1916

Rating:
Summary: Unbelievable
Review: Ive read all of Llywelyn's books and this is just as great as the rest. The mix of fictional and historical characters is great. The author uses this to get the reader into the secret meetings of the IRB. A Great Read.

Rating:
Summary: Historical accuracy cannot overcome this poor novel.
Review: Although it is interesting to read about the historical background of the figures in the Easter rising, the contrived plot and relationships are outrageous. It's bad enough that the news media loves to publish every story about wayward priests, but please spare my having to read about it from an Irish author. Then the choice between the snooty girl and the prostitute just kills me. I would have expected much better than this. Trinity by Uris is far more realistic.

Rating:
Summary: Brought the revolution to life!
Review: This was an outstanding book which really brought to life this troubling time in Irish history. The book made you feel as if you were there.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent first person story of the Easter Rising of 1916
Review: Morgan Llywelyn does an outstanding job of bringing to life the historical participants of Irelands Easter Rising of 1916, as seen through the eyes of a fictional character. Her portrayel sweeps the reader up in the patriotism and pride of the Irish movement. As a student of Irish History I was impressed with the research the author obviously put into this book. I would highly recommend 1916 to anyone who likes a stirring tale of people in a fight for their freedom.

Rating:
Summary: A good read. But a better listen - the reader does great
Review: 1916 continues the tradition of trying to understand the Irish - British problem. The all encompassing "Trinity" by Uris is the paramount of this kind of novel. But 1916 tells the story in the same way and provokes you into wanting more and more. The blunders made by the British in dealing with their cousins, the Irish, are so sad that its a crime. 1916 is just plain good. The beginning may be contrived, a bit. But it sets up the interesting cross-play between Amwerica and Ireland as captured in one family. Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Touches Many Feelings Through A Compelling Story
Review: Llwelyn captures a period in contemporary Irish history integrating fictional major characters with those who fought for Home Rule in Ireland. It's a compelling story which makes setting aside the book a difficult challenge. Ned and Caitlin bring to life a story about being Irish, being Catholic, being separated by the Atlantic, the loss of parents on the Titanic, and fighting for a free Erie. While we know, from history the outcome of the fight for freedom, the story rivets our attention because the all characters capture us and our emotions. The best book read in 1998!! You'll love it, whether you're Irish, Catholic or not.

Rating:
Summary: Llywellyn once again brings Irish history alive!
Review: Morgan LLywellyn departs from her customary ancient Ireland and Gaul to show us the early twentieth century. From County Clare to the Titanic to New York to Dublin, the character of Ned Halloran lets us live vicariously through all of these places. While he comes of age, learning of family, friendship, tradjedy, honor, loyalty, and, of course, love, we experience it all as if we were following him around ourselves. Padraic Pearse, Michael Collins and the other historic figures from Ireland's fight for freedom during the Great War are not the mythic heroes Llywellyn fans are used to; but they are great men who work in the modern era to try to free a united Ireland from subjugation. It is difficult to compare 1916 to Morgan Llywellyn's previous novels, simply because she isnt showing us heroes who've become mythological (Cuchulain, Amergin, Finn MacCool, Brian Boru, etc.). She now shows "real" men (and women) who did what they thought had to be done in a much more modern setting. A "must-read" for those interested in all aspects of Irealand's long & glorious history.

Rating:
Summary: 1916 - Watch For The Miniseries
Review: Want a good mini series? Start out on the decks of the Titanic, add a scandalous affair between a priest and an abused wife, force the hero to chose between the stuffy beauty and the golden hearted prostitute, add lots of arguments, and conclude with gunfire. Sound familiar? 1916 was a great concept. The poet warriors' futile battle with the British could have spun like Braveheart, but it became a very slow- moving Gun Fight At The OK Corral.

Rating:
Summary: Fiction and Fact colorfully brushed on a canvas of time
Review: This is a must for anyone studying history today, and watching the current events unfold as they are on a day to day basis. A book that transcends Irish History alone, a warm and tender love story wrapped within the confines of a cold harsh misunderstood conflict. The Human Drama that runs through the whole book gives it a readability beyond belief. Morgan has once again managed to provide the sights, sounds and smells of history on paper. The characterization of Precious is truly heart touching. It well be interesting to see her in the next two books that Morgan does, "1921" and "1948' I believe. The timing of the movie Titantic with the release of "1916" was a truly predictive sign of the success of this book.

Rating:
Summary: Turn of the century Ireland comes alive
Review: If St Patrick's day has you longing for stories of old Ireland, read this book. The Characters completely come to life and the sounds, smells and sites of Dublin seem to wrap around you. Ned Halloran is like any teenager coming of age, full of enthusiasm and potential. Before he even realizes it, he's smack dab in the middle of a rapidly changing political landscape. Hold on for a ride. This book takes you back and forth between America and Ireland, it has battles and love stories, you will move from breathtaking scenery to squalid tenements. In short, this is historical fiction at its very best.