Shadow of a Century

By: Jean Grainger

Narrated by: Alana Kerr Collins

Length: 11 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's Summary

From the author of So Much Owed, winner of Authors Choice Best Historical Fiction Award 2016

A broken woman, New York, 2016. A fearless rebel, Dublin, 1916. And a gripping story that spans a century.

During a time of great upheaval and unrest in Ireland, as men and women run to take up arms against the tyranny and occupation of the British Empire, the lives of three women are forever altered and thereby inextricably linked over the span of a century.

Mary Doyle arrives in Dublin in 1913, doomed, she fears, to a life of domestic service. Instead, however, she finds herself deeply affected by the social and political turmoil of a fledgling nation struggling for independence. Suddenly, all that was once inevitable is no longer a certainty as she is embroiled in the very heart of the Easter Rising.

Scarlett O'Hara has had many hurdles to cross in her life, not least her name. A successful political correspondent, she finds herself at a crossroads when one error of judgement jeopardizes everything she has worked so hard to overcome and achieve. In the process of rebuilding her life, Scarlett faces the difficult and ultimate choice of starting all over again.

At 93 years old, Eileen Chiarello thought her time for adventure and wonder was over, before a chance meeting with Scarlett draws her back to Ireland, the land her parents fought for and loved so passionately. Now, at the end of her life, Eileen has the opportunity to fulfil a promise she never thought she could.

Historically sweeping and beautifully written, Shadow of a Century draws a circle around the Irish Rebellion and carefully traces the magnitude of its significance against the backdrop of three women's lives across history.

©2015 Jean Grainger (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Nice Story

It was an interesting book, with historical references. I enjoyed it. Somewhat predictable but, would recommend

1 person found this helpful

Wonderful book

This book was really good. The ending left you wondering what happens with the characters that were proud and strong from their past to the present. Definitely worth the read. It explains about Ireland's struggles and the women and men who fought for their independents.

1 person found this helpful

Good story, olnarrator too strident

I enjoyed the story though it was poorly integrated at the start. Narrator's voice irritated me by hitting the c above middle c for several syllables at the beginning of nearly every sentence.

1 person found this helpful

Shadow of a century

I really loved this book! The characters were strong and interesting. The story was amazing.

A wonderful novel

I couldn't stop listening. very exciting story from a women's point of view on the Easter Rising.

Great Historical Fiction

This is one of the best books I’ve read this year! I really enjoyed the split story - I enjoyed the characters- i enjoyed learning about some of the history of Ireland.
Definitely a must read gor someone who likes stories of history and other places!

Great Historical Fiction

I love learning history this way! I had known virtually nothing about this period of Irish history. The characters and their stories make it come alive! The audio recording was quite well done, and was especially helpful with the accents.

I'd give this a PG rating, due to some mild bad language and some violence.

Irish historical adventure/romance

I totally loved this story from beginning to end. Tells story of 1916 Easter Rising from a maid in a big Dublin house. All the names of the men and some women who were part of trying to free Ireland from English rule are here.
The high point to me was when they were in the GPO and fighting was all around them.
Secondary story is of an American journalist who meets an elderly woman connected to the Irish story.

Jean Grainger

Just found this author and I love her. I am working my way through all her books this was number 3. A good proper story with the background of real events. Great characters that you really care about. I will be straight onto the next one of hers today.