Erin's Children

Oh, how I enjoyed this book! The 1850s era is a remarkable one to read and learn about and The Great Famine (or The Hunger as in this book) is central here. Before reading the author's notes it was clear that her heart, soul and a lot of research and knowledge went into this. Some historical fiction books make scant historical references but this...this is full of them at every turn, yet not in a patronizing way, which captured my heart! I allowed myself to melt into the book today, utterly.

Two sisters, Meg and Kathleen, leave Ireland in abject poverty in desperation for better lives in America. They had barely just survived The Hunger. Many didn't. Both girls, hard workers, gain employment in America, starting from the bottom with similar tasks but very different employers. We follow them as they navigate their daily duties, employers' families, social and cultural differences and mores, weather, their relationships and their faith. Unexpected mysteries swirl around, too. Through brutal tragedies, detestable people and and joy, the author threads hope and heartwarming love. That is what tugged at me most. The book conveys such tenderness and gentleness despite of circumstances and cruelty. The girls remained steadfast. I also like that the author drew on real events.

Historical Fiction readers will adore this sweet well-written book. It's very believable. The level of historical detail is marvelous! Several storylines reveal wonderful surprises, better than biting into premium chocolates.

My sincere thank you to BWL Publishing, Inc., Eileen O'Finlan and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this beautiful, beautiful book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.

#Erins Children # Netgally. I Very much have enjoyed this book. It was set in 1850's during the Great Hunger. Two sisters Meg and Kathleen leave Ireland where the Great Hunger and poverty is . They travel to America work in fancy homes as maids sending money back home .

ERIN'S CHILDREN by Eileen O'Finlan

A long family saga revolving around the eldest daughter Margaret (Meg) O'Conner Quinn who has managed to escape from the Great Potato Famine in the middle 1800s. She came to America by ship and became a live-in domestic, working for a kind family and sent money back to Ireland to her mum, siblings, and her husband Rory.

Meg eventually saved enough money for her sister Kathleen to immigrate to America. Kathleen excelled as a cook, back home in Ireland, they only had a small room for her entire family, no bathroom or kitchen or beds. She was amazed at the splendor of the Americans. She couldn't believe how much they wasted, every single day.

I enjoyed the book, it was refreshing, to get a take on the Famine along with the racism and religious persecution faced by the hordes of Irish escaping from the hunger after watching many of their family members starve to death before their very eyes.

This book is one in a series, but I never did understand who Erin was. It is a standalone book.

The Irish were told over and over, NO IRISH NEED TO APPLY. Many Americans were prejudiced against the Irish, making them do the worst jobs and paying them a pittance.

Much gratitude to #netgalley for the complimentary copy of #erinschildren I was under no obligation to post a review.