Rising of the Moon - Softcover

Ellis, P.B.

4.12

8 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0413179907 ISBN 13: 9780413179906

Publisher: Arrow (A Division of Random House Group), 1988

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Recreates a fascinating turning point in history through the eyes of two brothers, Gavin and John-Joe Devlin, when an army of twenty-five-thousand men tried to establish an Irish Republic-in-Exile on the soil of British North America in 1866

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From Publishers Weekly:

In this lengthy, highly detailed novel, which skillfully combines deft storytelling with extensive historical research, Ellis portrays two impassioned brothers enmeshed in the abortive attempt to establish an Irish Republic-in-exile in British North America (now Canada) right after the Civil War. Following their military service, New Yorkers Gavin and John-Joe Devlin must reorganize their lives. Gavin concentrates on exposing an affluent senator who profits from urban corruption. After the senator's ruffians assault him, Gavin leaves the city, and, like John-Joe, joins the Irish Republican Brotherhood, an organization primarily composed of Irish veterans eager to emancipate Ireland from despotic English rule. Brotherhood membersknown as Fenians, a name derived from the Fianna, legendary warriors of ancient Irelandintend to use the envisioned Irish outpost to send their ships against England. In mid1866, the Devlins and other Fenian soldiers launch their doomed attack on English troops in Canada, never doubting that "to fight, to protest, is to win." Ellis enhances this chronicle's inherent drama by exploring the personalities and motivations of combatants on both sides. The hardiness of idealistic beliefs and the appalling ferocity of warfare are strikingly depicted.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal:

Returning home to New York City following four years of active duty, all Irish-born Gavin Devlin wants to do is put the nightmare of the Civil War behind him, pass the bar exam, and proceed with his life. Gavin soon becomes haunted by the misery of the Irish immigrant's lot. Somewhat against his will, Gavin is drawn into the Irish Republican brotherhood, or Fenians, and embroiled in their plan to invade Canada and form an Irish republic-in-exile from which to negotiate with the English the liberation of Ireland. This well-written, thoroughly researched novel is rich in historical and military details. It is the story of an intense young man's coming of age, but also an intriguing and readable tale about a little-known incident in American history. Maria A. Perez-Stable, Western Michigan Univ. Libs., Kalamazoo
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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