Helpful Score: 4
Gracelin O'Malley, the spirited young woman readers first met in the novel bearing her name, continues to amaze in this second of a three-part saga. If readers are looking for a role model, one who shows you how to triumph against all odds, one who shows you how to live your life with love and tenderness, look no further than this heroine with a remarkable and unflagging spirit. Not only are we as readers first-hand witnesses as she seeks a better life for herself and fellow Irishmen, but we are also treated to a great novel about the power of a mother's love.
Gracelin, when last we met her, was forced to leave Ireland after her beloved husband Morgan was reported dead, she killed an English officer, and her son was too sickly to travel with her. With her daughter Mary Kate, she endured countless atrocities on board a ship bound for New York. Never caving in to the depression and hopeless feelings of many, Gracelin arrives and finds life in America not exactly what she had envisioned. If ever someone made lemons out of lemonade, then surely that someone was Gracelin as she seeks to make a better life for herself, her daughter, and her beloved brother.
Her adventures make for excellent reading---whether she is helping a former slave reunite with her children, protecting an orphan she comes to love as her own, or succumbing to the reality of losing her son, Ann Moore has given us as fine an adventure, romance, and overall ripping good read as any imaginable.
This is the story of Gracelin, but also the story of a young America opening its arms but not always its heart to the immigrants who came. You'll understand why they kissed the ground on arrival, and fought discrimination with every fiber of their being to make this country their home and a haven for their children.
Gracelin, when last we met her, was forced to leave Ireland after her beloved husband Morgan was reported dead, she killed an English officer, and her son was too sickly to travel with her. With her daughter Mary Kate, she endured countless atrocities on board a ship bound for New York. Never caving in to the depression and hopeless feelings of many, Gracelin arrives and finds life in America not exactly what she had envisioned. If ever someone made lemons out of lemonade, then surely that someone was Gracelin as she seeks to make a better life for herself, her daughter, and her beloved brother.
Her adventures make for excellent reading---whether she is helping a former slave reunite with her children, protecting an orphan she comes to love as her own, or succumbing to the reality of losing her son, Ann Moore has given us as fine an adventure, romance, and overall ripping good read as any imaginable.
This is the story of Gracelin, but also the story of a young America opening its arms but not always its heart to the immigrants who came. You'll understand why they kissed the ground on arrival, and fought discrimination with every fiber of their being to make this country their home and a haven for their children.
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful trilogy! Highly recommended. It has a great story line and very historically interesting fiction. An easy and delicious read!
Stephanie M. (GusNBuster) reviewed Leaving Ireland (Gracelin O'Malley, Bk 2) on + 51 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Beautifully written book - second in the series. Read Gracelin O'Malley first.
Helpful Score: 1
An absolutely beautiful sequel to "Gracelin O'Malley". Although not quit as riveting as the first, "Leaving Ireland" takes us from the devastation that was Ireland during the 19th century and brings us to America via Liverpool. Reading about the plight of Irish immigrants forced into steerage on overcrowded, disease infested ships, to the slums of New York City is at times heart-wrenching yet amazingly encouraging as we see Grace and those she loves fight to overcome almost unbelievable odds, leaving the reader in awe of the strength of the human spirit and it's ability to love and survive
Helpful Score: 1
The second book of the Gracelin O'Malley trilogy. I recommend the entire series. It's one of my favorite. Great history and storytelling.
