Bodie and Brock Thoene have produced a novel of historical relevance and literary charm in Of Men and Angels. This sequel to Gold Medallion winner Only the River Runs Free, opens the door once again to enchanting Irish villages and folk of the 1840s in their dream of freedom from England's rule.
The story follows the hopes of these Irish country dwellers through betrayal, brokenheartedness, awakening love, and despair. Supporting the Repeal Movement, a nonviolent approach embraced by Irish Catholics and Protestants alike, Joseph Connor Burke and his countrymen and -women prepare to stand firmly against England's power. Their goal is self-rule, and they want to attain it without bloodshed. The reader is further drawn into this world by a story of romance in the face of heartbreaking realities. No home's hearth fire burns more brightly than that of Kate Donovan. But will Joseph's work for the Repeal Movement cost him his chance to put the past to rights with her? Are all of his dreams ill-fated?
Of Men and Angels is a story of a united Ireland, a people rising in hope that their dreams can be realized. Readers will find their hearts joining in the cause as well. --Ann Weinheimer
From Library Journal
Perennially popular Christian fiction authors, the Thoenes return to their Galway series (Only the River Runs Free, NelsonWord Pub., 1997) in this abridged version of their latest novel. Local squire Joseph Connor Burke often finds life in rural Ireland in 1843 troubling. Chief among his problems are a smallpox epidemic, a crumbling romance, and the fight against British rule. When a repeal movement makes Burke its leader, he soon realizes he may be forced to leave his beloved Ireland forever. As is typical of the Thoenes' work, this is a novel rich in history and deep characterization. Adding to the enjoyment are instrumental music selections by "Big Gerry" Fehr and Martin Cook. Sean Barrett's narration is pleasant and often lyrical, though his performances of the female voices often drop into caricature. Overall, this is a well-adapted audio version that retains enough of its flavor to capture the essence of the full novel. Recommended for library collections with a demand for Christian fiction.AMelissa Hudak, Centegra Health System, McHenry, ILCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
It's 1843, and whether Catholic or Protestant, the tenant farmers around the little Irish village of Ballynockanor face eviction and/or deportation to America from English landlords in league with an oppressive English government. Some choose violent opposition by joining the secretive Ribbonmen, while others, led almost reluctantly by the mild-mannered Joseph Burke, pursue Repeal, or laws to protect tenants' rights and prevent unfair rents. Repeal goes down literally in flames in this new novel from the Thoenes, second in the Galway Chronicles and sequel to Only the River Runs Free (1997). The Thoene characters have yet to endure the potato famine and, one would guess, some adventures on American shores. The Thoenes go easy on violence and sugarcoat the differences between Protestants and Catholics, and they muster nothing like the narrative power of, say, Bernard Cornwell. But their minor characters, such as Mad Molly and wise Father O'Bannon, have broad appeal, their research is meticulous, and their passion for Ireland seems genuine. This should have appeal far beyond the Thoenes' core Evangelical audience. John Mort
Book Description
Joseph Connor Burke has reclaimed his ancestral acres and the manor he was born to rule. But in a turbulent time, as England struggles under an unjust English oppressor, Joseph's dreams of a peaceable kingdom are shattered by violence and betrayal. Soon the village of Ballynockanor will be swept into storms of political strife that will eventually spread to the entire Emerald isle.
Previous editions: 0-7852-8068-5, and 0-7852-6929-0. This is the second volume of the Galway Chronicles.
Of Men And Of Angels: A Novel FROM THE PUBLISHER
Joseph Connor Burke has reclaimed his ancestral acres and the manor he was born to rule. But in a turbulent time, as England struggles under an unjust English oppressor, Joseph's dreams of a peaceable kingdom are shattered by violence and betrayal. Soon the village of Ballynockanor will be swept into storms of political strife that will eventually spread to the entire Emerald isle.
Previous editions: 0-7852-8068-5, and 0-7852-6929-0.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
Perennially popular Christian fiction authors, the Thoenes return to their Galway series (Only the River Runs Free, NelsonWord Pub., 1997) in this abridged version of their latest novel. Local squire Joseph Connor Burke often finds life in rural Ireland in 1843 troubling. Chief among his problems are a smallpox epidemic, a crumbling romance, and the fight against British rule. When a repeal movement makes Burke its leader, he soon realizes he may be forced to leave his beloved Ireland forever. As is typical of the Thoenes' work, this is a novel rich in history and deep characterization. Adding to the enjoyment are instrumental music selections by "Big Gerry" Fehr and Martin Cook. Sean Barrett's narration is pleasant and often lyrical, though his performances of the female voices often drop into caricature. Overall, this is a well-adapted audio version that retains enough of its flavor to capture the essence of the full novel. Recommended for library collections with a demand for Christian fiction.--Melissa Hudak, Centegra Health System, McHenry, IL
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