"Redemption" by Leon Uris

"Redemption" is a story by Leon Uris of Irish rebellion around the turn of the 20th century. I had previously read some of his works surrounding the founding of the Israeli state and remembered enjoying his style of historical fiction. I was holding my breath for nearly 900 pages expecting the other Israeli shoe to drop and bring this story full circle into the content for which I'm remembering him. It never really came, other than a very brief reference to the first Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. This novel follows two generations of the Larkin family of Balleytogue while connecting a deeper familial through line. The first protagonist we meet is Conner Larkin. He is a fine example of an Irish man of good blood but relatively new breeding. The second or third generation of his family to be land-owning gives him opportunity with cause. He sees the never-ending problems of religion and English rule in Ireland and has the ability to do something about it. I really enjoyed this character. He is a talented, artistic ironsmith, a world class athlete and a born leader of men. Not to mention, a real ladies man. We are introduced to his brother Liam, who moved to New Zealand to build his own opportunities as he was not in line to recieve land in Ireland. In time, he has a son, Rory. He is a voracious learner and is reading at a young age. This headstrong child is very taken when he gets to meet and spend some time with his uncle Conner. He latches on completely to the Irish Catholic struggle and as his life takes him in many directions, through love, war and parental displeasure he continues down the path that Conner forged. This book introduced me to the battle of Gallipoli in world war one. It gave me backstory and insight into the Irish struggle and entertained the whole way. It tied in characters from different beliefs and backgrounds in a deeply enjoyable way. Also, it's always enjoyable, for me, to see historical characters, like Winston Churchill, act in their own times. I'll continue to seek out works by Leon Uris.