Red Hugh

By Deborah Lisson

In 1857 the old Irish clans struggled desperately to hold on to their lands against Queen Elizabeth, who also had the Spanish Armada to worry about. Could this be Hugh O'Donnell's opportunity to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0862786045
• ISBN13: 9780862786045
• Release Date: July 2001
• Publisher: The O'Brien Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.5" x 0.8" x 5.0"
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 5 and higher

Customer Reviews

Interesting historical fiction

It is 1587, and the English are seeking to tighten their grip on Ireland. Ulster is particularly troublesome to the English, and the clans there have been slow to provide hostages to be held against their "good behavior." So, to rein in the powerful O'Donnell clan, the English kidnap young Hugh Roe (Red Hugh) O'Donnell, son of the clan's chief. And so begins Hugh's sojourn among the English, where his mistreatment teaches him that peace between the English and Irish is simply not possible.This book is a well-written piece of historical fiction. The author has plainly done a good deal of research, and has provided a wonderful look into late-sixteenth century Ireland. Her Irish characters speak with the modern Irish brogue, but since they didn't speak English at all, it was a nice way to maintain the "Irishness" of the characters.Now, as the summary above points out, Deborah Lisson's English characters are all painted as ruthless, domineering blackguards whom you would *not* want to meet in a dark alley. This did strike me as going a little too far. However, I must say that my own reading of history suggests that the Elizabethans treated their politics as a blood sport. Also, from what I can tell, the facts of Hugh O'Donnell's life do actually support this narrative.So, if you are interested in the life of one the giants of Irish history, or if you are just interested in a really good read, then I highly recommend this book to you.