The Girls of Ennismore, Patricia Falvey
The Girls of Ennismore, Patricia Falvey
2 Rating(s)
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The Girls of Ennismore

Author: Patricia Falvey

Narrator: Alana Kerr Collins

Unabridged: 13 hr 11 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/28/2017


Synopsis

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.

About Patricia Falvey

Patricia Falvey is the author of The Yellow House and The Linen Queen. Born and raised in Ireland, she currently lives in Dallas, Texas.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Deanne

This book was really intense for me. So much going on here. This book is no lightweight! This book is based on what the author experienced growing up in Ireland and stories she heard from relatives about working "at the big house". The book takes place in the early 20th century in Ireland. Rosie,cros......more

Goodreads review by Kellie

4.8 shinning stars from me!! " I hope The Girls Of Ennismore will not only preserve memories of the way things were, but will imbue readers with an appreciation of the courage and passion with which the people of Mayo, despite their status,faced the challenge of a changing Ireland." - Patricia Falv......more

Goodreads review by Teresa

This is a block buster type novel. It is set in Ireland over the course of the years from 1906 to just after World War 1. The main characters are Victoria, the daughter of the Big House and Rosie, the girl she picks for her friend who is the daughter of a tenant farmer of said house. I would also cla......more

3.75 Stars Very reminiscent of Downton Abbey but taking place in Ireland this novel centers heavily on class distinction between the servants and the gentry of the grand home Ennismore. With a large cast of characters to add to the storyline there is also romance, drama and scandal set right before......more