Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

The book takes place in Donegal, Ireland, and the United States in 1861.

The main character, Declan Conaghan, is a tenant-soldier who receives a missive offering his family a fresh start upon his father's passing.

The story follows Declan as he strives to take care of his mother and siblings. The families struggles follow them from Ireland through their immigration to America and the days following.

It is full of heartache, poverty and pain. It is a gripping realistic tale.

Highly recommend.

The Wilderness Way by Anne Madden is a remarkable historical fiction book that takes place in 1861 Donegal, Ireland, and the United States. The story revolves around Declan Conaghan, a tenant-soldier who receives a letter that offers him a chance at a fresh start and hope for his family following his father's passing. This gripping narrative showcases a vivid setting, authentic dialogue, well-rounded characters, and a captivating plot. Through the alternating perspectives of Declan Conaghan and John Adair, the landlord-owner, we witness the struggle between two opposing worlds: poverty and wealth, victim and ruler, revenge and redemption.

Declan Conaghan, our courageous protagonist, is a devoted son who solemnly promises to care for his mother, sister, and brother in the wake of his father's demise. Although it has been a decade since the Great Famine, the scars from that tragic period are still deeply ingrained in the collective memory. Unfortunately, history tends to repeat itself, and similar events unfold, including home evictions, forced emigration, and the dreaded life in the workhouse. Despite their faithful rent payments, Declan's family, like many others, finds themselves homeless and destitute. Driven by despair and anger, Declan receives a letter from his uncle in America, inviting him to join the fight for Lincoln in the US army. Eager to provide for his family and escape the harsh reality, he embraces the opportunity and sets sail for a new life.

As the story progresses, Declan finds his uncle, enlists in the army, and embarks on a long and arduous journey. The years that follow (1861-1865) witness the devastating Civil War, marked by unimaginable loss and heartbreak. However, amid the chaos, Declan encounters Cornelia, the compassionate and understanding daughter of a renowned general. She recognizes his bravery and commitment to her father and husband's cause, weaving a bond that lingers even when they part ways. Surprisingly, their paths cross back in Ireland, leading to an unexpected union. Cornelia becomes an incredibly likable character, radiating warmth and genuine concern for the less fortunate. Her unwavering dedication to bridging the gap between the rich and poor, using her privilege for good, and healing broken families is truly inspiring.

In addition to its engaging characters and compelling storyline, The Wilderness Way delves into profound themes of revenge, salvation, and faith. The book invites readers to witness the human pursuit of purpose and redemption amidst a backdrop of historical events, such as the haunting Great Famine.

The Wilderness Way is a heartfelt and captivating historical fiction novel that transports readers through time and across continents. Through its well-crafted narrative, we are immersed in the personal trials and triumphs of Declan Conaghan and the entwined paths of two worlds in pursuit of healing and salvation. With its warm and relatable tone, vivid descriptions, and deeply human characters, this book is a true gem that will resonate with readers who seek a personal connection to history and a tale of resilience and compassion.

This is a well-written, gritty, and dramatic novel that teaches us about the past of a variety of locations that we may visit now and view in a new light. The author appears to have put her heart and soul into this work, and she conducted excellent research.

This is a fantastic historical fiction narrative that I wholeheartedly recommend!

I didn't know if I was going to like The Wilderness Way, but I do enjoy historical fiction. Before reading this book I only had a vague understanding of what types of events triggered the Irish emigrations to America. We seldom hear much about the immigrants who were drafted into or volunteered to fight in the Civil War. Anne Madden makes that history come alive through the story of one community torn apart by the selfish greed of a wealthy landlord. People are scattered, livelihoods are ruined, some people die and the reader is left hoping they will somehow find a way to rebuild and survive.

I really enjoyed reading The Wilderness Way. The story is well-written with good pacing and lots of interesting details about the people and places. Thank you Net Galley and Anne Madden for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Declan Conaghan’s father died in the Great Irish Famine ten years ago, since he’s has kept his promise, to look after his mother, brother and sister and keep them out of the workhouse. His family live in a cottage near Gartan, in Donegal, they eke out an existence building and repairing dry stone walls, digging turf and growing tatties.

When their new landlord arrives at his estate Glenveagh, John Adair immediately causes problems with his tenants, he wants to change to way they have lived for decades, he has grand plans of building his own castle, and he uses the law and evicts them.

Declan receives a letter from his uncle Liam in America, he offers the brothers a chance to leave Ireland and they would be able to send money home to help their mother and sister. The American Civil War has just begun, the Union army needs recruits, Declan and Michael board a ship to America, they join the 104th New York Volunteer Regiment and it’s lead by Major General Wadsworth. The brothers know nothing about American politics, they think slavery is wrong, and soon they are fighting in one of the bloodiest wars in history, in places like Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and back to Chancellorsville for the second time.

I received a copy of The Wilderness Way by Anne Madden from HarperCollins UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The historical saga takes you from the beautiful green mountains, glens and woods of Donegal, Ireland, to America the land of opportunity and the two Conaghan brother’s see a lot of it as infantry soldiers fighting for the Union army. Many Irish men fought for both sides during the American Civil War, it provided an escape from poverty, being fed, clothed and paid, led to them joining up in droves and it was an adventure.

The narrative is based around true facts, people, places and events, John Adair was the hated landlord at Glenveagh, it’s now part of a national park and his castle is a tourist attraction. A story about greed, duty, family and what two men were willing to endure to provide for their mother and sister, war, dedication, wanting revenge and justice.

Full of fascinating details, especially about an unsolved murder, the “Derryveagh Evictions”, the battles of the Civil War and how this effected the brothers and their entire regiment. Fours stars from me, I highly recommend this book and it's released on the 7th of December 2023.

The Wilderness Way by Anne Madden

When books are described as a saga , I tend to ignore the blurb , but with this book it's 100% true and more so !
Even more amazing is that it's based on a true story which makes the plot and the character of Declan a joy to read .
We go from the poverty of Ireland in 1861 to fighting in the civil war in America.
A powerful , emotional , epic journey taken because of a death bed promise to a father.

1861, Donegal, Ireland. This is based on a true story. Declan Conaghan promised his father to hold on to the family land. The new landlord, Adair, likes causing trouble for his tenants. Declan recieves a letter to go to America. I will leave no spoilers where the story goes from there.

The Wilderness Way is based on a true story. It felt well researched and written and was a captivating read. Taking place in 1861 in Ireland and concerns Declan's struggle to protect his family after the death of his father.
This was a powerful story and a stark contrast in showing history.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
I need to breathe. I downloaded this galley two days ago and finished just now. I think I’ve been waiting for a book like this and am grateful for the suggestion.
Set in Donegal County Ireland after the famine and during the most notorious evictions in Irish history, this story follows two men, an Irishman who heads a poor tenant family due to the loss of the father during the famine and the infamous landlord who wielded his power over the tenants to a disastrous degree.
So much history unfolds in this story as after the eviction, Declan heads to America at the invitation of his uncle, to fight in americas civil war. We follow Adair as well, as he takes advantage of some of the most trying times to further his fortune.
This book made me angry, sad, an delighted in the same go. There is so much to unpack. My internal compass regards a historical fiction highly when I am researching while reading, and flip pages anxiously awaiting the authors notes. Thus books did that a more. This books would be amazing in audiobook and would make an incredible movie. I am shocked at how cruel men can be to others when they have a little power and I am saddened by what people have to do when they are destitute…and angered by the judgement of those without ability to show mercy.
4.5 stars rounded up. A solid book club pick!

When I saw this gorgeous cover, I read the title and then the synopsis I really wanted to read this book, and in the end it didn't disappoint me. This is a story based on true events that shows the ugly impact of war, poverty, social discrimination while at the same time showing the strong bond of family and the strength we hide inside to protect the people we love.

This story takes place in 1861 in Ireland and concerns Declan's struggle to protect his family after the death of his father.

It is a tough and powerful story, very well written, from which we learn the history of various places that we can visit today and see them differently. The author did very good research and seems to have put all her love into this book.

This historical fiction story is exceptional and highly recommended!

Thank you HarperCollins UK,One More Chapter and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital copy!

The Wilderness Way by Anne Madden is such a moving and fascinating historical fiction story that I could not put down! I became so caught up in the events in Ireland and United States, I lost track of time. It is magnificently written with a stunning setting, great dialogue, fully developed characters and an intriguing plot. We get two viewpoints from opposite sides: the tenant- soldier Declan Conaghan and landlord - owner John Adair. We get to see the victim and ruler, trapped in poverty and wealth. Both caught in the clutches of revenge. This is a strong theme that runs like a hungry fire through the story line fuelling emotions, intentions and actions. Each party feels they have been wronged.

The Wilderness Way is ‘mostly’ based on a true story as the author states. It inspired me to look up details and I could see how well researched and accurate it was. I can also see why the author wanted to relay these traumatic events in fictional form. The tenant evictions in Derryveagh, Ireland and the Civil War in United States happened in the same month of 1861 and provides a deep well to draw from for a story that definitely is worth telling. It provides the perfect opportunity for the imagination to fill in the gaps.

In the novel and real life, John Adair is/was the landlord of Glenveagh. This breathtaking landscape is now a National Park. I visited this whole area a number of years ago when I visited Donegal. So, I can relate to the beauty conveyed in the author’s descriptions. And then there is the castle designed by Adair’s cousin Townsend Trench (which you can also visit today).

I think Ms Madden has done a fine job fleshing out what might have happened during this tumultuous era of Ireland and United States. It was heartbreaking to see more injustice dished out on the Irish who had already experienced the horrors of the Great Famine. Yet here, ten years later, war erupts again when a new landlord moves into the area and stirs up the locals with his plans for the region. Distrust, accusations and revolt begins. Then a death of the landowner’s land steward occurs. He’s been murdered. Punishment is doled out on the entire neighbourhood when no one comes forward with the name of the killer. That person is never identified. Because Adair’s land steward is murdered, all tenants are removed from the land.

Declan Conaghan, the protagonist, is a caring son. After his father dies, he vows to look after his mother, sister and brother. It has been ten years since the Great Famine but the experience is still very fresh in everyone’s minds. What follows seems like a reoccurrence of similar events, such as loss of homes and forced emigration or living in the dreaded workhouse. Even though Declan’s family have faithfully paid rent, they are pushed out with all the rest. Homeless, they have no choice but head to the meagre shelter.

Full of despair and anger, Declan receives a letter from his uncle overseas to join him in fighting for Lincoln in the US army. With the promise of being paid, he accepts the offer and along with his brother heads to America. He plans to send funds back to his sister and mother in hopes they can leave the workhouse. As the story goes, he does find his uncle, signs up and the long journey begins. Over the next few years (1861-1865), the horrible civil war rages on. There are heavy losses and much heartbreak. But it is here where he meets Cornelia, daughter of the great general who is kind and understanding towards him and his brother. She never forgets him and his courage in helping her husband and father in the war. And this later becomes a key part of his own redemption back in Ireland, when she ends up there in a surprising union. I really liked her character. She had such passion for helping those less fortunate. She is a gentle shining light in the darkness that follows. She is a strong figure, a real woman of history, who comes to life in such a brilliant and warm way on the pages of this story. She is the bridge between two worlds: the rich and poor, using her privileges for good and bringing healing to broken families.

My heart ached and broke over and over while reading this novel as it is based on many true events and people. There is plenty of danger, death, prejudice, mystery and destruction but there is also strength, endurance, hope and healing at the end. And the importance of family is at the centre of it all.

I did not want The Wilderness Way to end and was quite surprised when I turned a page and there wasn’t another chapter. I felt there was so much more to tell—even though the ending brought some resolutions. And to my delight, the author states in her notes, it is only the first chapter in the history of Glenveagh Castle. I, for one, hope there is a sequel! In the meantime, I highly recommend reading this exceptional novel. It reminds us of the sacrifices many have made in the past. But how they find ways to move forward, rising from the ashes. For out of death springs life. A child is born. A new generation comes. And for the characters of The Wilderness Way, the protagonist must find peace amidst his cry for vengeance. And the antagonist must learn kindness guided by the hand of a lady whose heart shines with goodness. This is a great, great story I am so glad I read. 5 Brilliant Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Many thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for my review copy.