Two Journeys Home: A Novel of Eighteenth Century Europe (Derrynane Saga) - Softcover

O'Connell, Kevin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0997407611 ISBN 13: 9780997407617

Publisher: Gortcullinane Press, The, 2017

Synopsis

It’s 1767. As the eagerly anticipated sequel to Beyond Derrynane begins, Eileen O’Connell avails herself of a fortuitous opportunity to travel back to Ireland. In Two Journeys Home, the O’Connells encounter old faces and new—and their lives change forever.

Her vivacious personality matched only by her arresting physical presence, Eileen returns to Derrynane this time not as a teenaged widow but as one of the most recognised figures at the Habsburg court. Before returning to Vienna she experiences a whirlwind romance, leading to a tumult of betrayal and conflict with the O’Connell clan.

Abigail lives not in the shadow of her sister but instead becomes the principal lady-in-waiting to Empress Maria Theresa.

Hugh O’Connell leaves behind waning adolescence and a fleeting attraction to the youngest archduchess when he begins a military career in the Irish Brigade under Louis XV. But more royal entanglement awaits him in France...

Author Kevin O’Connell again deftly weaves threads of historical fact and fancy to create a colourful tapestry affording unique insights into the courts of eighteenth-century Catholic Europe and Protestant Ascendancy–ruled Ireland. Watch as the saga continues to unfold amongst the O’Connells, their friends and enemies, at home and abroad.

About this title

About the Author

Kevin O’Connell is a native of New York City and the descendant of a young officer of what had—from 1690 to 1792—been the Irish Brigade of the French Army, believed to have arrived in French Canada following the execution of Queen Marie Antoinette in October of 1793. He holds both Irish and American citizenship.

An international business attorney, Mr. O’Connell is an alumnus of Providence College and Georgetown University Law Centre.

A lifelong personal and scholarly interest in the history of eighteenth-century Ireland, as well as that of his extended family, led O’Connell to create his first book, Beyond Derrynane, which will, together with Two Journeys Home and the two books to follow, comprise the Derrynane Saga.

The father of five children and grandfather of ten, he and his wife, Laurette, live with their golden retriever, Katie, near Annapolis, Maryland.

Review

O'Connell is a fantastic storyteller. His prose is so rich and beautiful it is a joy to read. The story is compelling and the characters memorable - all the more so because they are based on real people. . . I am Irish but I did not know about this piece of Irish history. It is fascinating but historical fiction at the same time . . . Highly recommended for historical fiction lovers!(c) Beth Nolan, Beth's Book Nook

I enjoyed the first part of the Saga awhile back . . . (and) couldn't wait to continue the story of Eileen and her family . . . this author really does have a way with words. The world and the characters are so vivid . . . Overall, I was hooked from page one. I honestly think that (Two Journeys Home) was better than (Beyond Derrynane) - which is rare. The characters and world-building was done in such a beautiful manner . . . I can't wait for the next one . . . (c) Carole Rae, Carole's Sunday Review, Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell

Two Journeys Home: A Novel of Eighteenth Century Europe . . . is a gripping story that will transport the reader back in time, a story with a strong setting and compelling characters . . . a sensational romance, betrayal, family drama and intrigue . . . The plot is so complex that I find it hard to offer a summary in a few lines, but it is intriguing and it holds many surprises . . .  great writing. Kevin O'Connell's prose is crisp and highly descriptive. I was delighted (by) . . . how he builds the setting, offering . . . powerful images of places, exploring cultural traits and unveiling the political climate of the time . . . The conflict is (as well-developed as the characters) and it is a powerful ingredient that moves the plot forward . . . an absorbing and intelligently-crafted historical novel . . . . (c) Divine Zapa for Readers' Favourite

Two Journeys Home: A Novel of Eighteenth Century Europe . . . takes the story of the O'Connell family forward. Although I had not read (Beyond Derrynane) I had no (problem) . . . getting into the flow of the story . . .The story flows flawlessly with every scene and every page turn.Complex yet very engaging, the novel jumped into the action from the get-go. The characters are very well-built and developed . . . The author did an amazing job . . . ensuring they (they) were in sync with their time. Nothing is out of place and even the very minor details were very well-constructed . . . This historical novel is perhaps of those few (such) novels that stay true to the timeline and still connect with the reader on a deeper level. Wonderful!(c) Rabia Tanveer, for Readers' Favourite

 (Being) a little over six-feet tall, (with) long raven hair, intelligent beyond her years and Irish, all describe the beautiful Eileen O'Connell (as she) returns to Ireland after spending (almost six) years in the court of Empress Maria Theresa. Her duties in Austria are as nanny and friends with two of the young princesses,Archduchesses Maria Carolina and Maria Antonia. Part of her task (has) also (been) to prepare each of them for their royal lives of the future . . .
. . . Reading the second book in most series, especially if you have not read the first, can be a little difficult. However, Two Journeys Home is easily understandable with much of the first book being reflected upon (by the characters).
This book begins with Eileen's journey to Ireland, (then continuing) back to life in Vienna at court, bringing into light the history of the time period after the Seven Years War between France and Austria including (the early life of the young archduchess who would become known to history as) Marie Antoinette. This (second book in the Derrynane Saga) concludes with her second return to Ireland.
There are conflicts, especially within her family and the expectations, as well as religion and culture of the countries and time period. Surprisingly, much of the story seems to fit together as tightly as a puzzle.
Author Kevin O'Connell has based this Derrynane series on much of his own family history, mixing what could have logically happened into an historical fiction novel. Two Journeys Home is part of a wonderful epic-saga in the past of Ireland, Austria, and France. (c) Teri Davis for Midwest Book Review

About this edition

• Publisher: Gortcullinane Press, The
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 0997407611
• ISBN 13: 9780997407617
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 310