The Irishman’s Daughter

In this powerful historical saga, Alexander (The Taster) explores how Ireland’s Great Potato Famine of 1845 mercilessly changed lives forever, and how love can blossom against even the greatest of odds. Briana Walsh is satisfied with her life as the daughter of an impoverished but happy estate agent in Carrowteige, County Mayo, Ireland, even if her governess sister Lucinda (whose employer owns the estate) isn’t. In love with Rory Caulfield, a poor but honorable farmer, Briana hopes to marry and settle nearby—until the blight that destroys the main source of nutrition for most Irish, driving many to emigrate and, for numerous who stay, death by starvation. Irish tenants who can’t pay rent are ruthlessly driven from their homes by British landowners, and the New World of America has treachery of its own, as a married and pregnant Briana learns when she makes the journey to Boston, with Rory expected to follow. Alexander’s research lends unquestionable weight to the story, which is by turns tragic and hope-filled. Accompanied by an expertly rendered plot, bold and empathetic characters, and prose that jumps off the page, this tale will particularly satisfy fans of historicals and those looking for stories about the redeeming grace of faith and hard work. [em](Mar.) [/em]