Parnell & the Englishwoman - Hardcover

Leonard

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 068912127X ISBN 13: 9780689121272

Publisher: Scribner, 1991

Synopsis

The leader of the struggle for Irish independence and the daughter of an English clergyman risk everything to become lovers during the reign of Queen Victoria

About this title

From Publishers Weekly

This first novel by the acclaimed author of the memoirs Home Before Night and Out After Dark and the Tony Award-winning play "Da , " is based on the true story of Charles Stewart Parnell, who led the struggle for Irish Home Rule during the Victorian reign, and his romance with an Englishwoman, Kitty O'Shea. Leonard succeeds entirely in skirting the worst pitfalls of historical novels: wooden dialogue from the mouths of cardboard characters, hamstrung plot, you-are-there breathlessness. The book, which sparkles with Irish wit, offers a perceptive exploration of characters and a plot no less gripping for its twists and turns. The writing is elegant from the first sentence, which beckons in a way worthy of Edith Wharton: "Eight guests had been invited; seven had come." While at the core Parnell remains something of an enigma--ultimately, it could be said that he was one to wrest defeat from the jaws of victory--Leonard has succeeded in making him more real than any historical text ever could. Altogether, the book is both an illuminating portrait of a fascinating, key figure in Irish history and a first-rate read.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

YA-- When Katherine O'Shea seeks out Charles Parnell to advance the career of her ne'er-do-well husband, she in effect changes the history of Ireland. At the first meeting they begin a love affair that ruins her marriage, his political career, and Ireland's chance for Home Rule. The characters in this novel are the figures that dominated the British Parliment during the late 19th-century struggle over Irish independence--Gladstone, Parnell, Chamberlain, Biggar. In the background are Parnell's rivals, Michael Davitt and Timothy Healy. The historical setting is accurate and would provide excellent background reading for students studying Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist As a Young Man . At times, however, the novel is difficult to read because Leonard, primarily a playwright, slides into the dramatic mode, failing to provide the necessary narrative to make clear which character is speaking in group scenes. This will be a PBS Masterpiece Theater series this winter. --Patricia L. Bowers, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Scribner
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 068912127X
• ISBN 13: 9780689121272
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256