The Girls of Ennismore

By: Patricia Falvey

Narrated by: Alana Kerr Collins

Length: 13 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Set in Ireland during the turbulent early 20th century, Patricia Falvey's sweeping novel explores an unlikely friendship between two girls of vastly different backgrounds, as each tries to overcome the barriers set by class and birthright...

On a June morning in 1900, Rosie Killeen crosses the road that divides her family's County Mayo farm from the estate of Lord and Lady Ennis, and makes her way to the "big house" for the first time. Barely eight years old, Rosie joins the throng of servants preparing for the arrival of Queen Victoria. But while the royal visit is a coup for Ennismore, a chance meeting on the grounds proves even more momentous for Rosie.

Victoria Bell, Lord and Lady Ennis's young daughter, is desperately lonely. Though the children of the gentry seldom fraternize with locals, Lord Ennis arranges for Rosie to join in Victoria's school lessons. For Rosie, the opportunity is exhilarating yet isolating. Victoria's governess and aunt, Lady Louisa, objects to teaching a peasant girl. The other servants resent Rosie's escape from the drudgery of life below stairs. Bright, strong-willed Rosie finds herself caught between her own people and the rarefied air of Ennismore - especially as she grows closer to Victoria's older brother, Valentine.

As they near womanhood, the girls' friendship is interrupted. Victoria is bound for a coming out season in Dublin, and Rosie must find a way to support her family. But Ireland is changing too. The country's struggle for Home Rule, the outbreak of the Great War, and a looming Easter rebellion in Dublin all herald a new era. Not even Ennismore can escape unscathed. And for Rosie, family loyalty, love, friendship and patriotism will collide in life-changing ways, leading her through heartbreak and loss in search of her own triumphant independence.

©2017 Patricia Falvey (P)2017 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Bad narration

This narrator ruined the book. As compared to the excellent narration of the the first two books this womans narration was awful. She reads every sentence the same way with the same intonation until it feels like its a metronome. She never engages the reader she is just something to be gotten through and endure.

An epic story

This is an epic story about the friendship of two women throughput their lives. I really enjoyed listening to it.

Entertaining!

I liked the unexpected twists and turns. Enjoyed multiple story lines playing out at the same time. Narrator did an awesome job.

Emotional

I love all British and Irish books! Maybe because I was born in England & lived in Ireland?

Anyway a quick review. The narrator had a great accent on both sides, so it was great listening. I loved the characters but I had one problem in particular, at times I was trying to remember who was who, were they a serve to, or not. That sort of threw me off.

And because I don't give spoilers I still won't here..you'll have to trust me on this one. It was full of love, hate, anger, betrayal yet at the same time I couldn't put it down! One thing...I wish I could of kicked a few "arsses" because their were plenty to be kicked!

Loved it!!!

I enjoyed every minute of this book! So much history which I appreciate! The narration was wonderful. I will read everything this author has written.

Historical fiction at it's best

The characters are richly developed. The time period and geographic areas described in detail. I have been in this area of Mayo and in Dublin. The characters of Ennismore ring true.

Loved this book on Irish history

The writing is beautiful. The imagery exquisite. I loved the characters, as flawed as they were. Ms. Falvey portrayed both sides of Ireland struggle for freedom with grace and without bias. Loved the ending, but don’t want to give it away. Five stars for sure.

Girls of Ennismore

This held my interest thru out and could indeed picture the characters. Enjoyed the audible .

great story- great reader!

Really enjoyed this book! I liked the characters and i likes the development over time- their maturation. Great Read!

Excellent story!

I was quickly drawn into this Irish story. The characters were so real, that they seemed like fast friends.