Really good book spanning many generations in the Mitchner style. Brilliantly weaving impeccable historical research with stirring stories that are hard to put down.
This darn book kept me awake at night! Tis a good Irish tale.

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An enjoyable read. It's important to keep in mind that the stories told in each era are vehicles for displaying the times and history of the country, and should not be judged solely unto themselves. I came away with a much better understand on Ireland from this book, I can't wait to read the second part!

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I really loved this story, I have just started the 2nd book. It does get somewhat confusing at times because you are working with a lot of characters but if you can follow it you will love the story.

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Just could not get into this ponderously slow novel about Ireland, from the fourth century to the fourteenth.

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The history of the early days (Up to the 1500's is told through the eyes of many of its inhabitants. Many characters are real, ie Henry VIII, but more are made up in this lavish tale of the Emerald Isle.Mr. Rutherford helps the reader by including a pronunciation many of the Irish names, you would be lost without it. Several maps, and a timeline of characters, which is a big help as hundreds of years are skipped in this book, but with the timeline you a keep track of who is whose great grandparents. If you are a lover of Irish history, both good and bad, you will enjoy this book.

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Saga is right. This is a huge book and covers more Irish history than you would think.

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