Kelegeen

On an evening in 1846 engaged couple Meg O’Connor and Rory Quinn join in an exuberant moondance.

Observing is the parish priest, Father Brian O’Malley.

The moondance brings bittersweet memories of Siobhan, the long-dead love of his youth, with whom he still feels a spiritual connection.

Within days of the dance, the villagers of Kelegeen awake to find their potato crops destroyed by blight.

They’ve been through famine before.

But this is an Gorta Mór, a monster the likes of which Ireland has never seen. At first Meg and Rory devise ways to help provide for their families, Meg through her sewing, Rory with his wood carving.

But when tragedy and a costly mistake end those means of survival they turn to more dangerous ventures. Father O’Malley reluctantly teams up with an English doctor, Martin Parker, to alleviate Kelegeen’s suffering.

When Meg learns of ships carrying Irish passengers to a new life in America she is determined to go and bring Rory and their families after her.

It will take all her strength and courage along with the help of her beloved priest and the English doctor to make the plan succeed.

"If you liked Anya's story in Kristin Hannah's Winter Garden you will love Kelegeen by Eileen O'Finlan."

Editorial Reviews Reviewed By Trudi LoPreto for Readers’ Favorite

The potato famine is causing everyone in Kelegeen great hardships. Meg and Rory plan to be married but are forced to put it off in order to survive. The food is scarce, sickness and dying plague every household, and without the potato crop there is little or no money, leaving everyone to beg or steal for their next meal. Father O’Malley tries to be there for everyone, as does Dr. Parker, but there is little they can do. Each and every person must make sacrifices, watch their loved ones die, but they all pray and wait for better days. It is hardest on Meg because she is faced with a life altering plan that will surely change her life forever.

©2018 Eileen O'Finlan (P)2026 BWL Publishing Inc.

Historical & Moving

I love history & historical novels. This one is incredibly moving. The author has a gift for making the reality of the past come to life. Beautifully done, I couldn’t put it down.

Engaging characters are exquisitely presented by the author and narrator

This story is tremendously sad at times, but the author Eileen O’Finlan manages to steer us toward rays of hope and comfort. The narrator Marie Fletcher Pridgen is extremely adept at voicing characters and emotions. She truly brings the characters to life.

Poignant, Fascinating, Sad, Beautiful

This book brings to life the terrors, abuses, privations and sacrifices endured by the Irish during the mid-19th century potato famine. It eloquently reveals how extreme hunger attacks the body, soul and the fabric of human relationships. The story shows families gaining love and support from each other and from a humane and devoted Catholic priest, while enduring abuse and occasionally help from British rulers. The narrator brought to life a full and varied array of Irish characters, skillfully playing the heartfelt dramas they experience. Her authentic accents and characterizations added a wonderful reality and depth to the book. This is definitely worth a listen!

haunting, unforgettable, beautiful

loved the reader's performance, accent and cadence. she added so much to the words! the book was beautiful, captivating, hopeful and a difficult subject but well written and beautifully read! Good job!!!!

Haunting and beautiful!

I loved everything about this book!

The story is a hauntingly beautiful experience that lingers long after the final chapter. While O’Finlan’s writing is deeply evocative on its own, the narrator, Marie Fletcher Pridgeon, truly elevates this historical heartbreaker to something cinematic.
I was amazed at how the narrator breathes distinct, pulsing life into each character. Father O’Malley and Siobhan weren’t just voices in a story, they felt entirely human. Through the narrator’s voice, I could feel the heavy burden of Father O’Malley’s conscience and the sheer resilience of Siobhan.

The emotional range tugged at my heart and I felt every human emotion possible. I felt their pain and anguish, I felt it deep within my chest as if I were living it with them.
Most impressive is the portrayal of Meg and Rory. Their connection is the soul of the book, and the love between them is so evident in the narrator’s tone, creating warmth against the bleakness of the Great Famine.
I am anxiously awaiting the sequel, in desperate hope that the same narrator return to voice it. Her ability to capture the raw vulnerability of the Irish spirit is irreplaceable.