Torn Asunder

The complexities and tragedy of 20th century Irish history are skillfully conveyed by  Renny deGroot  in this readable and intelligent historical fiction novel. Beginning in 1916 at the time of the Easter Rising we follow the tortuous and bloody path to the creation of the Irish Free State by following the equally tortuous and conflicted life of journalist Emmet Ryan. All the major events are here. The rising itself, the subsequent suppression, the Croke Park massacre of 1920 and The Irish Civil War of 1922-23 where former colleagues found themselves on opposing sides leading to a lifetime of bitterness. 

The book concludes in 1943 with Emmet 's daughter in Belfast, continuing without her family's knowledge a cause that had by then become disowned by many of its former adherents. The writing gives an indication of time and place and some of the main issues involved in a far from straight forward story. It shows above all else the devastating effect conflict plays in the life of ordinary people. Whether you have a good understanding of the period or indeed none then this book will equally appeal and is recommended if you have a liking of historical fiction.

Renny deGroot has managed to sneak a whole lot of wonderful Irish history into a compelling tale of competing principles. Just how far should one go for a cause before retreating to home and hearth? How can one not admire Emmett's willingness to shed blood for his beliefs but when is enough enough? Growing up with stories of the Easter Rising and the Civil war in the 1920's, I never thought about the wives and families of these heroes or how difficult it must have been to turn their backs on their loved ones. deGroot's characters are real people, warts and all. His novel is, at one level, and exciting adventure and, on another, poses thought-provoking questions.

Torn Asunder by Renny DeGroot was an interesting story about a man and his association with the movement of Irish independence. It begins the weekend of the Irish Uprising in 1916 and takes us all the way from Emmet being 16 years old through the middle of World War II and his daughter's involvement. The story all takes place in Ireland and certainly helped clarify the entire situation there. It's always being very confusing with people seeming to switch sides regularly. That is certainly not the case. The story also makes clear that some people grow out o f their youthful passion and fight in subtler, less violent ways. Maeve, Emmet's daughter is drawn in by a friend at university, and enabled by her father's lifelong friend, Emmet. 

Because the story covered so much time, it was very episodic and the mundane was left out. So were many of the reasons that Emmet changed his thoughts on the situations. It didn't delve into Emmet's marriage at all, which was a huge motivator for him. It was and interesting and emotional book. People are still fighting this war, one that has been going on for hundreds of years. It was interesting and relatively easy to read. I recommend it for lovers of anything Irish as well as historical fiction aficionados. 

I received a free ARC of Torn Asunder from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and 
interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley  #tornasunder

An enthralling look at Ireland through one of the most turbulent periods in her history, as shocking as some of he episodes related are shameful, and though the history itself is disguised as literary fiction, that does not buttress the reader from the knowledge that a lot of the events described here (or something very similar to them) actually happened.  Routinely.

the book is, perhaps, a little overlong, and it's easy to lose your way inside the story. But overall, it's well worth your time.  And your tears.

i really enjoyed reading this book, the characters were great and I really enjoyed getting to know them. The story was really good and the writing was well done.