⋙ PDF Free Galway Bay Mary Pat Kelly 9780446579001 Books

Galway Bay Mary Pat Kelly 9780446579001 Books

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Galway Bay Mary Pat Kelly 9780446579001 Books

Wow! If you have any interest in Ireland--its people, its history, its legends, its superstitions, its culture--read this book. Author Mary Pat Kelly has infused a solid historical recounting of the 1840s potato blight and resulting famine into a page-turner of a novel. Focusing primarily on one family, beginning in the "before times" and continuing through the devastating and deadly famine and the resulting flight to "Amerikay," this book is a testament to the strength and courage of so many young Irish--especially women--who gave up everything to begin a new life. And that new life was not an easy one.

I credit the author for developing three-dimensional characters and a plot that has some unexpected developments.

One caveat: The first part of the book is a bit hokey. I almost stopped reading because it was too unbelievable, and I feared the rest of the book would be similar. I'm so glad I didn't give up! The first part showed the joy and innocence of the "before times," which is essential to fully appreciating the horrors to come.


Tags : Galway Bay [Mary Pat Kelly] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. 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,Mary Pat Kelly,Galway Bay,Grand Central Publishing,0446579009,Domestic fiction.,Historical fiction.,Ireland;History;Famine, 1845-1852;Fiction.,American Historical Fiction,Domestic fiction,Ethnic American Novel And Short Story,Famine, 1845-1852,Fiction,Fiction - Historical,Fiction General,Fiction Historical,Historical - General,Historical fiction,History,Ireland

Galway Bay Mary Pat Kelly 9780446579001 Books Reviews

This book was very well written and researched. The subject matter is fascinating. You can picture yourself in that place at that time. Beautifully descriptive. I have seen documentaries about the great potato famine with description and numbers etc. It is quite different to read it from characters you have gotten to know and see the impact on entire families and villages. I recently read they have finally identified the fungus that caused the blight. I couldn't believe the article came out one day after finishing this book. The mass exodus to America was very distressing. Knowing what they escaped from in Ireland and knowing what hardships they would further endure after the emigration is heartbreaking. To read about the way they were taken advantage of is so unsettling. I've read enough accounts to know what they endured once they got here. I have also read further accounts of Ireland's bid for freedom in later years. A long harsh history of a great and noble people. I would highly recommend this book. It is heart wrenching in parts and lovely in others. You won't regret it.
Galway Bay is a must read for anyone Irish who wants to know what it was like for our relatives who came to America to escape the famine. I was shocked to read of the suffering people went through. I thought the writer did an excellent job of describing the hardships. The characters were described so well by Kelly. I gave it a four star only because I thought it too long and drawn out toward the end. But having said that the book is an excellent read and I am glad I read it.
I truly enjoyed this book. When reading this story narrated by the character Honora Kelly, née Keeley, I found myself thinking of my own grandmother, Catherine Sullivan. Honora uses so many of my grandmother’s phrases and she tells some of the same stories. This is a story with much suffering , love and triumph. I enjoyed the characters in it and was glad to find it peopled with such strong females. I am truly sorry to have read the last page of this novel because I hate having to say goodbye to these members of the Kelly clan.
Beginning in the Emerald Isle before the potato famine begins, the Kelly family fights for their lives to survive. They are deeply spiritual, (Catholic), devoted to their family and friends. After fighting starvation and horrible political strife from the government, two amazing sisters, Maire and Honora, along with eight children, make their way to Amerikay to New Orleans, up the Mississippi River, to Chicago. Their troubles are not over for them in Chicago. The family encounters prejudice and Civil War. Despite harrowing experiences, they always maintain their Irish pride and resilience. Although fiction, Galway Bay was based on historical facts and true stories passed down from Honora Kelly. I learned so much about Ireland's history while reading this epic novel. Anyone interested in Irish history or Ireland would enjoy this book. Having traveled to this beautiful country recently, I personally cannot seem to get enough of anything related to Ireland. I highly recommend this lovely novel.
What a rich, full history of an Irish family fleeing the Great Starvation. You will become so involved in Honora and Michael's lives, their children, her parents and brothers and sister. You feel like you know them; they become your Irish relatives or friends. I have read and heard some about the way the Irish were treated during these terrible times, but this book really makes it vivid, without being cloying or too graphic. What brave, brave people, to risk all, suffer terrible loss, and pick up their lives and flee to "Amerikay." it was a dream for Honora, and they finally are able to leave, though it broke their hearts to do so. There is such a strong historical connection between America and Ireland and the history of both are forever intertwined on the pages of this remarkable book. Don't miss it. You will laugh, cry, and feel pride in their triumphs.
Wow! If you have any interest in Ireland--its people, its history, its legends, its superstitions, its culture--read this book. Author Mary Pat Kelly has infused a solid historical recounting of the 1840s potato blight and resulting famine into a page-turner of a novel. Focusing primarily on one family, beginning in the "before times" and continuing through the devastating and deadly famine and the resulting flight to "Amerikay," this book is a testament to the strength and courage of so many young Irish--especially women--who gave up everything to begin a new life. And that new life was not an easy one.

I credit the author for developing three-dimensional characters and a plot that has some unexpected developments.

One caveat The first part of the book is a bit hokey. I almost stopped reading because it was too unbelievable, and I feared the rest of the book would be similar. I'm so glad I didn't give up! The first part showed the joy and innocence of the "before times," which is essential to fully appreciating the horrors to come.