Helpful Score: 2
Great story of an independent and rebellious Irish woman during the reign of Elizabeth I. The English called her Grace O'Malley.
Helpful Score: 1
Grania or Grace OMalley as the English call her is an unusual woman in the 16 century Ireland. She prefers sailing on the open seas over staying on land and doing womans work. Grania grew up idolizing her father, Dubhdara who was a powerful chieftain that controlled much of Ireland. He spent much of his life sailing merchant ships on the ocean and Grania wanted to be just like him. To please her father she marries Donal OFlaherty which was a political match. Being a wife and mother did not keep Grania from spending time on the high seas in international trade and piracy and she commanded a loyal following of sailors who were always ready to sail with her.
During Dubhdaras (Granias father) lifetime, the Irish princes were autonomous and ruled Ireland without any outside interference. Over the course of Granias lifetime, the English Tudors would exert their authority over the Irish and earn Granias antagonism. Grania considers herself an equal or superior to the English She-King and spends most of her life fighting and scheming with the English representatives in Ireland who were sent there to conquer and subjugate the clans of Ireland.
During Dubhdaras (Granias father) lifetime, the Irish princes were autonomous and ruled Ireland without any outside interference. Over the course of Granias lifetime, the English Tudors would exert their authority over the Irish and earn Granias antagonism. Grania considers herself an equal or superior to the English She-King and spends most of her life fighting and scheming with the English representatives in Ireland who were sent there to conquer and subjugate the clans of Ireland.
Helpful Score: 1
Fascinating novel about the "She-King of the Irish Sea" - a real life pirate named Grace O'Malley.
Grania took me to Ireland and England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Grania's story shows her inner fortitude. The book is on my keeper shelf.
