagonist, a fifteen year old Irish boy, is privy to insights into human nature that most very mature adults have no clue about. At one point, Llywelyn states that Ned (the boy) cringes each time he sees a particular character because he senses that the brightest candles burn out the quickest. This thought is occurring to a lad who just months before was daydreaming of pirtates attacking the cruise ship he was on. Oh yeah, did I mention that the ship was named the Titanic? If not for the gross inaccuracies in character response and interaction this novel may have been enjoyable as well as informative.

Rating:
Summary: A well thought out trip taking the reader inside history.
Review: This book is probably one of Llywelyn's best. Taking the reader into history, it provides the emotional background and commitment of the characters found in the history books. The use of Ned Halloran as a vehicle to visit and get into the minds of the leaders of the uprising in 1916 was inspired. Anyone interested in the Irish independence movement, past or present, should read this book.

By the end of the novel, I did not want to put the book down and hope that Ned's experiences will be continued. After all, the story of Irish independence did not end in 1916.

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Summary: History comes alive, reminds us of the importance of freedom
Review: Although I thought I knew the history of the 1916 Rising, Morgan Llywelyn's book drew me in and made me feel as if I was present with Padraig Pearse through Ned Halloran. The book is totally engrossing, enlighting, and endearing. I would unequivocally recommend it to anyone who has an interest in the Irish struggle for freedom.

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Summary: Rising Needs no Embellishment
Review: I had high expectations when I bought this book. I had heard good things about Morgan and was excited about reading something about the Rising that added some drama, unlike the strickly factual interpretations I have read in the past. What I learned from reading 1916 however, is that the Easter Rebellion needs no dramatization or embellishment. The Titanic, a broken priest, a prositute heroine, are things that simply detract from what is one of the more telling stories of modern times. The book wasn't completely without merit. The truths it did decide to deal with, it dealt with accurately.

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Summary: Lost good history in a trashy novel
Review: I am not as familiar with Irish history as other readers of the book and I was looking forward to learning a great deal. I worked hard to pick out the history between the unfaithful wife, the priest, the prostitute, etc. Why did Morgan insist on writing it this way? Was it to pander to the masses? If so -- and that's OK -- why bother being in the historical fiction section. why not just go for the steamy romance section of the grocery store?

Rating:
Summary: An engrossing and inspiring story.
Review: This book is a must read for anyone of Irish ancestry who wishes to learn about the 1916 Uprising. The characters are fascinating and inspiring. A refreshing read about people who are motivated by ideals and aspirations of freedom. I strongly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Great characters, great story, great historical backdrop.
Review: Llywelyn's characters, real and fictitious, came to life as breathing, feeling, genuine people whom I found interesting and sympathic. It's the best book about turn-of-the century Ireland that I've read yet. Two compelling stories collide at the end of the book -- a great plot. The first pages grip you as you learn, through the account of the main character, about the lives of the people who lost or were lost due to the sinking of the Titanic. Very clever intro -- I was held captive through the rest of the book.

Rating:
Summary: Great characters, great story, great historical backdrop.
Review: Llywelyn's characters, real and fictitious, came to life as breathing, feeling, genuine people that I found interesting and sympathic. It's the best book about turn-of-the century Ireland that I've read yet. Several stories collide at the end of the book -- a great plot. The first pages grip you as you learn, through the account of the main character, about the lives of the people who lost or were lost due to the sinking of the Titanic. Very clever intro -- I was held captive through the rest of the book.