Rhode Island Books

Interesting book and a good story. I could identify with the areas and type of people, but it was not proofread well enough (4 spelling errors is a lot for a book of this size). The "language" in it seemed forced and it would have been a better book without it for sure.

Rick Koster of The New London Day called Roberta's Woods "a love letter to Rhode Island and a way of life that might be vanishing," and I'd agree with that assessment. An energy crisis in the year 2013 has the state of Rhode Island trying to force everyone to live in a ring around Providence. But some of the Swamp Yankees in South County refuse to give up their homes and land, and as their oil and gas supplies dwindle and the lights go out their independent way of living is put to a test. With the price of gas hitting $4 a gallon this book could not be more timely. Add Cotter's wonderful characterization of Swamp Yankees and this book is a great read.

Read this book and you'll remember it every time you fill up your car with gas. It's a bit of a love story, a bit of a mystery, but it is also a prescient look at southern New England at a time that may not be far off, when the oil begins to run out. This clever premise is the backdrop for a page-turning story of the struggles of an old Rhode Island family facing not only the challenges of a new world order, but some of its own long hidden demons that are finally rising to the surface. Cotter has a wonderful sense of the past and future and bridges them beautifully in a story that will keep you spellbound to the surprising end. It might also make you appreciate even $4 a gallon gas.

I'm not typically drawn to "women's fiction," as Betty Cotter's ROBERTA'S WOODS is categorized -- but this well written book is much more than genre fiction. The story is at heart about a family coming together in difficult times, but there are so many intriguing elements that Cotter weaves effortlessly: the futuristic, big-brotherness of an energy crisis, a historical romance, a mystery -- and even slight hints of supernatural. In lesser hands, such plotting would probably cave in under the weight of its own ambition, but Cotter pulls it off wonderfully.

It's easy to try and label this novel chick lit, because it involves a woman, but its so much more than that. It's almost like a historical novel set in the future. A gas crisis a few years down the road (made very real by the nation's current situation) has forced people to revert back to many old fashioned ways, as power outages and the lack of cars make modern life pretty difficult. But on top of that there is a mystery built in here, as Roberta of the title returns to her family home and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. I enjoyed this book, and I found myself turning pages to find out what was going to happen next. Great characters and an action-packed ending made it an engrossing read.

The most basic of human frailties are embodied in a single person, the title character, Luco Parisi. Giannini explores Luco in depth -- his greed, his craving for vengeance, his uncontrollable lust, the ease with which he can betray -- and the extent to which others are affected by the consequences of his amorality. So blinded and preoccupied is Luco with his self-serving pursuits, he is unaware until it is too late that he has incurred the wrath of two very diverse individuals. One, a gangland boss, wants the return of his ill-gotten money and will stop at nothing to get it. The other, Vince Bonetta, is the antithesis of Luco. Vince's sense of values and morality clash with Luco's at every level. Vince is driven not by money, but by a sense of honor and loyalty to old friends that can be satisfied only by exacting just and total retribution from Luco.

Giannini's telling of this story is interwoven with human emotion -- pathos, love, fury, greed, humor -- and told through characters who come vividly alive with dialogue that is compelling and memorable.

It's hard to believe that The Aberration is his first novel. I look forward eagerly to the release of his next work, The Third Wire.

A fast paced story that encompasses the actual behind the scenes workings of a banking organization which the author uses as a background. The author, Al Giannini, is obviously a many faceted individual who appears to be knowledgeable in a multitude of subjects which he succeeds in blending into the novel. He knows his way around boardrooms, golf links, airplanes, yachts and DEFINITELY BEDROOMS!

A very readable tale that holds ones interest throughout the entire book. Highly recommended for a pleasant reading experience!

So you think your money is safe in your local Bank?

I think Mr. G does a masterful job of weaving truth and fiction in his book, The Aberration. His handling of the RI bank crisis covered the tragic and humorous parts in a highly compelling manner.

As a third generation Italian American, I enjoyed the interaction of the Italian characters in the book. This book held my interest throughout, and I eagerly highly recommend it to all lovers of fiction with a factual back ground.

Business felt more personal with a smaller banking institution. But the collapse of Everyman USA's financial mainstay in 1991 Rhode Island proved otherwise. The Aberration will pull you into the actual, surreal and unreal horror hundreds of thousands of Rhode Islanders faced less than a decade ago. In the tradition of Grisham and Ludlum, this astoundingly readable book will keep you page-turning well past your bedtime. Mr. Giannini's fabric of fact and fiction, imagination and research is a compelling and admirable work.

I suspect that my conclusions regarding this book have to do with dreams and realisms of immigrant forefathers versus the greed and lewedness of a wayward son. The sinister plot unravels itself almost immediately corrupting Mickey and endangering the financial success of Phil not to mention an entire banking institution. How can a son born of a father so loving go so wrong?

Mr. Giannini writes in a skillful dynamic fashion using colorful, descriptive phraseology. He involves places, times, and sequences necessary for continuity and clarity.

All too often one finds a way to continue the story of the pages one has read coming to the conclusion of one's choice. I have done that with this book....coming to my own conclusion regarding the presence of Luco. I look forward, therefore, to a sequel to The Aberration and for Luco to discern his very self.

Mark Arsenault has written a cleverly plotted noir featuring Billy Povich, 40, a Providence (RI) newspaper obituary writer, who has a serious gambling addiction. His wife has dumped him and he's almost hit rock bottom when she dies in a car crash with her new boyfriend, a cop. Billy plots his revenge on the cop when a jury summons arrives in the mail. Between taking care of his seven-year-old precocious son, Bo, and dodging leg breakers wanting their money, Billy sits on the jury of a prisoner accused of murder. This noir's strengths are a heady pace, sharp plot twists, and full-fledged characters remindful of John D. MacDonald.

First Sentence: "That ain't piss down my pants, thought the old convict."

Billy Povich has lost his wife to an automobile accident and his job to gambling. Now he and his seven-year-old son are living in a small apartment with his elderly father. Billy plans for one big win to get out of debt and to kill the man driving the car in wife was in when she was killed. Martin J. Smothers is a defense attorney his newest case is to defend Peter Shadd, an escaped con who is on trial for murdering a fellow escapee. The trial is going badly; there are only two jurors who think Shadd is innocent. One is Billy and the other is suddenly dead.

Arsenault is a very good writer. He takes his experience as a newspaper journalist and editor and provides us with very human characters who captured my interest from the start. These are people you can see and know and with them comes humor and pathos arising from situations rather than "the joke." I particularly enjoyed his ability to have really two primary protagonists and weave them together but without having them directly interact until the very end. The plots and subplots were interesting and each worked. I've enjoyed his previous works and he is now on my auto-buy list. Highly recommended.

Mark Arsenault has a winner in Grave Writer. Billy Povich was an award winning investigative reporter until his world fell apart. His ex-wife was killed in an auto accident. Even though they had been divorced for 5 years Billy still thought of her as his wife. He is now in way over his head with gambling debts and now rather than being a leading reporter he writes obits for the paper where he was once an ace reporter.

Billy gets called for jury duty and is placed on a murder case. It is supposed to be very cut and dried. Judging on circumstantial evidence it should be an easy conviction. Billy and one other juror, Alec, think that there is more to this crime than the circumstantial evidence.
Then mid-trial Alec supposedly commits suicide. Billy's investigative instinct was kicking in before that but Alec's unexpected death clinched it. Billy does what he does naturally to find out what the truth is about the two deaths.

The tension and suspense start at the beginning and continue throughout Grave Writer.
Between Billy's past demons and his current situation which is precarious as a juror, the story is very intense. The characters have real flaws, worries and problems making them very real.

I haven't read any books by Mark Arsenault in the past but I definitely plan to read all that he has written. It would be great to see the character of Billy Povich move on to other things using his natural intuitive instinct.

What can be said of a book like this? If you are in a hurry, it is relatively short, 272 pages; the characters are well developed; the story line is innovative, although a little hard to follow at times. It is not a "Can't put it down," novel, but they can't all be. It is a gritty, unadorned novel worthy of praise by those who love this genre.

Arsenault's third book is pure entertainment and very informative to those who are not aware of the overall crime picture and the present legal system in the U.S.

The title is taken from the protagonist's occupation, that of an obituary writer in a Providence, RI newspaper. Billy Povitch has dropped from the upper echelons of reporting down to this level because he would rather spend his time on betting on horse races and sports events than reporting.

Prior to the story's beginning; he has lost his wife to divorce, and to death in a car crash. He is now living with his son and father in rather meager circumstances.

Povich is called to jury duty on a murder/prison escape trial and the
excitement begins. One convict is dead after a prison escape and the two other convicts are in court testifying against each other.

The author expertly covers the prosecuting attorney whose conduct mirrors a District Attorney presently in the news. These prosecutors have their eye on higher office and God help anyone who comes into their jurisdiction. As the trial continues, the story becomes more compelling and on occasion, confusing.

Mark Arsenault is a very accomplished author, and reporter, presently
writing for the Providence (RI) Journal and is an obvious example of the old adage for authors, "Write about what you know."

Armchair Interviews says: Lots of excitement.

In Providence, Rhode Island Daily Pen obit writer Billy Povich knows his gambling habit has cost him plenty. His wife Angie left him before she died in a car accident; he feels grief and guilt as he shares a residence with his father and his son. He owes loan sharks plenty that a busted leg or knee cap will not come close to paying off his gambling debt. Feeling helpless, he plots to kill retired cop Charles Maddox, who he blames for Angie's death as he drove the police car involved in the deadly accident that claimed her life.

However, Billy is sidetracked from his murderous musings when he is called to serve as a juror on the homicide trial of Peter Shadd, who allegedly killed criminal Garrett Nickel when they escaped prison together. Politically motivated Assistant District Attorney General Ethan Dillingham has a perfect case against Shadd until defense attorney Martin Smothers begins poking tiny holes in it. Billy starts questioning whether Shadd is being set up, but is stunned when the only other doubting juror falls to his death and someone stalks him as if he is next.

Combining humor with an urban noir, Mark Arsenault provides readers with a delightful legal thriller mostly from the perspective of a juror whose personal problems seem overwhelming as demons own his mind. The story line is action-packed once Billy begins to believe Shadd, a punk who he believes deserves the worst, might be innocent of this particular crime and never slows down as the hero assumes he is targeted for death by those who want to insure Shadd is convicted. Readers will enjoy this fine twisting Rhode Island thriller.

Harriet Klausner

Before more spectacular criminal trials, such as that of OJ Simpson, captured the nation's emotions, the von Bulow case was the criminal case on which more conflicting opinions were launched than on even really important matters of national interest. Dershowitz has his own opinions obviously (doesn't he always?), but here he is remarkably evenhanded, even though he is, was and remains the appellate advocate in the von Bulow case.
His narrative of the events, personalities and relationships in the case is very illuminating and relevant. If one is still interested in this old case, this book should be read. If one has strong opinions on the case, this book must be read.

A true to life story involving the Rhode Island couple Martha "Sunny" von Bülow and her husband Claus von Bülow whowas accused of injecting her with insulin, sending her straight into a coma. We were made to understand that Claus did this so that he could marry his mistress Alexandra Isles; a soap opera actress.

But in this worth while reading book by Alan M. Dershowitz, Claus final attorney, new evidence is introduced which is quite surprising as this case's conclusion take on a different twist. Most of the things that were hidden from the jury and the state are now brought to light; mouths that were clamped shut are opened now, and people who did not have a thing to do or say in the first trial are coming out of the woodwork.

Reversal of Fortune is filled with photographs which will enlighten you as to who is who in this family and those who helped with the case.
This book is a must for those who like true crime; as it promises to be very entertaining and makes for interesting reading.
PS....to this day August 31st 2003, Sunny von Bülow still lies in a coma.

This book rates highly for two reasons. One is that it presents the Von Bulow case, from the first trial to the appellate process to the not guilty verdict with an excitingly clear point of view. Dershowitz makes no attempt to hide his own awe and sometimes disdain of the life of the Newport rich. This first hand view is as honest a look at the case as it is the Rhode Island justice system. This is the second reason. I am neither from the US nor a lawyer and I was never lost for a minute. Dershowitz must be a treat to his students, as he is to his readers who only know about the Von Bulow trials from what they saw on television. His style of writing is simple and explanatory without being heavy-handed. All the excitement about the entire case is brought to vivid life and what's more, he is in the almost unique position to know, and reveal, incidents that were unable to be released to the public during the second trial. Amazing incidents are recounted with simpilcity that do not detract from their fantastic nature. Often, I wondered if I was reading a piece of fiction. But the author never lets you think that for long. His own frustrations, caution, humour, tensions and thrills are all felt by the reader as if he were a close observer. Despite his brutally honest tone, he makes a human being of Claus von Bulow, almost a likeable man, dreadfully afraid for his life and not his reputation. Von Bulow's attitude, actions and demenaour not only wins over Dershowitz, but the reader as well. His vulnerablity is treated with courtesy by Dershowitz, whose own personality is revealed without large doses of ego. He never forgets to thank his assistants (some of which are his own students) for their contributions. Never does the author allow legalese to cloud the book, instead he tells a good, clear story that can work for the reader looking for a good book to curl up with or the law student wanting to read a good case study without falling asleep over boring writing.

One of the best written, most interesting books I have ever read. So different from the watered down-hollywoodized movie version. 5 Stars for Mr. Dershowitz. No matter what your view towards this case, it is worth reading.

Those who remember the Von Bulow trial will remember the strong arguments for and against his guilt, but even if you have never heard of him, you should read this book. Dershowitz lays out the case from beginng to end. Its best asset is a clear and concise presentation that tells the story well without wasting words. As we learn the story we are taught about legal procedures and the strategy lawyers use to win cases. Dershowitz is very realistic about the law and is very honest about the system. The book was an entertaining education.

While there is a lot of interesting information in this book, much of it is redundant and repetitious, while the presentation leaves a lot to be desired. In the end this is the story of two brothers who spent their lives on opposite sides of the slavery issue. Moses who originally was involved with the outfitting of ships that went to Africa, later became a Quaker and a fighter for the end of slavery and the slave trade.

John Brown spent a lifetime cheating everyone he could, lying and cheating everyone he came in contact with (including his family). But Rappleye never calls him to task. Prior to the outbreak of the American Revolution, John instigated the burning of a British man-of-war. He was arrested and sent to Boston for trial. Moses went to Boston and was able to secure John's release on the promise that John would stay out of politics. John never did and just went on his merry way. During the war he built privateers which he armed with his cannons from is foundry, but delayed the launch of a Continental Frigate in Boston by constantly delaying delivery of canon he had promised.

During the war John was very happy to deal with the Continental Congress but did all he could to charge outrageous prices on goods he sold to both the Continental Army and Navy. After the war he convinced the Congress to buy a ship that he had built that never sailed well and was called 'the worst ship in North America'. During most of his life he continued to invest in ships that dealt with the slave trade while constantly promising that he would stop. While a member of the US Congress he was able to get Bristol RI declared a separate 'Revenue District' so that his friends could continue to pursue the Slave Trade after it was outlawed by the Congress and the State of Rhode Island.

His brother Moses worked for twenty-five years for manumission of all slaves in RI, but could never convince John to do the same. So John was not cantakerous, he was crooked and Moses was a fool for always expecting his brother to live up to his promises. When John died, he left an estate of over $250,000, but he also left debts of over $150,000.

Zeb Kantrowitz

This is the best kind of popular history book. The author has used the tensions within the rising Brown family to highlight the tensions within the rising colonies. Rhode Island is the perfect panorama for a story like this, the home of individual rights and abolition in America, yet built on the proceeds of slavery, rum and piracy.

the north caused and profitted from slavery more than history books tell. this fabulous story shows two brothers who embodied the american quest for liberty while confronting the great question that still haunts our country today. incredible circumstances find the battle between abolition and slavery contained in one family, and details how the north defended slavery during the birth of our nation.

The tiny State of Rhode Island certainly played a significant role during the American Revolution. Few recall that when Roger Williams established Rhode Island in 1644 it was for all practical purposes the first practicing democratic state since the fall of Athens. Rhode Islanders were an exceptionally independent lot. The burning of the two masted British schooner "Gaspee" in June of 1772 by a group of leading citizens of the colony essentially struck the first blow in the nations quest for independence. In "Sons of Providence" author Charles Rappleye recalls the historic events that were unfolding in Rhode Island in those years and focuses on two brothers, John and Moses Brown, who would find themselves on opposite sides of so many of the important questions of their day. It is a compelling story.
Until recently I never realized how important the issue of the slave trade was as the nations march toward independence proceeded. It seems slavery was a highly emotional issue even in the 1770's and 1780's. John and Moses Brown along with brothers James and Nicholas were members of one of the most prominent families in colonial Providence. The Brown family was involved in all manner of commerce and in 1765 they made the decision to enter the slave trade. And so it was that they outfitted a ship they christened "Sally" to make the voyage. In "Sons of Providence" you will discover why the slave trade was such a controversial and dirty business. If you have never read about the conditions that existed on these ships then you are sure to be horrified. It turns out that roughly half the slaves that were picked up on the West Coast of Africa died during the return voyage.
In any event, in the years following the "Sally" debacle John Brown and his brother Moses would pursue entirely different paths. John was first and foremost a businessman and lobbied for laws and policies favorable to the merchant class. For the rest of his life John Brown would continue to oppose any measures that would outlaw slavery and restict commerce in any way. Moses Brown on the other hand would renounce his Baptist heritage (his great grandfather Chad Brown was the first pastor of the First Baptist Church in America)and become a Quaker. Quakers were among the earliest and most vocal opponents of slavery and the simple Quaker lifestyle held much appeal for Moses Brown. Moses Brown would divest himself of much of his fortune and become one of the leading abolitionists of his day.
Although John and Moses Brown would continue to collaborate on a number of projects over the next quarter century they would nonetheless find themselves on opposite sides of any number of important issues.
In his extraordinary book "John Adams" author David McCullough
gets much of his source material from the voluminous letters between John and Abigail Adams. Likewise, much of the material for "Sons of Providence" appears to be culled from letters between John and Moses Brown. As such this book provides tremendous insight into the thought processes of those on both sides of so many of the important issues of that era.
"Sons of Providence" is exceptionally well-written and meticulously researched. This is a must read for history buffs and a great choice for general readers as well. Highly recommended!

uncovers what the history books have been trying to hide. america almost ended slavery at the very begining

I'm a sailor, not a fisherman, but by the end of the first chapter I was hooked by this book. Small in size, but huge in meaning, the book connected me to the blackness of night, the beauty of dawn at sea and the kind of foothold I have in this vast natural world. Rowan does this with the reporter's voice. It's matter-of-fact, down to earth and not difficult to grasp. He tells the hows and whys of fishing. He shows us Block Island up close--offering us both its natural beauty and the range of islander stories. He knows his history. Even Ben Franklin plays a minor (but significant) role.

Good stuff. Great book! Thanks, Mr. Rowan, for sharing your passion and wisdom with us.

Roy Rowan's a Surfcaster's Quest is a poetic portrait of a sport (or is it a religion? asks Rowan) that fascinates and informs while running a gamut of emotions from awe of that fierce and gallant adversary, the striped bass, to the joys of this solitary pursuit that creates so much peace of mind for its practitioners. You feel the salt spray in your face and your powerlessness as you wade along with the author into a surging sea and, in my case, you can't put down this delightful book until you've reeled in the last page.

Roy Rowan's Surfcaster's Quest lives up to the effusive praise it's lacquered with. Though it's contents didn't quite stun me, after staying up all night to finish it, I was left with a smile on my face and sweet dreams ahead. Dreams of tackling the surf; battling the fierce fish with whom I compete.

While Rowan's early experiences occupy some of the indelible pages of this masterpiece, he also makes sure to touch upon human feelings, history, and literary reportage--the last of which looms large because so many other good writers enjoyed angling and successfully expatiated on it. However, he goes further than crummy writers like the envious, yet egotistic, William DOC Muller who concentrates mostly on his own bible of Surf Fishing while casting all others out as bogus nonsense. Rowan, rather, embraces the notion that Surf Fishing is something special to each individual who wades into the ocean hoping to catch the prize fish. He accepts and champions the fact that the beauty each man/woman sees in the religion may be unique, seperate.

All the while his thoughts jump from fishing itself to larger matters--philosophical meditation on nature or personal reflections. Throughout, he manages the difficult trick of simultaneously celebrating both fish and fisher, nature and humanity. Best of all is his lyrical prose, supported by dry wit and simple eloquence.

This book is a must read for all Surfcasting enthusiasts. In fact, I recommend this book to any and everyone who enjoys the sound of waves lapping against the shore.

Dull ruminations on fishing off Block Island by a privileged yet simple man gone poetic.

Roy put into words what most Surf Fisherman feel. I have already recommended this book to two friends who now will try surf fishing. I even enlisted my wife to accompany me on a trip to Block Island. Thanks Roy for this wonderful look into a place that is free for the taking.

I recently started fly fishing again, and was somewhat new to the northeast, and this book had a lot of great information about where go, what hatches are common, parking and access, overall a great buy!

Book is OK, but it does not give enough specific information about trout fishing locations. It will mention rivers or ponds, but does not tell you how to get to them or where there is parking available to access them.

In Trout Streams Of Southern New England, native New Englander and experienced angler Tom Fuller presents a trout fisherman's guide to the streams, rivers, lakes and ponds in southern New England with all of their variety and fertility sustaining trout year-round. Trout Streams Of Southern New England features 27 maps of the major watersheds, complete access directions, up-to-date information on regulations and stream conditions, recommended patterns to match the hatches, hatch charts and fly recipes. Trout Streams Of Southern New England is informative, practical, and a terrific guide for fly fishing day trips, weekends, or extended vacations.

I was quite pleased with this book. I live in New York State and wanted to expand my fishing into Southern and Western Connecticut. Using the "high level maps" I was quickly able to determine some other areas to fish besides the Housatonic and the Farmington River. More importantly, I caught some fish on my first day out after reading this book. (I must have been lucky as I have returned twice to the same spot with no bites). The guide gives useful written directions and made it easier for me to determine what streams and rivers I would want to fish.

Excellent book! Not only does the author spell out, in complete detail, the best trout streams in Southern New England, he provides basic maps of all the areas mentioned as well as a list of the feeder streams as alternatives to the main rivers he discusses, if you want to have a better chance of not running into anyone else while on the water. In most cases, he also includes a listing of essential flies (including sizes) that you should have if you want to catch the fish. I've planned several day-trips using this book alone and have absolutely no complaints. All the info he provides is clear & accurate. If you live in MA, CT, or RI and love to flyfish, GET THIS BOOK! You won't be sorry you did.

Very simple and easy to follow. Has very healthy recipes and it helps you to plan out your choices. I am very happy with this cookbook.

Great introduction to diabetes and proper nutrition in the forward. I have thoroughly enjoyed most of the recipes in this book. One of my favorites is the Black Bean Burritos and then turn it into the Southwest Omelet for breakfast. The desserts are a little weak but that is often the case with diabetic recipes. Could use more photos. Wonder why most cookbooks lack that presentation factor? Regardless, highly recommend this cookbook if you want to eat healthy.

Every diabetic should keep Eating Well's Diabetic Cookbook in their kitchen, right next to the Splenda. It has all the recipes anyone---diabetic or not---could want to live well and healthfully. The recipes are low in sugar and low in fat but no one would suspect them of being "special" in the dietary sense, more like special in the culinary realm. It's so nice to have a good guide to cooking delicious, healthful meals that can be enjoyed by the whole family, not just people who are watching blood sugar levels (or weight, or blood pressure, or cholesterol.) This is not just a guide for diabetics; it's a cookbook for anyone who enjoys eating and staying healthy.

This book has a lot of helpful recipes an diabetic information, it could have had more pictures of the dishes that the recipes represent

Silent People is the second book in a trilogy by Walter Macken. It is the story of, Dualta, a young educated man from Connacht, and life at the time of the famine in Ireland. It is the story of how a young man is drawn into the political unrest of his times because of the degradation of the tyrannical landlords and the injustices that were inescapable. This book , and this trilogy of books, helps one understand the history and events that fueled the fight for freedom in Ireland.

Walter Macken brings the early 1800s in Ireland alive. The poverty, deprivation, hopelessness...and eternal spirit of the Irish are very real. He is vivid in his descriptions and I felt the horror of the second crop failure as if I were standing in the field discovering it. If you are of Irish descent and had forbears who came to America at this time, this is a must read for you. Their courage left me awed.

Walter Macken, a native of Galway, was born in 1915 and died in his home city at the age of 51. A writer, an actor and a playwright, he is perhaps best known for his novel "Flight of the Doves" - which was adapted for the cinema - and his "Irish Trilogy". "The Silent People" is the second book of this trilogy, and is set in the early to mid Nineteenth Century. Although the book itself is a work of fiction, many of the 'background' events are true - for example, the Great Famine (1845 - 1849) and the actions of Daniel O'Connell.

The book follows the life of Dualta Duane and opens in 1826. Dualta, orphaned when his own family died in the 1817 famine, is seventeen and lives with his Uncle Marcus. They live in small village, in the Corrib Country of County Galway. However, after Dualta topples the landlord's son from his horse in anger, the pair are forced to separate and flee. The consequences of staying would, most likely, have seen Dualta beaten to within an inch of his life and transported to Australia. Managing to escape those hunting him, Dualta is briefly sheltered by a man called Mairtin and later travels onwards with Mairtin's son, Paidi. Together, they move southwards and seek work as diggers. Dualta, promising Paidi he'll keep in touch, is hired by a man called Cuan McCarthy. His work, however, doesn't involve digging and the next time he sees Paidi the circumstances are less than happy.

As the story progresses, several further characters are introduced. The most significant, to Dualta at least, is Una - the daughter of an English landlord called Wilcocks. While her father had been a Protestant, her mother had been an Irish Catholic who converted to marry him. It would have been a very unusual marriage in those times - however, Una's mother died when she was thirteen. Daniel O'Connell, a hugely important figure in Irish history and responsible for bringing Catholic Emancipation, also appears in this book.

There's an implication that Dualta may be a descendent of Dominick MacMahon. Dominick was the central character of "Seek the Fair Land", the first book of this Trilogy. (The third is called "The Scorching Wind", and is set in the early 1900s). Although a trilogy, it isn't necessary to read the books in order - though if you enjoy one of them, you'll probably enjoy all three. "The Silent People" isn't always a cheerful book - it's set during a very difficult period of Ireland's history. However, it's a book I would highly recommend - I've always found anything Walter Macken has written very easy to read.

Walter Macken is Ireland's favorite historical novelist. Any Irish person questioned has read at least one of his works, years ago.

According to the cover, The Silent People is the second part of Macken's brilliant trilogy of the dark years in Irish history. Fortunately, there's nothing to stop a newcomer from joining the saga at this novel's page 1, and walk away with a feeling of completion at the close of 346.

In a shell too nutty, Macken's The Silent People follows a young Irish countryman from rural Connemara in 1826 throughout his contacts with all the major events, persons and themes of the Irish history's next twenty years. As is proper, conflict sets the pages turning. Dualta is pronounced Jewel-ta, but there's nothing feminine about the way our hero stands up for himself and unhorses the landlord's wicked, horse-whip lashing son into the deepest pile of manure on the street.

Macken is accessible. There's no subtlety encountered during the first sixty pages. Bad guys wear high-topped hunting hats, pulled low to shade all but the evil glint in their highborn eye. Action-packed good guys wear flat white caps- or, devil take 'em- are too impoverished by their oppressors to afford headgear at all. Young adult readers will have no difficulty being engaged or- this is a compliment- moved.

Upton Sinclair's The Jungle distilled exactly such injustice to become a classic. That's an exception. To its further credit, Macken's novel raises questions and not just an outcry. One of Dualta's missions, six months after joining the rebels, is complicated when the economic enemy they are burning out bravely makes a fair defense of his actions, before being whacked into unconsciousness. Huh! Dualta then commits to the most dangerous undercover work, as a Trojan Horse within the manor house of the evil landlord himself. Preconceptions are challenged when the landlord proves to be a hard man, but fair. Dualta takes a shine to him. Shinier yet is the landlord's beautiful, spirited daughter.

The Silent People is a worthy read. Sure, it covers the country in an unlikely portrait from rural West to squalid Dublin. Major historical figures like Daniel O'Connell are encountered on mountainsides, swiftly delivering monologues encompassing their philosophies and current dilemmas to the main-character absolute strangers. Whose names O'Connell remembers twenty years later, off the top of his head. It's a historical novel. Leon Uris is guilty of the same, and it can be argued that even Booker-prize winning Peter Carey presents the same Irish love of land and brutal tragedies with no less horror and ambiguity. This is history made human, all sides of the argument visited at least briefly and with an entertaining romantic subplot.

Fave Bit: the secret to successful education is the teacher's right to smack students. First published 1962! There's history.

After the requisite religious, cultural, economic, political, literary and agricultural issues are addressed, it's time for the climactic Famine. Hunger, disease, injustice, crime, emigration, and death are capably revealed. There's no way to airbrush the devastation of this event. Left thus without stupid jokes, I have nothing to say and must bow to Macken's treasured novel. Read it for yourself, question it, discuss it. You'll have the starting point for an understanding of subjects deeper.

I am very impressed with the detail of this book. 2nd - 4th graders are introduced to the Puritans' struggle for religious freedom and their tendency to fall back to old patterns of persecution. Roger Williams and his family are portrayed as the real people they were, making it easy for the ready the empathize. However, the books ends with the comment that the separation of church and state has been secured by our constitution, which is untrue. The separation of church and state is an idea that came through a court decision years after the constitution was ratified.

This is an adventurous book, and it is a true story. I learned that the man who founded Providence is named Roger Williams. It was nice for the kids that it was told from his daughter's point of view. I gave the book three stars because the people in the pictures were stiff and not real looking. I would recommend this book for someone who likes history.

I read this book to my two boys, ages 5 and 9. They enjoyed learning about such a great man. Of course, we unlike many Americans, knew something about Roger Williams before we read this book. We are descendents of his, through his son, Daniel. I was very proud to read about such a great man, who did the courageous things that he did at the time that he did them and to be able to call him Grandfather, was a treasured moment. Thank you to the Author for writing the book. What most people do not know is that Freedom of Religion and Separation of Church and State were ideas that he was the first to fight for in America. So whether you are Baptist, Catholic, Muslim or Buddhist, you should Know that the men who wrote the American Constitution, got some of their ideas from a man who lived 150 years before their time; and that he fought for you to be able to worship as you choose.

I was elated to find this book, have purchased 10 copies to date for children, cousins, etc. As a 13th generation direct descendent of Roger Williams daughter Mary (later married John Sayles) who tells the simple yet historically correct and fascinating story of her father's banishment from Mass. and how they ended up "founding Rhode Island." This is simple to read for children and interesting for adults alike. I would like to recommend this for all school age children interested in learning more about our American heritage.