What an empathetic look at some of the amazing women who fought side by side with their male counterparts for something they truly believed in. Written with respect and reverence for the women who were brushed over during this period in history Hogan manages to bring alive these enigmatic women who, in difficult times, demonstrated bravery, tenacity and compassion. Women’s roles in history need to be written and read about and this was a book that made that very obvious. Thoroughly enjoyed!

This is exactly what it sets out to be - an easy to follow account of the women who were participants - combatants, auxiliaries, medics - in the events of the East Rising in Ireland in 1916. Hogan links these women directly with the events of the Rising as they played out. These women were active in their roles not just voices of support. And it should be noted that out of all the male leaders, it was only De Valera who refused to have women in his contingent.

These women were deserving of more than just a mere footnote in the history books, and Hogan concludes with a further discussion on womens' rights, and the meaning of the Rising and the role of women which was - and still is - only imperfectly understood.

A valuable resource for further study and research for those with a deep interest in their particular period of history. Highly recommended reading - and a great addition to my own personal library.

Well-researched and detailed if somewhat workaday account of the many women involved in the 1916 Irish Rising, women whose contribution has often been overlooked or even downplayed. Drawing on primary sources as well as historical documentation, the account is clearly and accessibly written and enhanced by the inclusion of many photographs and illustrations. I found the narration interesting rather than compelling, but there’s no doubt the book is an invaluable contribution to Irish studies, and indeed to women’s studies as many of the women went on to become active in politics and the fight for women’s rights.

This is a must read! Michael Hogan includes a lot of interesting information that I’ve not read in any other book on this topic. This book actually focuses on Irish women and the roles they played. Hogan dove into each women’s story and included diaries, letters and pictures, which really helped to show who these women were and how important they were. Women have always played a larger part in history than it is showed and I’m glad that Michael Hogan is giving women the spotlight.