First in the Irish Century historical fiction series, 1916: A Novel of the Irish Rebellion begins the saga of the Halloran family during Ireland's long struggle fror independence.

At age fifteen, Ned Halloran lost both of his parents--and almost his own life--when the Titanic sank. Determined to keep what little he has, he returns to his homeland of Ireland and enrolls at Saint Edna's school in Dublin. Saint Edna's headmaster is the renowned scholar and poet, Patrick Pearse--who is soon to gain greater fame as a rebel and patriot. Ned becomes deeply involved with the growing revolution . . . and the sacrifices it will demand.

Through Ned's eyes, Morgan Llywelyn's 1916 examines the Irish fight for freedom--inspired by poets and schoolteachers, fueled by a desperate desire for independence, and played out in the historic streets of Dublin against the background of World War I. It is a story of the brave men and heroic women who, for a few unforgettable days, managed to hold out against the might of the British Empire.

The Irish Century Novels

1916: A Novel of the Irish Rebellion

1921: The Great Novel of the Irish Civil War

1949: A Novel of the Irish Free State

1972: A Novel of Ireland's Unfinished Revolution

1999: A Novel of the Celtic Tiger and the Search for Peace

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Praise for this book

“The quintessential fictional account of the 1916 Rising. . . . What makes Llywelyn’s efforts so superior to most novelists of her careful annotated research and obvious love for not only her work, but also for Ireland.”—Ancient Order of Hibernians Newsletter



“Probably the most comprehensive fictional examination of Irish history ever attempted.” —Irish America

“A masterpiece is how best I can describe this latest novel from the pen of Morgan Llywelyn. . . . It is a difficult undertaking to get the facts right yet have a rip-roaring yarn. I think Morgan Llywelyn has succeeded in this and the book would stand scrutiny by critics and historians alike. A marvelous achievement.” —Republican News (Dublin)

“In Llywelyn’s skilled hands the lives of the fictional and real-life characters mesh as miscalculations, misjudgements, and betrayal lead inorexably to the firing squad… 1916 in an involving and enriching experience.” —The Edmonton Journal (Edmonton, AB)

“The politics and factionalism behind the Rising are a tangled web indeed, but Llywelyn unravels them skillfully. Even those who know the story well will be surprised and rewarded by the way she brings back to life a group of brave men who went nobly to their deaths.”—The Philadelphia Inquirer

“A timely and gripping novel. . . . The historical characters are woven into a masterful plot.” —The Irish Times

“Ms. Llywelyn’s work is known for its skillful blend of historical fact with interesting characters.” —The Richmond Times-Dispatch

“Llywelyn’s strength as a writer is to be found… in her ability to follow a course, sewing it seamlessly into what must have been a daunting array of historical notes. . . . She weaves the tapestry of her story with intelligence and skill, and gives us access to a period when the bullets flew and patriots gave their lives for the ideal of freedom, not knowing that from the ashes of their martyrdom “the right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland” would be acknowledged, and an Irish Republic would be born.” —San Diego Union-Tribune

“A colorful, highly imaginative rendering of the period surrounding 1916.” —The Gael

“Irish novelist and historian Llywelyn provides a fascinating account of the doomed 1916 Easter Rebellion. As fictional characters plot and fight alongside actual historical figures, the reader is swept up in both the glory and the tragedy of the doomed battle for Irish independence. . . . First-rate historical fiction that will appeal to anyone with an interest in Ireland’s tragic past.” —Booklist

“A great, rousing tale of rebellion, love and intrigue. . . . Llywelyn’s skill in bringing characters alive is her hallmark. Some strut, others lust, fear, die. . . or survive. Yet they all have a keen vibrancy that makes the Rising a reality for today’s readers. Llywelyn’s deft pen is a creative sword.” —The Irish American Post

I “The task of transforming the events of the 1916 Irish Rebellion into coherent fiction would terrify most writers. Llywelyn, however, has produced a thunderous, informative read that rises to the challenge. . . . Battle scenes are both accurate and compelling. The betrayals, slaughters and passions of the day are all splendidly depicted as Llywelyn delivers a blow-by-blow account of the rebellion and its immediate aftermath. The novel’s abundant footnotes should satisfy history buffs; its easy, gripping style will enthrall casual readers with what is Llywelyn’s best work yet.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Llywelyn is an effective re-evocator of the past, and in this book she has succeeded in capturing and vivifying one of the most critical moments in Ireland’s troubled history. Her story, which blends fact with fancy, has moments of great poignancy; and throughout it is pervaded by a delicately rendered sadness. The book opens slowly, almost lumberingly, but gradually, as with something seen through rippling water, the materials of artistry become fluid, the figures depicted come alive.” —The Library Journal

“Llywelyn tells her tale with gusto and a respect for the facts; a good deal of both bizarre and somber history shines through the fictional fustian of its likable characters.” —Kirkus Reviews




About the Author

Since 1980 Morgan Llywelyn has created an entire body of work chronicling the Celts and Ireland, from the earliest times to the present day. Her critically acclaimed novels, both of history and of mythology, have been translated into many languages. She is an Irish citizen and lives in Dublin.


Title: 1916 : A Novel of the Irish Rebellion
Author(s): Morgan Llywelyn
Volume: 1
ISBN: 9780312871406
Copyright 2010
Release Date: April 01, 2010
Publisher: Tor Publishing Group
Countries: United States, Canada | Learn more about available countries
Language: English
Format: ePub,mobi | Learn More about our supported formats
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