BRIGID..the GIRL from COUNTY CLARE..
by Vicky Adin
"Like making lace – she pieces together a new life from a single thread of hope.."
and that she does.
The title attracted me as well as the description of a lacemaker, being a family historian and a craftswoman. It also helped that I am named after my Irish grandmother, Bridget, who was a native of Co Clare.
With all that in mind, I wondered if I was expecting too much, though reminding myself that this is a book of fiction. I was absorbed in the story from the beginning... the need to leave home, as there was simply not enough food, resonated with the story of my own family, who did this from two countries, one being Ireland.
The heartbreaking decision made, and the awful sad farewells made, Brigid finds herself in the turmoil of London, wondering just what had she done... At least she wasn't to be alone, as her cousin, Jamie, was to travel on the same ship. Not that they would be together too often, as the passengers were segregated.
The voyage seems to take an interminable time, as you would expect in that era... Brigid's fellow passengers are portrayed in such a manner that you feel you are getting to know them as well as Brigid is. Her beautiful lace atracts attention and compliments set her dreaming of her future, in between reliving all that has passed before she came to the decision to leave her beloved Ireland.
There is so much that holds your attention.. including the meeting of a man who was to change her life, and not in a good way. Before you know it, you are settling with Brigid in her new home... To tell you much more would spoil the story.. Let's just say that there are a number of twists and turns, some good, some not and as things develop, Brigid begins yet another new life in New Zealand. It was going so well until a man from her past threatens to.. well, I'll let you find that out for yourself.
I couldn't stop turning just one more page, well, ok, just one more chapter... so much was familiar, yet so much was new and interesting. You really don't know what to expect, which to me is a sign of a well written story. At no time did I want to end this book... not just fiction, but factional.. and I can't wait to read more from this author.
Many thanks to Shannon O. aka Shanannigans for providing me with this book.
Disclosure: I have no connection to the author or distributors of this book. If you would like a copy, please Google the title and author and select from whatever outlet suits you best.
and that she does.
The title attracted me as well as the description of a lacemaker, being a family historian and a craftswoman. It also helped that I am named after my Irish grandmother, Bridget, who was a native of Co Clare.
With all that in mind, I wondered if I was expecting too much, though reminding myself that this is a book of fiction. I was absorbed in the story from the beginning... the need to leave home, as there was simply not enough food, resonated with the story of my own family, who did this from two countries, one being Ireland.
The heartbreaking decision made, and the awful sad farewells made, Brigid finds herself in the turmoil of London, wondering just what had she done... At least she wasn't to be alone, as her cousin, Jamie, was to travel on the same ship. Not that they would be together too often, as the passengers were segregated.
The voyage seems to take an interminable time, as you would expect in that era... Brigid's fellow passengers are portrayed in such a manner that you feel you are getting to know them as well as Brigid is. Her beautiful lace atracts attention and compliments set her dreaming of her future, in between reliving all that has passed before she came to the decision to leave her beloved Ireland.
There is so much that holds your attention.. including the meeting of a man who was to change her life, and not in a good way. Before you know it, you are settling with Brigid in her new home... To tell you much more would spoil the story.. Let's just say that there are a number of twists and turns, some good, some not and as things develop, Brigid begins yet another new life in New Zealand. It was going so well until a man from her past threatens to.. well, I'll let you find that out for yourself.
I couldn't stop turning just one more page, well, ok, just one more chapter... so much was familiar, yet so much was new and interesting. You really don't know what to expect, which to me is a sign of a well written story. At no time did I want to end this book... not just fiction, but factional.. and I can't wait to read more from this author.
Many thanks to Shannon O. aka Shanannigans for providing me with this book.
Disclosure: I have no connection to the author or distributors of this book. If you would like a copy, please Google the title and author and select from whatever outlet suits you best.
public domain
You've won me - I will watch out for it now - thank you
ReplyDeleteI’ve just ordered it for my Kindle - thanks for the recommendation ☘️
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments, Flissie and Jude... I hope you enjoy this.
ReplyDeleteWhere can we get a copy
ReplyDeleteHi Rae, thanks for asking... a number of places .. best to Google and see what suits you...Amazon for one has the digital version.
DeleteThank you Crissouli. I am flattered, and delighted that you enjoyed the story so much. You have captured the essence of it beautifully.
ReplyDeletewww.vickyadin.co.nz
Vicky, I'm so glad that you are happy with my review...it is a book that I will reread and I am really looking forward to the sequel...
DeleteYou took me on a journey that I will never do, but am so grateful for the journey that my grandmother did... I never got to meet her ,as she passed when my mother was just eleven. She came later than Brigid and in better circmstances, but for much the same reasons, and the feeling of loss of her family at home stayed with her always.