Parnell A Novel by Brian Cregan - October 2013
Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2013 12:58 pm
I decided on this book as it is a first novel from an Irish author about a legendary Irish figure and a library borrower just brought it back saying how much he loved it.
This book is a dramatization of the key events in the legend of Parnell, from entering Parliament as a nervous speaker, to becoming the "uncrowned king of Ireland." The struggles of the Land League are played out in cinematic fashion, and the courtroom scenes are powerful and utterly compelling. This book manages to be highly detailed in terms of historical accuracy, yet still retain the pace and momentum needed to engage the reader. This book has all the potential to become a long-running classic of Irish historical fiction.
Review
'A monumental task handled with style and aplomb in a compelling and entertaining narrative' - Myles Dungan, RTE 'Cregan's grasp of historic record and re-imagining a good story unites the machinations of a complex period ... this book is a must for students of all ages' - Deirdre Conroy, Sunday Independent "In bringing [Parnell's] story to life, Cregan has created something powerful out of the triumphs and tragedies that marked his career." Diarmaid Ferriter, Professor of Modern Irish History, UCD.
About the Author
Brian Cregan is a barrister by trade, and has been researching this novel for the last 7 years. This is his first novel.
This book is a dramatization of the key events in the legend of Parnell, from entering Parliament as a nervous speaker, to becoming the "uncrowned king of Ireland." The struggles of the Land League are played out in cinematic fashion, and the courtroom scenes are powerful and utterly compelling. This book manages to be highly detailed in terms of historical accuracy, yet still retain the pace and momentum needed to engage the reader. This book has all the potential to become a long-running classic of Irish historical fiction.
Review
'A monumental task handled with style and aplomb in a compelling and entertaining narrative' - Myles Dungan, RTE 'Cregan's grasp of historic record and re-imagining a good story unites the machinations of a complex period ... this book is a must for students of all ages' - Deirdre Conroy, Sunday Independent "In bringing [Parnell's] story to life, Cregan has created something powerful out of the triumphs and tragedies that marked his career." Diarmaid Ferriter, Professor of Modern Irish History, UCD.
About the Author
Brian Cregan is a barrister by trade, and has been researching this novel for the last 7 years. This is his first novel.