Needing a little bit of history, I
chose Lion of Ireland. What a great choice for multiple
reasons! First, the story takes place in
the late tenth century. It’s also
historically factual with a deep understanding of the characters and life at
that time.
Brian Boru, considered the greatest
king Ireland has ever known, fought in his mind and in reality between the urge
to be a great warrior and great lover.
Throughout the book, he proves himself
a great warrior in what we would now consider primitive manners. The clans of Ireland fought hand-to-hand with
axes, swords, and slingshots. Allies
were claimed and destroyed along the way.
Brian’s encounter with Fiona, his first
love, came from legend. She was a
druidess and helped him find his sensuality.
She randomly appears throughout his life with helpful follies. He’s enamored with his first wife,
Deidre. He treated her with love and
respect, yet many times left for his other passion, war and success.
Brian’s third wife, Gormlaith, wanted
to be part of his ruling kingdom. He
loved her and hated her.
I, as the reader, waited for an
appearance by Fiona and wondered what kind of effect she could bring from
him. I’ll keep that as a secret held by
the novel.
Llywelyn
mastered her telling
of Irish history with a story full of facts and poetic license. To make history joyful, interesting, and
intriguing to read makes her one of the best historians to write and keep the
reader intrigued right to the end of the story.
Happy
reading,
Dawn
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