11.10.09

1916

Posted in Action Suspense, Historical Fiction at 6:48 am by Easley Wayne

1916        by  Morgan Llywelyn

In 1916 Morgan Llywelyn provides us with a rousing view of  the Irish uprising of 1916.  Llywelyn’s novel is historical fiction with emphasis upon the fiction.   Morgan’s characters are fresh and real and she relates the events leading to the uprising from multiple perspectives.  I do recommend this novel, but it is not her best.

1916 centers upon the life of Edward Joseph (Ned) Halloran, a poor boy from county Clare, who loses both of his parents on the Titanic.   His relatives enroll him in an Irish school in Dublin, which provides the opportunity for an education and access to numerous Irish revolutionary  leaders.  The fictional character, Ned, becomes the vehicle by which Llywelyn provides a view into the activities of the Irish nationalistic movement.


Beginning with his schooling, Ned encounters most of the vital characters of the Irish independence.  He becomes close friends of many of the key persons.   So we meet, and come to know major figures in Irish history such as: Padraic Pearse, Thomas Clarke, Thomas MacDonagh, and Joseph Plunkett.  We gain an acquaintanceship with James Connolly, Eamonn Ceannt, Eamon de Valera, and Constance Markievicz.  After reading 1916,  these heroes of Irish history are now friends.


This is a detailed historical approach.  1916 has vivid battle scenes, reveals intimate relationships of friends, and pictures the grief and oppression of poverty.  Llywelyn presents many significant details of daily living so that we may understand the society of Dublin and Ireland.  Through Ned’s activities we learn the Irish culture and the seeds of resistance to Great Britain.  With Ned’s help we come to dislike the English military, and the political domination of Ireland.  With Ned we begin to understand the deprivation of imperialism upon the people.


Unfortunately, the great emphasis upon Ned, his sister, and his girlfriend, detract from the novel.  The sinking of the Titanic, an affair between a fictional priest and a fictional lady, and Ned’s growing love for a prostitute , were unnecessary distractions.  At 521 pages this is a lengthy book.  I believe the story would be better told through the eyes of an impartial observer, like a newspaper reporter.  To me this would put the emphasis upon the historical characters and events, which need no enhancement.

I have read two other books by Morgan Llywelyn (Bard, Red Branch), this is not her best.  I recommend this novel for its excellent portrayal of history.