Ireland's independence struggle is the setting for Sheila Flaherty's first historical novel. Set in Dublin in the 1920's, The Woman on the Bridge has been inspired by the story of her grandmother.
Dublin. The 1920s. As war tears Ireland apart,
two young people are caught up in events that will bring love, tragedy -
and the hardest of choices.
In a country fighting
for freedom, it's hard to live a normal life. Winnie O'Leary supports
the cause, but she doesn't go looking for trouble. Then rebel Joseph
Burke steps into her workplace. Winnie is furious with him about a
broken window. She's not interested in romance. But love comes when you
least expect it.
Joseph's family shelter fugitives and smuggle
weapons. Joseph would never ask Winnie to join the fight; but his mother
and sisters demand commitment. Will Winnie choose Joseph, and put her
own loved ones in deadly danger? Or wait for a time of peace that may
never come?
My Thoughts
Full of period detail, you are transported to the Dublin of the 1920's. I found it to be a fascinating read and one which showed you different viewpoints within the community. The role of women in the society of the time is described through their actions and reactions to the changing times. Winnie and Joseph's story shows you the hardships they went through and the differences in their opinions at times. Of course, they never disagree about the desired endpoint of their quest for independence. It is all about the way they can achieve it which divides.
As Sheila Flaherty explains at the end, the story was inspired by her own grandmother's story. This is why there is an authenticity about it. Not all the characters are sympathetic or likeable. This is a reflection of life. I was also interested in the different fates of Winnie's sisters. They chose different paths and did not all stay in Ireland, as many at the time did not. Nevertheless, their family ties remained intact even though they had different desires and ambitions. I can highly recommend this read.
In short: the fight for freedom
About the Author
Sheila O'Flanagan is the author of 30 bestselling novels
including What Eden Did Next, Three Weddings and a Proposal, The Women Who Ran
Away, Her Husband's Mistake, The Hideaway and The Missing Wife. She lives in
Dublin with her husband.
Thanks to Sheila O'Flanagan, Headline Review and Anne Cater of Random Things Tours for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
Check out the rest of the tour!
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Thanks for the blog tour support x
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