Tread Softly On My Dreams

By Gretta Curran Browne

Book Overview

WINNER OF READERS' FAVORITE GOLD MEDAL AWARDAN EPIC NOVEL FROM IRELAND'S PAST
"We were taught nothing about Ireland or its history in school, and when I learned of our part in that struggle I felt shame. I think the whole world should know about young men like Tone and Robert Emmet. Oscar-winning Actor, COLIN FIRTH, Sunday Times Magazine
The Emmets are Protestants, belonging to the elite society of Ireland's ruling class. Born in 1778, Robert Emmet, the youngest son of the State Physician of Ireland, has grown up in the heart of a prosperous and loving family, one of the most respected in Dublin city. From his parents he acquired a deep love of Ireland and a commitment to justice. From his brother Thomas he acquired an understanding of the divisions and inequalities of his country.In the historic year of 1798 Robert's life changed from its charted course to one of rebellion. A brilliant student at Trinity, he casts aside all hopes of a scientific career, all the privileges of his class, to join the United Irishmen - a society dedicated to the union of Protestant and Catholic. But the men in Dublin Castle determined on the continuance of English rule, force him to flee to France. But even as his boat sails away from his beloved homeland, he looks back and knows he will return - to the cause of his country's liberty, and to the beautiful girl he has fallen in love with, Sarah Curran, the daughter of Ireland's most talented lawyer.He returns - and meets Anne Devlin, a passionate and brave Catholic country girl, who becomes his most devoted companion.Set against the background of the beauty of Ireland, the dark clouds of its past, as well as the humour and dreams of its people, this is a passionate and powerful true story of three young people, Robert Emmet, Anne Devlin, and Sarah Curran, drawn together in love, in hope, and tragedy.
"Although I started off thinking this would be a love story, an incredible tale of political corruption also began to unfold."THE IRISH TIMES.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1912598205
• ISBN13: 9781912598205
• Release Date: March 2018
• Publisher: Gretta Curran Browne
• Length: 406 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Wow!

Inspired by genealogical research that led me to find such a direct line to Scotland and Ireland in my family, I had decided to learn more about the history of both countries. As William Wallace's inner strength and noble acts were brought across in Mel Gibson's movie, "Braveheart," Gretta Curran Browne has done admirable honor to Robert Emmet, a hero no less strong and noble. This book reads like an engaging historical movie that does stay true to actual events in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Your time will not be wasted with this reading.

Best novel about Ireland I've ever read

"Tread Softly on my Dreams" is the best novel about Ireland that I've read--and I've read many. (Of course Morgan Llywelyn's novels are outstanding, but this even beats them.) Like another reviewer, I came to this book accidentally. What a find! The writing is good, the story is wonderful and parts of the book just shine. Robert Emmet's plea from the dock during his trial brings a lump to the throat of all of us with Irish blood. There's a great mixture of fact and fiction. This is one of those books that inspires you to go to non-fiction to find out what really happened. In my opinion that should be the goal of all historical fiction writers. If you like historical fiction and especially if you are in love with Ireland like I am, you must read this book.

Couldn't put it down

This is probably the best book I have ever read. It has all the history of the story with a very personal human touch. I have never been so emotionally moved while reading a book, especially at the ending.

Absolutely brilliant-emotional, gripping & tense

This book was one of the most enjoyable but extremely moving books that I have ever read. Robert Emmet was a wonderful man with a passion and dream as great as any Irishman had for Ireland. This was set during a very troubled time of Irelands history that gave me a great understanding of Irish history. Gretta Curran Browne spent fours years researching for this book and all I can say is that I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Absolutely brilliant! A great read, I couldn't put it down.

I discovered this book by accident, and could not put it down. The writing is superb and the story gripping. I can't understand why a book like this is not in the bestsellers. It humanises a period in Irish history that appeals to everyone of all nationalities, and although a novel, it is so authentic in its feel and fact and language which makes it even more exciting. I thought the title was a bit romantic, because really the book is a political thriller.