Customer Reviews

The Big Wind: A Novel of Ireland

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a book that I read several years ago, loaned to someone and didn't get it back. Therefore, I purchaced a new copy and I am half way through reading it again. I would consider it one of the best books that I have ever read and would highly reccommend it to anyone that likes a good historical novel. It abounds with romance and tragedy and is difficult to lay down once you get the drift of the story.

I read this book about 20 years ago after my grandmother brought it home from Ireland. As a teenager the images of Ireland struck me as beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. I also gave me a wonderful opportunity to talk with my grandmother (an early 1900s Irish immigrant) about her memories of Ireland. I had no idea the book was still in print until I was searching to give it to a friend. I still love the story 20 years later!

I read this book years ago and came on Amazon to see if I could get a copy of it to read again. It's mostly a historical romance novel, in the vein of Gone With the Wind. I would not use it as a precise historical reference, although it has many historical facts in it. If you love historical romances and Ireland, you will love this book. Sterrin O'Carrol was one of my favorite heroines growing up.

I tried to get through this novel twice. My Uncle gave it to me after buying it in Ireland. I couldn't even get past the "War And Peace" style writing and eventually had to give up. I never did find out about my family.

I'd like to hear an Irish person's take on this book. It reads like a cross between magical realism and a pulp historical novel. I was hoping for a more grounded account of Ireland in the 19th century.

characters well developed--storyline is educational as well as romantic. i liked it very much and i read it over a year ago.