Nory Ryan's Song - Nory Ryan, Bk 1 Author:Patricia Reilly Giff Newbery Honor-winning author Patricia Reilly Giff tells the unforgettable story of 12-year-old Nory Ryan, who finds courage and strength through love, friendship, and song to help her family survive the potato famine in 1845 Ireland. — Nory Ryan's family has lived on Maidin Bay for generations. But this year a terrible blight attacks the pota... more »toes, and her family is split apart by the great hunger that has overtaken Ireland. Nory's mother has died years before in childbirth; her older sister Maggie has gone to America. And Da is away on a fishing boat. There are no coins for food, and Lord Cunningham, the landlord, is threatening to take their home.
It is with bold determination that Nory Ryan finds a way to save her family, and to join the thousands of Irish men, women, and children who are making their way to America.« less
Quite a moving, mature children's book concerning the potato famine in Ireland. Tells the story through the eyes a young, responsible girl of about twelve.
Sometimes books written for the younger reader present events in a clearer way than those written for adults. Such was the case with this one. This reader could not help sympathizing with Nory and her family as they experienced the potato famine in Ireland as well as suppression by the English.
There are many themes in this book. Stay positive. Believe in yourself. Recognize people for what they are rather than what they seem to be or what others say about them. This is the case with Anna, a kind elderly woman who lives alone since the death of her husband and son. Her knowledge of herb lore is extensive and she helps all who need her services. Nory, however, has learned to negotiate for Anna as the landowner soon forgets her services in his attempt to remove her from her home.
Good historical novel for the young. I liked it very much.