During a time of great upheaval and unrest in Ireland, as men and women run to take up arms against the tyranny and occupation of the British Empire, the lives of three women are forever altered, and thereby inextricably linked over the span of a century.
Mary Doyle arrives in Dublin in 1913, doomed, she fears, to a life of domestic service. Instead, however, she finds herself deeply affected by … affected by the social and political turmoil of a fledgling nation struggling for independence. Suddenly, all that was once inevitable is no longer a certainty as she is embroiled in the very heart of the Easter Rising.
Scarlett O’Hara has had many hurdles to cross in her life, not least her name. A successful political correspondent, she finds herself at a crossroads when one error of judgement jeopardises everything she has worked so hard to overcome and achieve. In the process of rebuilding her life, Scarlett faces the difficult and ultimate choice of starting all over again.
At ninety-three years old, Eileen Chiarello thought her time for adventure and wonder was over, before a chance meeting with Scarlett draws her back to Ireland, the land her parents fought for and loved so passionately. Now, at the end of her life, Eileen has the opportunity to fulfil a promise she never thought she could.
Historically sweeping and beautifully written, Shadow of a Century draws a circle around the Irish Rebellion and carefully traces the magnitude of its significance against the backdrop of three women’s lives across history.
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Wow! This book is a perfect historical novel. I never knew anything about Irish history but now I feel like I was there. Such a heartbreaking story but one that everyone needs to hear. I highly recommend this book!
Great story that spans 1916 and 2016 and the struggles of two memorable women in Ireland. Sharp commentary also on historical and contemporary politics and social attitudes.
Excellent read as are all of Jeanne Graingers books. This one both taught me about the trials Ireland experienced while providing a delightful novel.
What Once Was True – A well written, well thought out novel with interesting people, events and places. The historical parts are well done and personal as told by the participants of those events. The storyline blends history with the growth of all the characters. Ranging in ages and social status, the effects of the Troubles and World War II are clearly seen. If you love Binchy and Pilcher, and authors like Pearl S. Buck, this heartwarming and heart breaking world that Ms.Grainger crafted will sweep you away with her vivid descriptions and characters. 5*
Shadow of a Century #1 – A well written, sad but uplifting story set in both Ireland and New York. The characters are well developed and interesting. The storylines are well thought out and hold your attention, especially the last three-quarters of the book. If you enjoyed Maeve Binchy’s Coming Home, you’ll enjoy both books by Jean: Shadow of a Century and Letters of Freedom. I disagreed with the main character’s comments on a gun-crazed USA and the Democrats fixing all problems if in power. US politics aside, the story is worth reading.
The Conor O’Shea Boxed Set gives a heartwarming, funny and entertaining experience by reading these three well written books. The characters are realistic, fun, sad, easy and troublesome. The emotions run the gamut and there are surprises along the routes. The well told stories are full of vivid descriptions that make the reader think they’re part of the tours themselves. These books are a perfect escape from the woes of modern life, allowing fun and intrigue to take its place. There’s a free download for Letters of Freedom; the start of the Carmen Sheehan Series – a must read. 5*
Letters of Freedom #1 – Heartwarming. A well written, sad but uplifting story about two women and their losses. The short story is mesmerizing and can’t be put down and ends too soon. Although the two don’t meet, they end up sharing the same family. The abandoned child finds she had someone all along and now she’s part of a real family and treasured. I contacted the author to review her books after reading Shadow. 5*
Jean Grainger is one of my favorite authors and this book is an interesting story with well develops t characters. I would highly recommended this book. I feel you will not be disappointed in any book she writes as she is a good storyteller. Plan to read more books by her.
This was a great story about two generations of a family. It also showed how people can touch each other’s lives. I enjoyed it so much and it was hard to put down.
History, intrigue, politics, and love.
These characters are easy to love and hate. Their interactions are well written and provoked intense feelings as I was reading/listening. This narrator was wonderful! If you get the chance to listen to this book, I highly recommend you do so.
A really good book.
Very good read!
I believe the book would have been so much better if the author had stuck to the Irish Revolution, which she obviously had researched, rather than devoting the space to trying to find a vehicle that would tie the present time to the past. The entire section of the troubles between Scarlett and her mother should have been omitted completely. Please keep the story moving forward! However, I loved learning about Ireland and the troubles the people faced with such courage!
Historical fiction always adds another dimension to a story
Enjoyed it very much. Food character development. Nice romance without being sappy. A few nice unexpected turns.
Very good read! Packed with the sad Irish history with actual characters and tied into a charming story.
This was an excellent book. Part romance, part history with twists and turns. Very original storyline. Thoroughly enjoyed.
brings to mind our forefathers and their many sacrifices made in order to give us the freedoms we enjoy daily.
Historical aspects were interesting but the characters lacked depth.
Historical as well.
I am a fan of history and this book gave a lot of details of the struggles in Ireland.
I love history & though fictional there were many people that made great sacrifice for the future freedom of their country. We are forever indebted to those that have gone before.
Enjoyed this book very much. It kept me interested about a time in history where people in Ireland were fighting for freedom under British rule.