Leaving Ireland - (Gracelin O'Malley Trilogy) by Ann Moore (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

An Irish mother must flee her beloved homeland for a new life in America, in the "gripping" second novel of the acclaimed historical trilogy (Publishers Weekly).

Forced to flee Ireland, Gracelin O'Malley boards a coffin ship bound for America, taking her young daughter with her on the arduous transatlantic voyage. In New York, Gracelin struggles to adapt to a strange new world and to the harsh realities of immigrant life in a city teeming with crime, corruption, and anti-Irish prejudice. As she tries to make a life for herself and her daughter, she reunites with her brother, Sean . . . and a man she thought she'd never see again. When her friendship with a runaway slave sweeps her into the volatile abolitionist movement, Gracelin gains entrée to the drawing rooms of the wealthy and powerful. Still, the injustice all around her threatens the future of those she loves, and once again, she must do the unthinkable.

This sweeping novel of the Irish immigrant experience in 1840s America brings a long-ago world to vibrant life and continues a remarkable heroine's bold, dramatic journey through extraordinary times.

Review Quotes

"Gripping . . . The relentless drama of [Gracelin's] fight to survive, as well as the rich contextual details, make Moore's [second] effort as absorbing and accomplished as her first." --Publishers Weekly

"Moore blends romance and adventure. . . . Strong and likable characters and a well-paced story will make readers look forward to Gracelin's next appearance." --Booklist

"A deep action-packed historical novel that leaves the audience with a full five senses feeling for the 1840s." --Midwest Book Review

"Engaging characters . . . This well-researched saga presents a world filled with vivid sights, sounds, and smells . . . satisfying." --The Sun (Bremerton, Washington)

About the Author

Ann Moore was born in England and grew up in the Pacific Northwest region of Washington State. An award-winning author, Moore holds a master of arts from Western Washington University. Her trilogy of historical novels--Gracelin O'Malley, Leaving Ireland, and 'Til Morning Light--has been published internationally and enjoys a wide readership of enthusiastic fans. Moore and her family live in Bellingham, Washington.