Eamon Loingsigh

3.5 The Easter Rebellion in Ireland, Liam's departure to America, leaving his mother and two sisters in Ireland, his father a rebel whereabouts unknown. Liam hopes to find enough work, make enough money to bring his family to America. He meets Meehan, the Irish boss of the docks and with his promise to help bring his family over Liam is swiftly introduced to the violence of the docks. The Red hook, the white hand, black hand, gangs vying for control, the unwanted arrival of the Italians, prohibition, the plights of widows and children, epidemics, deaths, such a violent time.

From the very first pages I was taken back to this time, fully immersed in this time period, these circumstances with Liam. He does terrible things, things to survive, things necessary to belong but always with the thought of rescuing his remaining family. Extremely well written, but many, many characters, hard to keep track them all but I soon just tried to keep track of the main players. Not an easy read, definitely not a quick one but it was so authentically portrayed and covered a period I hadn't read before, and I quite liked Liam. There was violence but also kindnesses where least expected. The fight for control of the docks in Brooklyn was formidable and the author does a great job portraying the effort it took to stay on top.

ARC from Netgalley.… (más)