Synopses & Reviews
The struggle of the Irish people for independence is one of the epic tales of the 20th century. Morgan Llywelyn has chosen it as the subject of her major work, The Irish Century, a multi-novel chronicle that began with
1916, and now continues in
1921, both a story and a history. The two big historical names in
1921 are Eamon de Valera and Michael Collins, both famous, mysterious, and familiar Irish figures.
The year 1921 is the year of the Irish Civil War and the year of the separation of Ireland into two nations, south and north. The central character is Henry Mooney, a journalist (based upon the authors grandfather), who struggles for truth in his reporting during the terrible conflict, and falls in love with an Englishwoman in Ireland in the midst of political and military horrors.
Review
Praise for
1921:
“The politics and factionalism behind the Rising are a tangled web indeed, but Llywelyn unravels them skillfully. Even those who know the story well will be surprised and rewarded by the way she brings back to life a group of brave men who went nobly to their deaths."
—The Philadelphia Inquirer
“The betrayals, slaughters and passions of the day are all splendidly depicted as Llywelyn delivers a blow-by-blow account of the rebellion and its immediate aftermath. The novels…easy, gripping style will enthrall casual readers with what is Llywelyns best work yet."
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
About the Author
Morgan Llywelyn lives near Dublin, Ireland.
Reading Group Guide
1. Like most revolutions, the Irish struggle for freedom began with high ideals and intense moral purpose, yet soon there was brutality too. Is moral degeneration an inevitable part of warfare and politics, or were the character flaws of the leading players responsible?
2.The author does a marvelous job of showing the very human side of such legendary historical figures as Michael Collins, Eamon de Valera, and others. Do these portrayals of flawed men and women shatter their mystique or add to them?
3. We know that there are no black-and-white truths in war or history, merely shades of gray. How might the history of the struggle as portrayed in 1921 differ in perspective if taught in an English school? An Irish classroom? An American class?
4. In recent decades, the IRA has become increasingly known as a terrorist group, while the Protestant militants in the Orange Order who annually parade through Catholic areas are often presented as “upholding tradition” Who is responsible for the images each group represents?
5. Michael Collins and Eamon de Valera are each presented very differently in the book. What do you think of the portrayals? Does the author give away her own political bent through this treatment?
6. Morgan Llywelyn makes much reference to the widespread political apathy of many of the Irish people—of all classes—to the struggle for independence. Is this surprising? What does this say about human nature? About the leaders and followers of such revolutionary movements?
7. When the leadership of the Easter Uprising were caught and executed by the English, many Irish initially branded these leaders as brigands or traitors, yet soon after, they were hailed as heroes. Is this a common reaction, or is there something unique to Irish culture which influenced this seismic shift in public attitudes?
8.The American Revolution achieved independence from England in the 1770s, yet it took Ireland nearly 150 years longer to overthrow English rule. Was this American success merely a function of the great geographical distance, or were there other factors that allowed the English to retain Ireland under their sway?
9.The book makes reference to the non-violent independence moment in India under Gandhi. Could this nonmilitary avenue have proven successful in Ireland as well, or was violence the only path to freedom?
10. Does the book show the first stirrings of Feminism among the Irish revolutionaries? Contrast the revolutionary activities of the books courageous women involvement with the cloistered role of women under Irish familial tradition.
11.The Catholic Church takes quite a beating in the book, with many clergymen portrayed as weak-willed or pandering to the authorities. Do you believe this is a fair portrayal?