As Ireland enters the twentieth century, two girls—close friends yet from different worlds—navigate their journeys into womanhood in this sweeping novel.On a June morning in 1900, Rosie Killeen crosses the road that divides her family’s County Mayo farm from the estate of Lord and Lady Ennis. Barely eight years old, Rosie joins the throng of servants who maintain the “big house.” But even more … house.” But even more momentous for Rosie ins her chance meeting with the Ennis’s lonely young daughter, Victoria Bell.
Though the children of the gentry seldom fraternize with locals, Lord Ennis arranges for Rosie to join in Victoria’s school lessons. For Rosie, the opportunity is exhilarating yet isolating. Victoria’s governess objects to teaching a peasant girl, while the other servants resent Rosie’s escape from life below stairs. To complicate matters further, Rosie finds herself growing closer to Victoria’s older brother, Valentine.
The girls’ friendship is interrupted when Victoria is sent to Dublin for the coming season. But Ireland is changing too. The country’s struggle for Home Rule, the outbreak of the Great War, and a looming Easter rebellion all herald a new era. And for Rosie, family loyalty, love, friendship and patriotism will all collide in life-changing ways, leading her through heartbreak and loss in search of her own triumphant independence.
more
A captivating portrayal of life in Ireland-above and below stairs-during the years leading up to the Great War and the Irish rebellion. Engaging, atmospheric and packed with rich historical detail. I thoroughly enjoyed The Girls of Ennismore.
Two friends, born of vastly different worlds, dare to defy convention and the strict bindings of societal class in Falvey’s latest novel. Rich in authentic historical and Irish detail, The Girls of Ennismore is a compelling story of love, duty, and reinvention, highlighting the vast rewards-or grave consequences-of following one’s heart. Fans of Downton Abbey will devour this sweeping tale.
Formulaic and silly.
An evocative, heartfelt story of how the bond of female friendship can survive and thrive through adversity. Beautifully drawn, full of rich historical detail, and with a truest Irish sense of place, I was seduced from page one.
Development of characters was well done, with a story that kept taking different turns of events, clear to the end..
As a lover of historical novels, and English-Irish-Scottish ones especially, this book was a treat. The relationship between the two girls who grew into womanhood, each with her own challenges, was especially satisfying.
It was a good read. I couldn’t put it down.
I love reading about the Irish class system and how strong women can overcome predictions.
Excellent story. I enjoyed inter workings of the characters.
Good historical fiction
This is the first book I have read by this author and I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The historical information was cleverly incorporated in the story. I also enjoyed the way the two main characters were able to portray their perspectives and roles which were developed by their class standing in their formative years. The dramatic part of this story was the stages of their relationship and how they were able to understand their particular roles while at the same time being able to make necessary adjustments to cope with society’s new expectations.
I look forward to reading more historical fiction by this author.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Engaging story paired with fascinating history.
Loved it
Interesting insight into the Irish “caste” system.
I fell in love with the two strong female characters in the book.
Reminded me of Downton Abbey……. therefore so easy to visualize. Just very enjoyable for me.
Entertaining
Great book. Probably more for women
I thought that this book was interesting, more of a dessert book than thought provoking.
Seems like more of a “young adult” book; educational historical fiction