6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Power of Love, June 19, 2008
This review is from: Irish Tiger: A Nuala Anne McGrail Novel (Nuala Anne McGrail Novels) (Hardcover)
Irish Tiger, the tenth novel in the Nuala Anne series, may be the best of the lot. The Nuala Anne stories all fit a pattern: Nuala works two mysteries, one from history, usually with the aid of papers and diaries written many years in the past, and the other set in the present. In this book Andrew Greeley breaks with tradition by setting most activities in the present.
The primary puzzle concerns a middle aged couple, a widow and a widower, who begin a relationship that angers their families. Can this couple approach the challenges and fight hate with love?
The couple, John Patrick Donlan and Maria Angelica Connors, experience a growing romance. Neither had a happy first marriage so they are both afraid of making a commitment. Can they have that model marriage where they emphasize giving to their partner, where they can emotionally release their honest feelings and emotions? To obtain the best union they need to give themselves completely to the other and achieve real happiness. Can love conquer the inertia of self-doubt and the agony of fear of commitment?
When John and Maria attempt to marry they encounter strong forces that wish to affect their bonding. Can the relationship endure such dramatic interference from outside forces? Who would disrupt a middle aged love? Is it the children who may hang on to the memories and influence of their missing parent? Is the problem in-laws who have resentments, colleagues who may be jealous, or business competitors who wish to distract the couple from their responsibilities? Nuala Anne must discover the answer.
As Nuala Anne becomes involved in this crises she faces severe opposition. Who is plotting against Nuala's solving the threats against the lovers? Will the perpetrators attack Nuala's family?
In Irish Tiger, Nuala Anne's family is shown as a significant factor in her life and work. The children sing with her at her special concerts. Socra Marie sings off key but willingly. Nelliecoyne provides "fey" insights to her mother and shepherds her younger siblings. Patjo charms all visitors. Husband Dermot is her "spear carrier".
The puzzle is involved. The enemy is determined, persistent, and evil. Nuala eventually solves the puzzle but only after severe opposition and much pain for those on her side.
I recommend this book. Andrew Greeley draws interesting characters and has a habit of having love shine in the actions of the major players. Good entertainment.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Irish Tiger, November 11, 2008
This review is from: Irish Tiger: A Nuala Anne McGrail Novel (Nuala Anne McGrail Novels) (Hardcover)
More, more, more! When's the next one? Whatever will our duo be involved with next? Don't their adventures not get stale, at all, at all? And aren't the children and the puppies growing up well? And doesn't Father Greeley continue to weave suspense, humor, solid family values and a sense of true community in this latest installment of our Nuala Anne and her family and friends? He does a superb job of incorporating characters from his other books (Blackie Ryan and his kin, Sean Cronin, Maggie Ward, Mike the Cop, The Kanes, the Murphy's, et al)in the Nuala McGrail series (as he does in other books) so that his Chicago world comes alive. They are our family & friends. We become a part of the Irish heart & spirit and Greeley's Chicago.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
It is great ! !, February 28, 2008
This review is from: Irish Tiger: A Nuala Anne McGrail Novel (Nuala Anne McGrail Novels) (Hardcover)
I have missed Nuala Anne and this is a wonderful book. Fast paced and keeps your interest. Very nice !
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