1972: A Novel of Ireland's Unfinished Revolution (Irish Century)

By Morgan Llywelyn

Book Overview

The Irish Century series is the narrative of the epic struggle of the Irish people for independence through the tumultuous twentieth century. Morgan Llywelyn's magisterial multi-novel chronicle of that story began with "1916," continued in "1921" and "1949" and now continues with "1972." In "1972," Morgan Llywelyn tells the story of Ireland from 1950-1972 as seen through the eyes of young Barry Halloran, son and grandson of Irish revolutionaries. Northern Ireland has become a running sore, poisoning life on both sides of the Irish border. Following family tradition, at eighteen Barry joins the Irish Republican Army to help complete what he sees as 'the unfinished revolution'. But things are no longer as clear cut as they once were. His first experience of violence in Northern Ireland shocks and disturbs him. Yet he has found a sense of family in the Army which is hard to give up. He makes a partial break by becoming a photographer, visually documenting events in the north rather than physically taking part in them. An unhappy early love affair is followed by a tempestuous relationship with Barbara Kavanagh, a professional singer from America. Events lead Barry into a totally different life from the one he expected, yet his allegiance to the ideal of a thirty-two county Irish republic remains undimmed as the problems, and the violence, of Northern Ireland escalate. Then Barry finds himself in the middle of the most horrific event of all: Bloody Sunday in Derry, 1972.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312878575
• ISBN13: 9780312878573
• Release Date: February 2005
• Publisher: Forge Books
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.1" x 1.2" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Absolutely wonderful series

I've read all four books in this series and counting down the days for the next one. They are all so good, it's almost impossible to lay the books down until you finish. She has done an awesome job in her research of historical facts which make them that much more enjoyable. "1949" in particular is a good history refresher course for things we have forgotten since our high school world history classes. Hurry and get the next one ready to be purchased!!

Excellent read

Another success by Morgan Llywelyn. If you've become as addicted as I have to the other books in her Irish Century series, you won't want to miss this one!

Superb saga

I have just finished reading the Irish century series up to date within the past few months, and 1972 is just another link in a fine chain on novels by Llywelyn. From the first book (1916) with a young Ned Halloran all they way up to Ned's grandson Barry in her latest masterpiece 1972, Llywelyn tells the story of the Republican movement from the Easter rising to Bloody Sunday. It's amazing how in 1972, she is able to approach all angles of the Troubles in Ireland. From the facture of IRA and the emergence of Ian Paisley and the Provos Llywelyn takes the confusion out and shows the futility of Irish politics. These books have brought to light a heritage that I have never been aware of and that has escaped my family over the generations. I would recomend this book to everyone with an ounce of Irish blood or anyone interested in the troubled history of modern Ireland. I can't wait for her next installment in the Irish Century series.

Read It and Weep

An excellent book in many respects. I witheld the fifth star only because there is so much straight history that some readers might get restive. A good read and a interesting and informative look inside the IRA and a sad retelling of the British atrocities that are rarely made public. Looking forward to her next book which will complete her retelling of Eire's struggles for independence and reunification.