I hoped this subject title would catch your attention...
The most excellent book I have read over the past few years is Star of the Sea by Joseph O'Connor. It is so excellent that I read it three times in two years. It is crammed full of historical facts and some historical links which are so apt and bring a smile to ones face. (ie the origin of Fagan as a name for a miserable crook in Oliver Twist).
If you have not read it don't be put off by the title and the picture of a ship on the cover. It is not about boats etc.
I would welcome comments from others likewise enchanted by this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed it too Stargazer. However I felt one of the last scenes let it down with absence of realism. Without spoiling the plot a character is stabbed - the 'perp' would have been covered in arterial blood from head to toe and couldn't have slipped away in the crowd. But that's me being picky!
I had to read it a second time to clarify the ending. But will have another look, as this book for me is just about as perfect a piece of fiction as one can get hold of. Every time I read it I gain some new nugget of information.
Yes, this is one of my favourite books, and enlightened me as to the horrendous plight of the Irish during the Famine. I was let down by the ending re Mary, now after reading your post Stargazer, I may give it another go.