Another Mother's Child

Beginning in West Cork at the turn of the twentieth century, this novel spans four generations over a period of one hundred and twenty years. An Irish-American family drama which straddles timelines and continents, focussing on the lives of Ellen and Lizzie, who are linked by family and separated by generations. 

Uncovering an ancestor's secret brings insight into the motives of those with few choices and an interesting assortment of lively Irish immigrant characters, whose experiences tell their own story. The novel highlights the way women's expectations and choices have changed, offering a stark contrast between twentieth century Ireland and twenty-first century Britain.

When career woman Lizzie agrees, on her grandmother's deathbed, to uncover the background and secrets of her family's ancestry her search takes her from Ireland to New York. What follows is a subtle and challenging examination of family ties and duties,a smattering of social history and a clutchful of characters who are, of their time, the best they can be. The book will appeal to those who enjoy who-do-you-think-you-are stories of power, heartbreak, equality and love.

Described as 'a powerful story of human misfortune and resistance, movingly told, with a striking cast of characters convey the spirit of both era. It may be the story of one family, but it must be representative of so many others from that time and place.'  Charles Becker, Academic .

 ' A grippingly realistic and impassioned tale, the detail is unforgiving nd the dialogue mercilessly witty and rasping. A familial intensity binds the story, characters and reader into a compellgn relationship. Dont take your eyes off it!' John Simes, author.

What an interesting story! I liked the parallel stories of Lizzie and her great-great-grandmother Ellen, and the very different lives they lead but the connection that Lizzie feels with Ellen regardless. I also really enjoyed the build-up of Lizzie and Faith's relationship throughout the book.

Lisa Findley, March 2021. Wordsmith, Reedsy.

On one level this is a story of how Lizzie struggles to trace the history of a relative who emigrated from Ireland to New York in the early years of the twentieth century. But really this is a subtle and challenging examination of family ties and responsibilities. How do the different generations play the hands they have been dealt, and what right do we have to judge them in hindsight by today's standards? We find that Lizzie's great, great grandmother Ellen was a brave and resourceful woman, loyal and prepared to make unselfish sacrifices to those she cares for. She is an inspiration to Lizzie as she herself prepares to face her own challenges.

John Curry. John Ashby, actor/musician and singer/songwriter. 

.   ' The novel begins with a dilemma for the eldest daughter, Ellen, who solves it by taking matters into her own hands in order to secure her future.  Eventually she crosses the Atlantic to find work, leaving a trail of questions and consequences for her descendants to follow.  From the closely-observed details of life in rural Ireland to the current challenges of a pandemic, the book takes us on a journey through history.  Eventually members of the present-day family travel to Ellis Island to seek confirmation of the truth, and the saga ends on an optimistic note.

     The author writes with confidence, empathy, and extraordinary attention to detail.  An excellent read!

Margaret Foster