Signed, A Paddy

So pleased to have discovered this book and author! The first in the series, Signed, A Paddy is a marvelously written book about the cruel effects of the Irish famine in the nineteenth century and those who were affected. Most of the information I have gleaned from this era is Nonfiction so was excited to see this Historical Fiction which is loosely based on facts with lovely descriptions. The author researched a lot for her book and it shows.

Set in Ireland in 1848 and then America, despairing Rosaleen is reeling after burying her mother. Her da had died earlier so she was now an orphan at the age of 14. She literally had no food or furniture left. The only people around were exhausted, skin and bones. The nauseating stench of death permeated everything. Rosaleen's only chance of surviving was to leave. She eventually made it to America (I like the story of the journey to get there) and settled in Baltimore where she made good friends and got a job. She becomes involved in the abolitionist cause. This story describes her life over the next year as she experiences loss and love and the power of friendship and honour.

I cared deeply about the characters. Historical facts really make this wonderful book shine. The writing is gorgeous and engaging, highly addictive! Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction and Fiction readers ought to read this. I am so, so glad I did. Really looking forward to the second in the series.

My sincere thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this poignant and remarkable book. I enjoyed it immensely!

This historical fiction was beautifully written!. I was in awe!
The journey this book takes you on is something magical and beautiful!
The loss love and courage here in the book is beyond breathtaking.
I can't thank NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this amazing ebook!

Thank you Victoria Editing Net Galley Co-op for an electronic advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am a fan of Historical Fiction and the book description had drawn me to reading this story. The setting in Ireland with the backdrop of the potato famine, and frequent hardships, is brought alive by the poignant prose of author Lisa Boyle. She fleshes out an immensely likeable protagonist in Rosaleen. After her mother’s death, Rosaleen knows her future is not in her small village, and travels on her own to seek help from relatives she’s only heard about. This leads to an adventure through the workhouse, two ship journeys, a difficult crossing of sea, and eventually to America. On the first ship she meets Emmett with whom Rosaleen strikes a beautiful relationship culminating in love.

The book dwells in detail on how the Irish are treated, of the hard work immigrants need to do to survive and the labor and abolitionist movements gaining momentum. Rosaleen develops some good friends at her workplace, and becomes involved in the movement.

The end is stunning and inspite of the atmosphere of despair leaves you hopeful and positive. The book ends on a fascinating note. A courageous, brave young girl shows us the way forward.

I wish the book much success and look forward to reading more from Lisa Boyle’s pen.

After losing her family Rosaleen sneaks onto a ship for America to get away from the great potato famine. America is nothing like she imagined it to be. She finds her way as an outcast but takes steps to make a difference in the civil rights movement and the industrial revolution.

This was a wonderful young adult read. I loved traveling with Rosaleen as she became an independent young woman.

#signedapatty #industrialrevolutionfiction #comingtoamericafiction #irishpotatofamine #historicalfiction #youngadultfiction #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookstagram #summerread #netgalley

For the first time, Ireland. This book was wonderfully written and was in fact both educational and swoon worthy. Loved the protagonist and the setting. Can't wait to see what the author has next in store

“Signed, A Paddy” is a beautiful historical novel about a woman’s journey as she settles in America in the 1800s, and I loved reading it.

The strength of the story lies in the characters. Rosaleen is terrific in the lead, and I loved reading her journey as she travels to America and settles in the new land. She makes friends along the way and experiences various moments that change her perspective of life. The author also writes the romance nicely. I liked Rosaleen’s relationship with both Emmett and Henry and wondered who Rosaleen would choose. I could see a contrast difference in the strength of the character when I compared Rosaleen to the version she was in the beginning.

However, more than Rosaleen, I loved Marie. In my opinion. Marie was the highlight of the story, and I loved how she teaches and helps Rosaleen and tells her about the Abolitionist Movement. I also adored the small moments where Marie exposes Rosaleen to the world of literature. On a side note, I loved some of the recommendations the author mentions in the novel, like “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,” “Oliver Twist,” and “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.”

Moreover, the author covers critical issues prevalent during the time, notably The Abolitionist Movement. I thought the author conveyed the message realistically on how people focused on the movement, but many opposed it. Some of my favorite moments in the story were Rosaleen’s initial adventures in the ship, her moments with Marie, and towards the end, revolving around “The Paddy.”

Overall, I thought “Signed, A Paddy” is a terrific debut by the author, and I cannot wait to read her future novels.