Cover Image: Nine Irish Lives

Nine Irish Lives

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

This was a fun read with stories by celebrities or other non-authors. I enjoyed it

Was this review helpful?

As the title would suggest, readers are introduced to nine people that immigrated from Ireland to America and left an impression on the landscape of their chosen country. However, as time has gone by some of their names( and statues) have been overlooked. Most of the selected writers( Pierce Brosnan, Rosie O' Donnell, Michael Moore ,Mark Shriver etc) interweave their own narratives with that of the featured subject. Occassionally, I thought this worked really well in understanding why that attachment to that particular person was so strong, but sometimes I was bored.

Was this review helpful?

This collection of essays about the careers of nine Irish immigrants to America is a great way to expand one’s perspective on the versatility and resilience of the human spirit. Often having experienced great tragedy such as associated with the 19th century potato famines or conflict and injustice during times of political rebellion, the figures examined either continue their struggles on the more fruitful stage in the New World or escape into new realms or adventures by reinventing themselves. The diverse authors of the pieces include varying degrees of reflection about their own personal connection to the lives of their essay subjects. That makes the read a bit of a smorgasbord or kaleidoscope. I would have appreciated if Mark Bailey had contributed more of a synthesis on the patterns arising out of the collection, but it was satisfying to experience the common or unique aspects to the stories. This preface shows what a mind-expanding range is included in the volume

<i>The essays that follow were written by nine contemporary Irish Americans—journalists, actors, poets, politicians, novelists—themselves all links in the chain connecting past to present. Tom Hayden, activist, politician, and icon of the of the sixties cultural revolution writes about his namesake, Thomas Addis Emmet, famed revolutionary leader of the Irish Rebellion. Rosie O’Donnell, mother of five adopted children, chose Margaret Haughery, the Mother of Orphans, who in antebellum New Orleans build four orphanages. Political journalist and historian Terry Golway profiles the labor firebrand Mary “Mother” Jones. Poet and LGBT rights advocate Jill McDonough chronicles the life of transgender Civil War soldier Albert Cashier; celebrated documentary filmmaker Michael Moore looks at celebrated news journalist Samuel S. McClure, founder of McLure’s Magazine; and Mark Shriver, nonprofit executive for Save the Children, writes about Father Edward Flanagan of Boys Town. Renowned Irish-born actor Pierce Brosnan explores the famed silent era director Rex Ingram, novelist Kathleen Hill examines short story and New Yorker writer Maeve Brennan, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan write about Niall “Dowd, journalist and legendary founder of the Irish Voice newspaper.

I had not heard of most of these figures and none to any significant degree. As for the authors, I have only read Michael Moore before (and seen his and Brosnan’s films). Thus, the read was an educational multiplier for a foundation built from past readings of Irish lit and history. Obviously, Rosie O’Donnell and Pierce Brosnan are the most surprising authors in the set. But the connection of their subjects to their own lives gave their handling of the tales some extra impact. Michael Moore was at his best in extolling the successful career of McLure as a primo “muckraker” powered by the highest ideals of journalism. The available life story of Mother Jones was personally inspiring, especially in learning how adversity on loss of her whole family to an epidemic borne of poverty got translated to compassionate efforts on behalf of oppressed mining workers and courage to lead strikes at a time of violent clashes.

My favorite piece was on Albert Cashier, aka Jennie Hodgers, who emigrated with a million others to America at the time of the mid-century potato famines and was working as a teen farmhand in Illinois at the time of his enlistment in the Union army. Much of how she assumed the role of a he is obscure, as Albert provided different stories to different people. McDonough has to speculate a lot, but it’s worth the stretch to imagine the possibilities. Better pay and self-respect appears a likely impetus to the author:

<i>They got cash money, new uniforms, knapsacks full of coffee and hard tack, and a musket. They also got a chance to learn from each other, to meet other soldiers from other state, other countries. Not just to study how to be an American man but to define what American manhood was going to be going forward.</i>

McDonough documents what she can about Albert’s resourcefulness and courage that assured acceptance by her comrades in the army. What his regiment faced in Grant’s Army of Tennessee, both the ordeal of the successful Vicksburg campaign and later in a terrible defeat in a battle with Nathan Forrest Bedford. Albert continued to live as a man after the war, and veterans in his band of brothers seemed to accept that even after secret came out. Although Albert had to live as “Jennie” in his last days in an insane asylum, his buddies made sure he was buried with full military honors as a man in his uniform.

This book was provided for review by the publisher through the Netgalley program.

Was this review helpful?

I loved hearing from other voices in this work and was grateful for the diversity of opinions. I learned a lot and will incorporate this into my classes.

Was this review helpful?

If you want to read about seemingly ordinary Irish immigrants who made extraordinary differences in the lives of many people by their actions and deeds, then this book will not disappoint you. The stories will leave you inspired by their accomplishments, dedication, and selfless service to their adopted homeland.
I was especially impressed by the story of Private Albert J. Cashier, who spent three years of fighting for the 95th Regiment during the Civil War. Private Cashier was a courageous and dedicated soldier. Private Cashier was also born Jennie Irene Hodgers. Yes, she served her country well fighting alongside male soldiers. The stories of the other eight lives are just as compelling.
Many of the stories were also interspersed with the author’s own personal tidbits which made the stories even more interesting and engaging. Needless to say, this book is highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?