I’m thrilled to bring my stop on The Girl With The Emerald Flag by Kathleen McGurl blog tour. Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the ARC of the book to take part.
A country rebelling
It’s 1916 and, as war rages in Europe, Gráinne leaves her job in a department store to join Countess Markiewicz’s revolutionary efforts. It is a decision which will change her life forever. A rebellion is brewing, and as Dublin’s streets become a battleground, Gráinne soon discovers the personal cost of fighting for what you believe in…
A forgotten sacrifice
Decades on, student Nicky is recovering from a break-up when a research project leads her to her great-grandmother’s experiences in revolutionary Ireland. When Nicky finds a long-forgotten handkerchief amongst her great-grandmother’s things, it leads to the revelation of a heartbreaking story of tragedy and courage, and those who sacrificed everything for their country.
Inspired by a heartbreaking true story, this emotional historical novel will sweep you away to the Emerald Isle. Perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Sandy Taylor and Fiona Valpy.
Kathleen McGurl writes the most vivid dual time-line historical fiction novels. I do look forward to a new book coming out. I always hope it will be as good as her previous and she never lets me down!
The Girl With The Emerald Flag is set in Dublin over two time periods, 1998 and 1916. In 1998 we meet Nicky, at University after leaving home. All she wants is to have some fun after being under her mothers eagle eye. After she splits up with her boyfriend she decides to do as her mum suggested and go to visit her great grandmother Gráinne in Dublin, Ireland. She is studying Modern History and needs a project so she goes to her Great Grandmother to interview her. What she doesn’t expect is the story Gráinne tells her. The story of the Easter Rising and her involvement in this important historical event.
I did know of the Easter Rising but Kathleen McGurl has, again educated me even more. This is one of my favourite things about historical fiction. I am always learning new facts. If I love anything,it is history. I always have, and the history of the Irish is so important in my mind.
As the stories of both women unfolded, it felt like history was coming alive on the pages in front of me. Kathleen McGurl has a skill to evoke such lifelike characters from her mind. If every teenager read books such as Kathleen’s, I am sure they would learn more than at school! I was captivated when it came to Gráinne recounting her memories. I wasn’t able to stop reading until I had to sleep.
It is an emotional story and one that I was thoroughly immersed in. The way that Kathleen McGurl can transport me away from the present day in the space of a page is amazing. Definitely one I can recommend to any historical fiction reader.
Purchase Links
UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Girl-Emerald-Flag-absolutely-historical-ebook/dp/B0BGQV8VH7
US https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Emerald-Flag-absolutely-historical-ebook/dp/B0BGQV8VH7
Author Bio
Kathleen McGurl lives near the coast in Christchurch, England. She writes dual timeline novels in which a historical mystery is uncovered and resolved in the present day. She is married to an Irishman and has two adult sons. She enjoys travelling, especially in her motorhome around Europe and has of course visited Ireland many times.
Social Media Links
https://www.facebook.com/KathleenMcGurl
sharonbeyondthebooks.uk 