This is the first book I have read about the American Civil War which made it quite unique for me. I enjoyed reading and learning about a time in history that was unfamiliar to me and how it affected Irish history. It was the perfect book to curl up with over the winter.

A very interesting book. I loved the combination of the struggles of Ireland and the Civil War. The characters tell a beautiful story!

In Donegal, Ireland, forty-four Derryveagh families were cruelly evicted from their ancestral homes in 1861 by their landlord, John Adair. Madden tells the story of the Conaghan family. Declan became the head of his family a decade earlier when, at the age of ten, he found his father’s body in the ditch by the road – a victim of the Great Famine. With the help of his uncle Liam in America, Declan was able to scrape together his annual rent and provide a meager existence for his mother, sister, and brother Michael. Adair’s relationship with his tenants was contentious. Their impoverished homes were a blight on his stunning views of Lough Veagh, and their livestock would wander onto his grounds. Their presence hindered his vision of building a Balmoral-like castle. The murder of his land steward increased tensions. Convinced his tenants had knowledge of the murderer and because of their silence, he moved to evict them all, leaving them at the side of the road, destined for the workhouse or to emigrate.

The dreaded workhouse is the family’s only option until Declan receives a letter from his uncle Liam. There will be war between the States, and the wages he could earn appear to be the answer for the Conaghan family. Declan and Michael leave for America to join the Union army. Declan is motivated by revenge to someday return to Ireland and murder Adair.

This is a propulsive read. The real-life Adair is accurately portrayed in Madden’s telling of a heartbreaking time in Irish history. The cruelty and selfishness when he sent in his ‘crowbar brigade’ to flatten all the homes on his land are unprecedented. Glenveagh castle, built on the deserted land, stands today as a reminder of Adair’s cruelty, resulting in the displacement, deaths, and dispersal of these vulnerable Irish tenants.

Historical Novels Review, February 2024

You won't want to put this one down.

Perfect for anyone who loves and emotional deep dive with a historical setting. This one is going to have you staying up late at night.

I learned much from this book about The Great Famine and The Civil War. It is a beautifully written saga and is a story that will stay with me a long time.
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Set in 1860’s Ireland and America, The Wilderness Way is an epic story of unimaginable pain, loss suffering, cruelty and death. Central to the story is Declan Conaghan, a mason by trade, who is eking out a living with his mother Mairead and younger twin siblings Michael and Clara on their tiny Donegal potato farm. Declan is clearly old beyond his years, having stepped up to care for his family after his father starved to death during the great famine ten years earlier. Having been educated by the local Catholic priest, he’s able to read and even knows some Latin. I admired him enormously as I watched his story unfold through the hardship of losing his family home, facing the appalling workhouse conditions and then emigrating to America to fight in the Civil War, where he faced even worse hardship, loss and suffering. Parallel to Declan’s journey, we watch his greedy landlord John Adair undergo his own journey, driven by delusions of grandeur and the desire for more and more land. Amidst the hardship, there are glimmers of a kinder, gentler world and it is this kindness and generosity of spirit that ultimately helps Declan to heal. I found this book quite confronting at times as the author doesn’t spare any blushes when describing the deprivation of the poorhouse or the horrors of war. If blood and gore is not your thing then you’d probably be advised to read a different story, but I do think that the horrors that are so vividly depicted help to add balance and interest. For a glimpse into an aspect of history about which I knew very little, I found this book fascinating.

Anne Madden weaves a beautiful historical fiction that takes place in Ireland and the United States during 1861. Declan Conaghan faces hard times when the new landlord, John Adair, causes problems for Declan and his family. Desperate to keep his mother and sister out of the workhouse Declan and his brother Michael cross the Atlantic to fight for pay in the United States Civil War.
First, I want to give Madden huge props for her research. Even though it is a work of fiction it was obvious the subject matter is important to her. Her descriptions of the settings of the book are gorgeous and I really enjoyed reading them. The characters were interesting and I was able to understand and connect with them even when they were making choices I didn't agree with. I live in the US, and close to Gettysburg, so I know all about the Civil War. Reading The Wilderness Way gave me a perspective of the war I haven't read before. I found it especially interesting since Declan knew so little about US politics.
Something that happens after Declan returns to Ireland is the reason that I'm rating this 4 stars instead of 5. Even so, I highly recommend The Wilderness Way to anyone that likes historical fiction. I also think people that don't usually read historical fiction would enjoy this read because so much more to Declan's story than just retelling history.

A big thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book.

Historical fiction heavy on historical events and factual consequences. Famine and poverty walked hand in hand through Ireland in the early 1860's. Many families found thenselves evicted, making terrible conditions worse. THE WILDERNESS WAY features a young man who escapes poverty and death with his family by emigrating to the United States to fight in the Civil War. Trading a life on the edge of death by starvation or disease to one on the edge of death in battle. The story is very well told. Events and dates are factual, I researched many of them. Anne Madden obviously spent the time to insure her story will shake the foundations of what you thought you knew. One of the reviews called it EPIC. I'd have to agree.

Many books have been written on the plight of the Irish immigrants and this book recounts that same story of famine , poverty, heartless landlords , and war. The setting of Donegal , the harsh treatment of landlords, the voyage to America, the bleakness of the workhouses, the brutality of war are all depicted vividly in this family’s story. The love of ones’ family and homeland is a predominant theme . Amongst the many struggles in this book there were characters who showed compassion and bravery.

This is a really good book about an Irish guy who takes on the care of his family when his father dies because he promised to keep his family out of the work house when they get a new landlord who is an ogre and looks for ways to cause them trouble he eventually evict them causing the brother Declan and younger brother Michael to go to America in search of their uncle Liam and sign up to fight in the Civil War. this was a great book about family. I love historical fiction and although this wasn’t mystery nor a thriller I still found it interesting especially with Declan after he came back from the war this was just so good there’s so much I would love to say but it would give too much away just know if you love literary fiction especially historical you’ll definitely love this one it was so good it is set in the 1800s right after the potato famine which is what is the died of just make sure you have Kleenex and time to spend reading this book. I want to thank the publisher and Net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for this eCopy to review

The Wilderness Way was an epic historical novel following 2 brothers as they are evicted from their tenancy in Donegal and ending up in the work house. To help save their mother and sister they travel to America to meet their Uncle and end up fighting for the Union in the American Civil War. Declan becomes a hero after trying to to save his general, but loses his hand with a faulty grenade and is captured by the confederates. He is freed and recovers but feels intense grief and guilt about the death of his brother in the Battle of the Wilderness.

He eventually returns home, and marries the girl his brother wanted to marry and puts his plan to kill Adair (the Landlord who evicted them) into motion.

An intense exploration of loss, grief, revenge and redemption

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Anne Madden for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Wilderness Way coming out December 7, 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I have read a few series about the Civil War. It’s one of my favorite topics. One of the series I read, had talked about the Irish serving in the war. I had thought that they were already living here and decided to serve. I didn’t realize there were stories of Irish men coming over to specifically fight in the war. So that was really interesting to me. The idea of men fighting for a new country. This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I thought she covered a lot of different topics and it was very well written. There were a couple storylines I didn’t care for as much and the ending wasn’t what I was expecting, but I loved the book overall. The backstory about the book is really interesting as well.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books about the Civil War!

When affluent John Adair becomes the landlord at Glenveagh, the tenants soon prove to be a thorn in his flesh. He blames them for missing sheep and feels their cottages mar an otherwise perfect view across his land. When his steward James Murray is murdered and the culprit not found, John decides to invoke an old law which entitles him to hold the community responsible for Murray's death and evict everyone of them. The destruction which follows causes brothers Declan and Michael Conaghan to seek their fortunes across the Atlantic, enabling them to find work and send money home. Once in New York they are reunited with their uncle, Liam, who persuades them to join the Union army to fight.

Anne Madden has taken true life characters and woven an unforgettable story of brotherly love, family struggles and revenge against a backdrop of the mid-1800s. It's a story of poverty, tyranny and the horrors of war. Central to the story is Declan Conaghan's determination to kill the man who has caused all this misery..

This has to be another of my 'best reads' for 2023 and I have given it a well deserved 5 stars. What is good to know is that this is the beginning of a series, so I look forward to the next chapter!

My thanks to Harper Collins, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Wilderness Way in exchange for an honest review.

This felt like an epic family saga. It starts out slow and kinda sad. It was more interesting from mid book until the end.

Beginning with the aftermath of the Famine years in Ireland and then moving on to America and the Civil War, this book is packed with historical information. Although the main part is fictional, it is based on a real story.
The years in Ireland tell of the brutality and cruelty of the English landlords towards their tenants who were trying to eke out a living on a barren land. Declan Conaghan made a vow to look after his mother sister and brother after their father died in the Famine. They're just about managing when the new landlord, Adair, arrives. He's an abysmal character and I wanted him to get his comeuppance all through the book. Eventually Declan and his brother Michael have to emigrate and they end up fighting in the American Civil War which is also hell on earth. In time Declan goes back to Ireland. When he lands in Derry something happens which didn't ring true for me and also there are consequences from the episode.
There is a lot happening in the story all the time. I learned a lot about the American Civil War. If I have one complaint, it's that it was emotionally a bit flat. The Famine is a big part of our history in Ireland because of the devastation it caused families and the land and that didn't come across for me.
However, it's an excellent read and I have to mention the absolutely gorgeous cover.

Many thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.

It looks as if I am very much in the minority, but I’m sorry to say this novel didn’t work for me at all.

Inspired by actual events, it was clear to see the author did quite a lot of research. Learning that Airde and the awful events of the evictions had actually happened was horrifying and heartbreaking. But those emotions didn’t quite come across when reading the actual story. A saga should sweep you up and carry you off, have the reader entirely invested in the lives of the characters and the things they go through. I unfortunately didn’t get that at all.

I thought the first part in Ireland was too long, especially because what happened next wasn’t a secret. By the time I reached the second part, I had already lost interest. The Wilderness Way lacks a connection to the characters, depth and emotion. This tale of greed, poverty, war and trying to turn your life around had lots of potential but for me, it unfortunately never delivered.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

The book takes place in Donegal, Ireland, and the United States in 1861.

The main character, Declan Conaghan, is a tenant-soldier who receives a missive offering his family a fresh start upon his father's passing.

The story follows Declan as he strives to take care of his mother and siblings. The families struggles follow them from Ireland through their immigration to America and the days following.

It is full of heartache, poverty and pain. It is a gripping realistic tale.

Highly recommend.

The Wilderness Way by Anne Madden is a remarkable historical fiction book that takes place in 1861 Donegal, Ireland, and the United States. The story revolves around Declan Conaghan, a tenant-soldier who receives a letter that offers him a chance at a fresh start and hope for his family following his father's passing. This gripping narrative showcases a vivid setting, authentic dialogue, well-rounded characters, and a captivating plot. Through the alternating perspectives of Declan Conaghan and John Adair, the landlord-owner, we witness the struggle between two opposing worlds: poverty and wealth, victim and ruler, revenge and redemption.

Declan Conaghan, our courageous protagonist, is a devoted son who solemnly promises to care for his mother, sister, and brother in the wake of his father's demise. Although it has been a decade since the Great Famine, the scars from that tragic period are still deeply ingrained in the collective memory. Unfortunately, history tends to repeat itself, and similar events unfold, including home evictions, forced emigration, and the dreaded life in the workhouse. Despite their faithful rent payments, Declan's family, like many others, finds themselves homeless and destitute. Driven by despair and anger, Declan receives a letter from his uncle in America, inviting him to join the fight for Lincoln in the US army. Eager to provide for his family and escape the harsh reality, he embraces the opportunity and sets sail for a new life.

As the story progresses, Declan finds his uncle, enlists in the army, and embarks on a long and arduous journey. The years that follow (1861-1865) witness the devastating Civil War, marked by unimaginable loss and heartbreak. However, amid the chaos, Declan encounters Cornelia, the compassionate and understanding daughter of a renowned general. She recognizes his bravery and commitment to her father and husband's cause, weaving a bond that lingers even when they part ways. Surprisingly, their paths cross back in Ireland, leading to an unexpected union. Cornelia becomes an incredibly likable character, radiating warmth and genuine concern for the less fortunate. Her unwavering dedication to bridging the gap between the rich and poor, using her privilege for good, and healing broken families is truly inspiring.

In addition to its engaging characters and compelling storyline, The Wilderness Way delves into profound themes of revenge, salvation, and faith. The book invites readers to witness the human pursuit of purpose and redemption amidst a backdrop of historical events, such as the haunting Great Famine.

The Wilderness Way is a heartfelt and captivating historical fiction novel that transports readers through time and across continents. Through its well-crafted narrative, we are immersed in the personal trials and triumphs of Declan Conaghan and the entwined paths of two worlds in pursuit of healing and salvation. With its warm and relatable tone, vivid descriptions, and deeply human characters, this book is a true gem that will resonate with readers who seek a personal connection to history and a tale of resilience and compassion.

This is a well-written, gritty, and dramatic novel that teaches us about the past of a variety of locations that we may visit now and view in a new light. The author appears to have put her heart and soul into this work, and she conducted excellent research.

This is a fantastic historical fiction narrative that I wholeheartedly recommend!

I didn't know if I was going to like The Wilderness Way, but I do enjoy historical fiction. Before reading this book I only had a vague understanding of what types of events triggered the Irish emigrations to America. We seldom hear much about the immigrants who were drafted into or volunteered to fight in the Civil War. Anne Madden makes that history come alive through the story of one community torn apart by the selfish greed of a wealthy landlord. People are scattered, livelihoods are ruined, some people die and the reader is left hoping they will somehow find a way to rebuild and survive.

I really enjoyed reading The Wilderness Way. The story is well-written with good pacing and lots of interesting details about the people and places. Thank you Net Galley and Anne Madden for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Declan Conaghan’s father died in the Great Irish Famine ten years ago, since he’s has kept his promise, to look after his mother, brother and sister and keep them out of the workhouse. His family live in a cottage near Gartan, in Donegal, they eke out an existence building and repairing dry stone walls, digging turf and growing tatties.

When their new landlord arrives at his estate Glenveagh, John Adair immediately causes problems with his tenants, he wants to change to way they have lived for decades, he has grand plans of building his own castle, and he uses the law and evicts them.

Declan receives a letter from his uncle Liam in America, he offers the brothers a chance to leave Ireland and they would be able to send money home to help their mother and sister. The American Civil War has just begun, the Union army needs recruits, Declan and Michael board a ship to America, they join the 104th New York Volunteer Regiment and it’s lead by Major General Wadsworth. The brothers know nothing about American politics, they think slavery is wrong, and soon they are fighting in one of the bloodiest wars in history, in places like Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and back to Chancellorsville for the second time.

I received a copy of The Wilderness Way by Anne Madden from HarperCollins UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The historical saga takes you from the beautiful green mountains, glens and woods of Donegal, Ireland, to America the land of opportunity and the two Conaghan brother’s see a lot of it as infantry soldiers fighting for the Union army. Many Irish men fought for both sides during the American Civil War, it provided an escape from poverty, being fed, clothed and paid, led to them joining up in droves and it was an adventure.

The narrative is based around true facts, people, places and events, John Adair was the hated landlord at Glenveagh, it’s now part of a national park and his castle is a tourist attraction. A story about greed, duty, family and what two men were willing to endure to provide for their mother and sister, war, dedication, wanting revenge and justice.

Full of fascinating details, especially about an unsolved murder, the “Derryveagh Evictions”, the battles of the Civil War and how this effected the brothers and their entire regiment. Fours stars from me, I highly recommend this book and it's released on the 7th of December 2023.