Review: Very real characters and emotions
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 3, 2014
Rose of Skibbereen (first in the series) was an engaging and emotional ride through the late 1800's to the turn of the new century. It was very interesting seeing the love, romance, hopes, turmoil, and challenges that these characters went through from around age sixteen to 35. We open with Rose, a young beautiful girl who is set to sail to America the next morning and leave Ireland behind. Her reason for leaving is to help her family and send them money because they are enduring struggles they cannot beat on their own. She also realizes she is looking forward to adventure. What she didn't realize is Sean McCarthy, a young handsome boy would give her adventure moments before she leaves for America and she would not be able to get him out of her head for years until they randomly bump into each other again in America. It seems fate had a plan for them...or maybe not.This book starts with hope and promise of a new world, new future, love, and more. However, soon, as with real life, things being to unravel, life changes for better and for worse, and it's a constant battle between the ever changing relationships and the ever changing world in America - a world of new inventions - a new age.I felt the writing in this book was very well done. John uses great imagery, the dailogue and voice of the characters are strong and consistent throughout. The emotion portrayed was very strong, and each character was distinct from one another.When the first of the series ended, I did not realize immediately it was only book one and I was shocked. How was it over? Nothing was resolved - we were only getting started! Then of course I realized I just finished book one of the series, so PHEW. These characters and situations are built very well and the readers become invested and want to see it through to the end...or at least a resolution. Though I realize book one is only book one, I did wish there was more of a slight resolution - so I suggest reading the entire series as if it is one long book!Everything about this book is very real, even if it's historical fiction. The problems, the events, the emotions, the people - they are vivid and true to life and that is what makes this writing great!I would recommend this title to a variety of readers.I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I did not receive any further compensation.