Originally published in 1970 and newly reprinted, Troubles, the story of Ireland's fight for independence from 1919 - 1922, illuminates the attitudes and insensitivities which made revolution a necessity for the Irish people. Farrell also, however, focuses on the personal, human costs to the residential Anglo-Irish aristocracy as they find themselves being driven out of their "homes."

Edward Spencer, a conservative Protestant loyalist, runs a decaying 300-room hotel on the coast of County Wexford. Regarding himself as a benevolent landowner, he nevertheless demands total submission of his tenants and the signing of a loyalty oath to the King. His ironically named Majestic Hotel, lacking maintenance during the war and its aftermath, is now too costly to repair. When British Major Brendan Archer, newly released from hospital, arrives at the Majestic to reintroduce himself to his fiancée Angela, daughter of the proprietor, the reader quickly sees the Majestic as the symbol of a faded aristocracy which has outlived its usefulness. The windows are broken, the roof is leaking, and decorative gewgaws and balconies are hanging loosely, threatening to crash. Walls, floors, and even ceilings, are swelling and cracking from vegetation run wild, and the hotel's ironically named Imperial Bar is "boiling with cats," some of which live inside upholstered chairs and all of which subsist on a diet of rats and mice. Irish rebels live just outside the hotel's perimeter.

With wry humor and a formidable talent for description, Farrell conjures up nightmarish images of life in the hotel, selecting small, vivid details to make the larger thematic picture more real. Homely details enlarge his canvas and bring his symbolism home to the reader as the rebellion by the Irish poor continues to grow and affect life within the microcosm of the Majestic. The reader's feeling of claustrophobia and the need to escape builds, and one is not surprised when violence strikes.

By injecting small news stories throughout the narrative, Farrell informs the reader about the progress of the rebellion. He also sets up global parallels, widening his scope by reporting problems in India, South Africa, and other parts of the Empire, along with the Chicago Riots and the Bolshevist attacks in Kiev. Humor and sometimes satire leaven even the most emotional moments, and Farrell paints his characters with a broad brush which makes one constantly aware of their absurdity. Clearly delineating the emotional issues behind the drive for Irish independence, Farrell makes the reader see both sides with empathy. When Edward and the Major finally begin to shoot the Majestic's cats in preparation for a large ball, the reader is prepared for a final round of violence at the Majestic and almost welcomes it. Mary Whipple

Imagine Henry James collaborating with the macabre cartoonist Charles Addams, with a droller version of Joseph Heller serving as war consultant, and you begin to get an idea of the tone of this captivating novel. Through the first 100 pgs or so it can seem like nothing more than a well-written novel of manners covering familiar territory of upperclass, "the quality," holding on to pretense of gentility(though the discovery of a rotting sheep's head in nightstand drawer early on is a pretty good tip of what's to come), but stay with it because Farrell uses this potentially well-worn setting brilliantly to develop a bizarre but moving story that covers everything from unrequited love to political assassination to existentialism, all with a lyrical prose and bewitching tone that never raises its voice above that of bemused and befuddled exasperation. Farrell creates menace the old-fashioned way, by leaving much of it offstage, described after the fact or reported 2nd and 3rd hand, including newspaper clippings, a la Dos Passos, in the USA Trilogy, or by having it creep up on you unexpectedly like a cold draft from one of the many cracks and darkened, musty corners of the Majestic Hotel, where the ghosts are still alive but unable, or unwilling, to comprehend that the world as they knew it is inexorably disappearing one roof shingle, floor board, and beloved pet at a time. Farrell is masterful at lulling you into a false sense of security with a patient detailing of the minutiae of domestic life in the hotel -- the petty jealousies among the ancient "guests" (who really have no where else to go); the dedication to dull routine and tradition to fill up empty hours -- before reminding you with a stealthy jerk just when you're about to doze off after tea time that violence laps at the gates and untended gardens of the Majestic as inevitably as the ocean tides some of the resentful locals use for revenge against those who oppose their rebellion. For all the vivid eccentricity of the other characters, it is Major Brendan Archer, British gentleman of wealth and traumatized WWI veteran (though Farrell, again, skillfully reminds of his war experiences only when you least expect it), who best reveals the confusion and frustration of attempting to reclaim a former world gone corrupt and obselete, and move into a new world without sacrificing the values and codes that once served him so well. That is his dilemma, and it is part of Farrell's brilliance that he never offers his main character, or his audience, any pat answers. Instead, Archer stumbles his way trough this chaotic, crumbling life with an outdated sense of honor and duty he knows has become futile but can't figure out how to replace. If all this sounds a bit heavy, fear not, for if you like your humor on the dark side, this book is filled with marvelous moments, including a gala ballroom scene that would make Flaubert applaud. (And you'll never look at your cat the same way after reading the conflagration scene!) My only criticism is that the political views of some characters tend to sound, at times, not always, like set speeches intended to provide audience with summaries of Irish nationalism and British imperialism in the 20s, but that may be only because I've read much of this history elsewhere, and so it sounded a bit canned. For readers unfamiliar with the period, however, this dialogue may prove helpful, (and keep in mind that Farrell wrote this novel some 50 years after the events, when most American readers would not have such knowledge). Near the end of the novel, one character, when all seems to be falling apart, observes, "All this fuss, it's all fuss about nothing. We're here for awhile and then we're gone. People are insubstantial. They never last at all." While this morose thought may sum up one of Farrell's themes, rest assured that his characters are anything but "insubstantial" and that this superb novel should last a long time, even longer than it takes the Majestic Hotel to fall apart.

This novel predates Farrell's Booker Prize-winning novel The Siege of Krishnapur by several years, but it's nearly as good. Set during "the Troubles" in Ireland in the early 1920s, it tells the story of a failing resort hotel, run by a dotty Anglo-Irish family, as seen through the eyes of a veteran of World War I, a shell-shocked British major. Most of violence of the Irish Rebellion takes place offstage, as the family scheme and intrigue against each other, and as the Major hopelessly woos an ironic Irish girl. Troubles is one of those rare books with a successful central metaphor: the hotel itself--leaking, nearly empty, infested with cats--standing in for the decaying Anglo-Irish ascendancy, as forces the Anglo-Irish barely understand creep in from outside to destroy their way of life. Nabokov was a big influence on Farrell, and the prose is elegant and clear-eyed and compassionate all at once. The book is funny, slyly satirical, suspenseful, and even a bit rueful for the loss of this silly way of life. Troubles is a wonderful book.

I thoght this book was really good. Joan Lingard wasn't afraid to show you what things are really like. All in all it was EXCELLENT.

By John Pears Cleveden Secondary Glasgow Scotland.(Oban Drive Campus)

I'm still giving this 5 stars, though Across the Barricades was better. It was really good the way they become friends at the end.

What I enjoyed about this book was that it shows no matter how different people they can get along. Kevin and Sadie became friends in the end.

Ulster's White Negroes is an exellent book for all interested in political conflict and social issues. It is writtten from someone who had first hand knowledge and had actually participated in the political process of Northern Ireland. It is a very quick read that will spark your interest in the subject.

In Ulster's White Negroes: From Civil Rights to Insurrection, Fionnbarra Ódochartaigh presents a balanced and insightful account of the social, economic and political conditions that ultimately led to the current conflict. Based on his own experiences and those of others, he describes conditions in Derry and throughout the North between 1967 and 1972. In this book, he gives detailed accounts of events occurring through the initial development of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Movement, to calls for fair employment and housing practices. Ódochartaigh continues through the Internment period and concludes with the events of Bloody Sunday. After both of these, nothing would ever be the same again. Most important is his description of the initial seeds of the struggle that are all to often forgotten: political indifference, bigotry, British/Unionist elitism and the economic deprivation of Catholic communities throughout the North of Ireland.

This analysis highlights the often forgotten fact that the conflict began as peaceful acts of resistance and nonviolent civil protest, not as acts of revolution. While providing detailed descriptions of human right violations and sectarian violence, this book highlights the often overlooked and everyday conditions that impacted Catholics communities: poor housing opportunities, few chances for employment and a system biased against improving the social and economic conditions of Catholics. This framed the origins of the conflict in a more identifiable light. The events that took place are more the result of everyday social and economic conditions, than they are of age-old symbolism and struggle. Due to Unionist/British responses to a legitimate and justified call for equal rights, the conditions that led to the current struggle were born out of necessity, rather than radical design. One can only wonder what could have been if these protests had been met with constructive debate and responsible political action instead of RUC and British troop deployments.

Ulster's White Negroes: From Civil Rights to Insurrection should be required reading for anyone interested in the origins and evolution of the Troubles. Those interested in the achievement of peace with justice in the North of Ireland owe it to themselves to read this account and understand the events of those early days in Derry and Belfast. This is particularly true for those outside of Ireland, who are often presented with misleading representations of the historical basis for the current struggle. In light of events currently taking place, recognition of the basis for the Northern Ireland Civil Rights movement and the corresponding response by British/Unionist forces, will prove valuable in understanding the problems facing the current peace process.

Ulster's White Negroes sent me back into the throes of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement in the 70's, when I was there - as Fionnbarra's book brought clear realization to me that Northern Ireland was "there" also. Poignant, to the point, ultra emotional and yet on a lighter side - the humor of internment. What a grand author, and what more could any reader wish than to be put into a space of the "real" past. Thank you Fionnbarra. I can't wait to "relive" with your next venture! Chara, Roisin

The autobiography of Dervla Murphy's first 30 years was given to my mother in 1981. I picked it up from the bookshelf and read it, inheriting it after my mother's death in 1982. Along with "Jules and Jim" by Henri-Pierre Roche, it has endured as one of my most treasured possessions. Dervla's philosophy of life and her witty, accurate observations are infused always with primitive, glowing truth, and beautifully expressed. I sometimes find myself spontaneously recalling certain phrases from the book when the occasion elicits it. I have been inspired by this book for my whole adult life, and I wish I knew her personally. I really respond to her concept of life. If you're a thoughtful, aware reader you'll probably feel the same way.

I loved this book. Dervla Murphy had a very unusual childhood, but through it all the burning desire to travel and to write carried her on. She succeded spectacularly in both and her adventures shared with us in books are treasures. This book gives some insight to the circumstances that shaped her life. That she prevailed over such difficult times is a tribute to her spirit. That she found peace and love is a joy.

I loved this book. I got addicted to Dervla Murphy books a few years ago and find her travels around the world fascinating. She is clearly an unconventional person and this book gives the details of her unconventional childhood. She was an only child with a crippled mother. She left school early to help look after her. As a child she loved reading and made her decision to cycle to India from Ireland at a very young age. In this book she is brutally honest, from her childhood daydreams of the teddy bear tree to her alcoholism as an adult. I felt I understood this amazing women better having read this book and I would recommend it to anybody as a great and emotional read.

Characters that seem real and believable. A story that works out the characters' problems in due course without forcing actions on them. And it was sheer pleasure to read a book set in Ireland that didn't make everyone in it out to be dark, dirty, horrible, mean, or viscious. Too many of such books that I've read - whether fiction or nonfiction - seem to want all of the Irish, especially the clergy and religious, to be nothing but bad news.

Alice Taylor has outdone herself again. This book retains your interest at all times and it is very hard to put down till you are done. You need not be of Irish heritage to enjoy this book. Once you start, you cannot stop!

the characters in this story are well-developed. events are well-paced and not rushed but Taylor doesn't include any unnecessary details. one is drawn into the lives of this people in this beautiful Irish village/town without being subjected by sappiness or overemotion.

Not the same-old, same-old wordy, dry and painful Coogan we've come to know and expect. Concise, succinct and absolutely brilliant. Some of his very finest work details the events surrounding the events of the 1916 rising. This is really a must read and in the current hard cover addition a must-have for any serious student/collector of the troubles. An investment that will no doubt pay dividends.

This book is a to the point informative guide to the events leading up to and during the Insurection. It is non partison for the most part and also talks about modern develpments on events in Ireland. I think this is a great book for anyone who wants a basic knowledge of the Easter Rebellion.

1949, the third book in Morgan Llywelyn's series about 20th Century Ireland ( I am told there will be two more) is a compelling story of Ireland's continued struggle for complete independence from British rule, and for those who have been anxiously awaiting for this story, I can assure you, you will not be disappointed.

Ursula, aka Precious, was found wandering the streets of Dublin as a toddler by Ned Halloran, who readers of 1916 and 1921 will remember. Her parentage a question, Ned was taken in by Ned and his wife, Sile, and raised as their own.

1949 is Ursula's story. It opens in the early days of the Irish Free State and ends with the forming of the Republic in 1949. We follow Ursula as she leaves Neds family farm in County Clare at the urging of Henry and Ella Mooney (who readers will also remember from 1916 and 1921). Henry wouldn't let Ella use any of her family's money to help support their family but does agree for her to pay for Ursula's education at an exclusive private school in Switzerland.

When Ursula returns to Ireland she secures a job at the new radio station, helping write copy (but never allowed to be on the air herself). Through her eyes we see the continued political struggle in Ireland and her view of world events in the days before the second world war.

Ursula has vowed never to marry, in large part due to new laws in Ireland against married women working outside the home. Nevertheless, she is very attractive to the opposite sex and to two men in particular - Finbar Cassidy, an Irish government official whose political views frequently clash with her own, and Lewis Baines, a dashing young English pilot whose conquests of beautiful women have become legendary.

Morgan Llywelyn, whose knowledge of Irish politics and history is really unequalled in historical fiction written today, liberally adds historical facts and events to add depth and interest but never detracting from the overall story.

I can't remember when I have looked forward to a book more. Readers of 1916 and 1921 will enjoy visits with characters important in those books including Henry and Ella Mooney, Ned Halloran, and Ned's family in County Clare. Llywelyn's stories appeal to a wide variety of readers and my husband and daughter, both of whom have read 1916 and 1921, were fighting over who was going to get to read 1949 when I finished.

Assuming this was the last in the series the author started with 1916, it was truly a great finish. The main character in this book was the best of all her characters, and the way she interweaves the fictional plot with real events is just amazing. Through reading this series, the reader learns a tremendous amount of interesting history, and also will meet unforgettable fictional characters. To anyone interested in Irish history, and/or just a series of good books, I would recommend reading 1916, 1921 and most definitely 1949, preferably one after the other, because there are so many recurring characters that they may become hard to remember if one of the arlier books was read too long ago.

I purchased this calendar last year and not only did I enjoy it, but my entire family as well as visitors really enjoyed the pictures. It's a full size wall calendar with one large picture on the top fold and small pictures on each day as well on the bottom fold. Also the daily blocks are plenty large enough to write appointments for the day. Each month depicts an area in Ireland, then each little picture is a small shot of different places in the main area. I loved the calendar so much last year that I just purchased the one for this year -- I got it and it's every bit as beautiful as the one from last year! Buy it, you will be glad you did!

I have bought an Ireland calendar every year for the past six years. I always get one for my grandmother and usually one for me. This is the best calendar out there. There is almost one photo per each day highlighting each county. There are some truly beautiful photos. I also like that there is plenty if space to write appointments and such in the large boxes beneath each date. I highly reccommend this calendar - it's well worth it's cost.

This was the book we used most when traveling around Ireland in 2001. We found it had just the right amount of information, not too much, not too little. It is designed for at-a-glance reading, with a convenient spiral binding and color maps on both end flaps. Each part of Ireland gets a "in 3 days" list of must-see attractions, well illustrated with color photographs, followed by a list of "at your leisure" activities for those who have more time or particular interests. Hotels, B&Bs and restaurants are included for each region, though these lists are limited. Then there is a section on "practicalities" - money, how to use phones, etc..., and even some history is thrown in. We found that this book helped us get around without having to wade through a lot of extraneous text. We plan to use it again this year to see the rest of Ireland.

After purchasing several guide books to Ireland, I went back for another look. This spiral guide jumped out at me...and it was exactly what I need for all of the information needed for my trip to Ireland. It begins with "arriving at the airport" and continues with "your first two hours". The suggested itineraries are in terms of "one day, tow day...etc". Without knowing exactly how far each site it from another...it would be impossible to map out my trip. The photos are superb..suggested hotels, B & B's, pubs.....it is all there. Every time I buy a new travel guide...these spiral guides will be the ones I will order. Thanks for finally coming up with the perfect guide!

Mr. Ireland presents a biblically sound and well-balanced book on how to be activated in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. This book is not spiritual fluff but offers a sound theology on how God manifests His grace through the believer. I especially enjoyed Mr. Ireland discussion on the redemptive nature and purpose of the Gift's of the Spirit. A must get book for any believer's library.

I really enjoyed Mr. Ireland's discussion of soveriegn acts, acts of grace and co-laboring with God. Though the bible speaks of the Gifts in the book of Acts, I think it is a subject that is looked upon as something that "holy rollers" do. Mr. Ireland explains what the different gifts are and how God gives these gifts to all of his children. It helped me to see the gifts not as something scary or strange, but as something wonderful and to be used for the glory of God.