Historical fiction has, in the past couple of years, become one of my favourite genres. Writing like I found in Legacy of Hunger is the reason why!

The author takes readers on a trip through Ireland in 1846. I was blown away at the descriptiveness in this book. I've never been to Ireland, but I feel like I know the land.

This is an example of plain old good writing! ( )

Valentia McDowell isn’t sure of a number of things. Living in 1846, she dreams of her grandmother’s brooch, not knowing just how important it will become to her. The story is very well-researched, focusing on 19th century Ireland and the crippling problems faced by the country during that time. Valentia, coming from money, knows nothing of the blight in Ireland at the start of her journey. Throughout her many trials and tribulations, Valentia becomes stronger until she finds herself at the end of the book.

I really did love this story though I’ll admit it was a little difficult for me to get into at the beginning. It’s obvious though that the author really did her research and this book is the beginning of what I’m sure is a wonderful series. Definitely recommended!
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I'm not connecting with this story at the moment, so I'm going to stop and maybe come back to it at a later date. Stopped at 10%.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

In 1846 why would anyone choose to leave a wealthy home in Ohio, USA to visit potato blight infested, oppressed, and suffering Ireland? For some reason Valentia McDowell is drawn there with the thought of finding family roots, a family brooch and whatever it is that compels her to begin the quest.

This novel is well researched and filled with considerable historical insight, local color, and information about Ireland during this traumatic period in its history. The tone of the book is in keeping with the era it refers to and a lot of thought and effort was definitely put into the writing and editing of the story. I have to say that I never really warmed up to Valentia and felt that the rather abrupt ending of the book left me wondering a great deal about her and what, if anything, happened in her life to validate the many losses experienced during her quest. Perhaps this will be revealed in future books of the series.

Thank you to the author for the copy of this book to read and review. ( )