Today I am delighted to introduce a wonderful new book concerning the Irish Famine from author Kathryn Miles.
A copy of All Standing will be won by one lucky reader of this book review. So read on and check out how to enter our giveaway at the end of this post.
Table of Contents
The Book - All Standing
All Standing: The Remarkable Story of the Jeanie Johnston, The Legendary Irish Famine Ship recounts the journeys of the only ship never to lose a passenger to illness during the mass movement of Irish Famine victims across the Atlantic ocean to the New World.
The central character may be the brig Jeanie Johnston, but her story comes to life through the interwoven tales of her skilled designer and builder, community-activist owner, exceptional captain, compassionate surgeon, dedicated crew, and courageous immigrants.
We are introduced to a central Irish character, born aboard the Jeanie. His experience does not end upon arrival in the New World. This book sheds light on his difficulties assimilating into a new culture and finding a new homeland.
This fascinating read does not simply tell the story of this ship's voyages, but takes the reader on a deeper journey of understanding. We visit the shipyards of Quebec and the quarantine hospital on Grosse Isle to further understand the Canadian-Irish Famine experience.
We meet English nobility in the Halls of Parliament, who decide the fate of the Irish people, guided by greed and obsessive control of an economy stacked in their favor.
We observe the extreme suffering of the masses in Ireland and the New World. We learn of their fates as they endure the hardships of life as loggers in Canada, or travel to America only to be greeted with signs warning them "No Irish Need Apply".
Miles breathes new life into an old, and sometimes forgotten, story. This truly is a noteworthy Immigrant Tale.
The Ship
During the years of the Great Hunger (1845 - 1850) over one million people fled Ireland for North America. Over one hundred thousand Irish died at sea, with mortality rates reaching 30-50% of passengers aboard most "coffin ships".
The Jennie Johnston defied all odds crossing the Atlantic, never losing a single passenger on her multiple voyages.
The "miracle" of this ship is a story for the ages. Her amazing achievement was not an inexplicable coincidence.
A combination of extraordinary factors culminated in her successful Atlantic crossings.
From the meticulous design of a master shipbuilder in Quebec, assignment of a conscientious captain and an attentive, caring doctor who somehow kept cholera at bay in horrible conditions at sea, her achievement was not simply divine intervention.
The Jeannie Johnston never joined the notorious annals of 'coffin ships', but transformed into a ship of legend after eleven voyages to North America.
A replica of the Jeanie Johnston is docked on Dublin's Custom House Quay and is open for tours.
The Author
The author, Kathryn Miles, is a professor of environmental writing at Unity College, Maine, and a faculty member for the Chatham University MFA low-residency program. She is editor-in-chief of Hawk & Handsaw: The Journal of Creative Sustainability and a scholar-in-residence for the Maine Humanities Council.
Her biography page on her writer's website explains that she "dedicates her writerly life to the uncovering of previously ignored narratives and characters."
The Jeanie Johnston is definitely one such noteworthy character.
Creative Non-Fiction
I have read many books on the subject of the Irish Famine. Most were written in typical historical textbook fashion. My husband has often found me snoring on the couch, with a textbook balanced on my chest. But such was not the case with All Standing. I was riveted from the moment I read the first page.
Written in an engaging style, this book is easy reading despite the gravity and overwhelming sadness of its subject matter.
This is not a typical didactic reference book, but one that puts faces on one of history's greatest human tragedies. By focusing attention on a rare positive story of this era, this book not only explores misguided politics that exacerbated the calamity, but pays tribute to the incredible will of the Irish people to survive against all the odds.
Miles' skill as a writer of creative non-fiction is clearly evident as she gives life to memorable characters. Their traits, decisions, and beliefs impact the career of this ship, whose legacy tells the tale of ultimate human survival.
Courage, determination, compassion, tragedy and corruption co-mingle on the pages of this book through character-driven, seamless writing.
Praise For This Book
All Standing is an unexpectedly comprehensive book, bringing real historical context to the disaster of the Irish Famine. The author's meticulous research is clearly evident. Her crisp writing style creates a narrative history with appeal for historians and non-historians alike.
This is not the story of the Famine as we have heard it before. It is a tribute to the resilience of the Irish people and the story of their survival against all odds.
I highly recommend this book for all those interested in the Famine and Irish diaspora. In fact, it is such a good book I believe even those without Irish heritage will find this story of triumph intriguing. It's truly a neat, compact history and a fantastic read.
The Giveaway
Simon & Schuster, publishers of this book, have generously provided a copy of All Standing for one of Irish American Mom's readers to win.
To enter our giveaway just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Saturday, May 18th, 2013 at noon. You can leave any comment you wish. What you write does not affect your chances of winning.
If you need some inspiration, why not tell us if your family came to the New World in the 19th century, or share your thoughts on immigrants of this era and how they achieved their American Dream.
A winning comment will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published or shared, just used to contact our lucky winner.
The winner will be announced on Saturday May 18th, in a separate blog post. I’ll send the winner an e-mail so that I can mail the book.
Best of luck to all our entrants and a big thank you to Kathryn Miles and Simon & Schuster for sharing this wonderful book.
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I do not receive payment for my book reviews. My first responsibility is to my readers and I am committed to honest reviews. All opinions given are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Here are some more recipes and ramblings you might enjoy...
Books
- Our Irish Heritage - A Kid's Guide to the Irish Diaspora and Irish National Anthem
- An Irish Tour Following in the Footsteps of Saint Brigid
- Did You Know These 7 Authors Were Irish?
- Kelcie Murphy And The Academy For The Unbreakable Arts
Shawn Marie Durkan Strait
My grandparents emigrated to America in the early 1900's. My grandmother was from Westport, Co Mayo and my grandfather was from Louisburgh, Co Mayo. They were practically neighbors but didn't meet until they came to the States. My father was born in 1946, and I am a second generation American. However, I have Ireland in my heart and soul and consider myself Irish through and through. I just don't have the accent or the language. But I am working on both 🙂 I have taken a corse in Glencolmcille, Co Donegal. I just love Ireland!
Irish American Mom
Shawn - It is so nice to hear how much you love Ireland. Mayo is a magnificent county, and the scenery is breathtaking. I like the story of how your grandparents were practically neighbors in Ireland, but didn't meet until they came to America. I too met my Irish husband in the US, but we are both from different counties.
Thanks so much for stopping by,
Mairéad
Amy Mapes
My family didn't leave Ireland until 1915. I can't wait to visit Cobh (Queenstown) to see where my family left Ireland from and to see the famine ship that is there. I am hoping to win the book but if not do you think copies would be available at the museum there? We are leaving for Ireland in less than 3 weeks.
Irish American Mom
Amy - I hope you have a wonderful trip to Ireland. Cobh is such a picturesque town, and quite an emotional place to visit, when you realize it was the last place where most Irish immigrants stood on Irish soil.
I checked some of the Irish bookseller's websites and I can't find this book amongst their current publications for sale. I think it may only be on release in America for now.
All the best,
Mairéad
Maureen Harrington
My husband and I saw this ship as we strolled along the Liffey one Sunday morning in Oct 2011. It was not open to the public at that time but I would love to read about it. Thanks
Maureen Harrington
Irish American Mom
Maureen - I am just back from a few days in Dublin and I am so sorry I did not visit the Jeanie Johnston while I was there. I hope to do so when I visit over the summer. I'll be sure to take plenty of photos to share. Strolling by the Liffey is a lovely way to pass a Sunday morning.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Mariana
The first member of my family came to Argentina around 1850. He was from County Westmeath. He returned to Ireland, where he got married, and the he and his wife came back to this country in 1871. That is all I know.
Irish American Mom
Mariana - I watched a documentary once about the Irish in Argentina. Apparently many men from County Westmeath moved their in the 1850's. It is a subject I would love to learn more about. It is so interesting that your ancestor returned to Ireland to marry. What a long journey he undertook, not once, but three times. Just amazing!
All the best,
Mairéad
Jeremy Krieger
I'd like to read that.
Irish American Mom
Jeremy - It truly is a good book.
All the best,
Mairéad
Peggy Kenney
Looking forward to reading this book, however I wind up getting it!
Irish American Mom
Peggy - Thanks for stopping by and entering this giveaway.
Best of luck,
Mairéad
Lauren Clark
I look forward to reading this book. I am thrilled to see the topic kept alive and interesting to all.
Irish American Mom
Lauren - This book does a wonderful job turning a sad, historical story into an intriguing read.
All the best,
Mairéad
Deborah
Can't wait to read this book, sounds very interesting. Look forward to reading.
Irish American Mom
Deborah - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Mairéad
Lyn Van Leer
I'd like to read this. Although I am 4 th generation Irish on both of my parents', the actual voyage was never spoken of. All I ever heard was the mention of starvation and before or after the trouble in Ireland.
Irish American Mom
Lyn - I think many Irish people chose not to speak of the hardships they endured during and after the Famine. The Irish have been christened the silent people, because they buried their hurt and avoided talking about their suffering.
Best wishes and thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
Susan
My mom's grandparents came to America, from Co Donegal & Tipperary, ine the 1860's i Ithink it was,
Irish American Mom
Susan - Donegal is a ruggedly beautiful and windswept county and Tipperary is full of lush, green pastures and lakes. I hope you get to visit both counties someday.
All the best,
Mairéad
Justine
My paternal great grandfather immigrated to the US as a child with his parents in 1852 according to his obituary. The same obituary says he was from Bamden, Cork County. I have yet to find a record of his name in the ship lists or any record in Ireland to give a hint to his parents names. This book is being added to my summer reading list.
Irish American Mom
Justine - I was wondering if your great grandfather possibly came from Bandon, County Cork. I am not aware of a town called Bamden. The town of Bandon is a pretty large market town on the way towards West Cork. It is a beautiful part of Ireland.
Best of luck as you search for more information about your ancestor.
I hope you enjoy this book over the summer.
Mairéad
Justine
Yes, I suspect the obituary was a typo and more likely Bandon. My Great Grandfather has an English origin name (Whaley) and the name appears on the list of English Families moved to Bandon by Queen Elizabeth in an attempt to have a more English presence in Ireland. Typos are a normal part of genealogy research. The family was Catholic by in the 1850's, so they didn't stay very English.
Irish American Mom
Justine - I think many English settlers became Gaelicized over time, especially in West Cork. Some of my Cork ancestors were Brownes, which is a very English surname. I do not know if my branch of the family came to West Cork in Tudor times, or if they were Norman settlers with the last name de Brun. I would love to have time to do some genealogical research, but with four little ones, I think it will have to wait a few years.
Take care,
Mairéad
Shirley Mills
I'm not certain when my family came to the United States, but someday when I have more time (still working and raising children) I would like to research it and find out.
Irish American Mom
Shirley - I understand how hard it is to find time for genealogical research when you are working and raising children. The days just seem to fly by for us mothers. In years to come I hope you are able to trace your roots and discover the story of their journey to America.
All the best,
Mairéad
Lori
My great great grandfather came to America from Ireland in the late 1800's. I would really like to learn more about my ancestors from Ireland.
Irish American Mom
Lori - Irish history and genealogy is a fascinating subject. It takes time to trace one's roots, but I hope someday you discover your family's story.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
barbara frost
I am an avid reader of Irish history and have read several stories of the potato blight and famine. I would just love to have this new one. I usually pick my books up in the charity shops and then return after reading, as I can no longer afford new prices. I wait with baited breath.
Irish American Mom
Barbara - Thanks so much for entering our giveaway. This is a really great book. I hope you get your hands on a copy. Perhaps your local library will carry a few copies.
Best of luck to you and all the entrants.
Mairéad
Christina
sounds like a great read!
Irish American Mom
Christina - I really enjoyed it, but I do like to read historical non-fiction.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary Sullivan
My Irish relatives came to America in the 18oos. I love to read all that I can of the Irish History and the famine in particular. I hope to read this book. It sounds quite interesting. Good luck to all.
Irish American Mom
Mary - I highly recommend this book if you are interested in the Famine. Best of luck to you and all the entrants.
Mairéad
Nora McLennan
Would love to learn about this, I got taught a lot about the famine in school but always wanted to read more. I'm from Belfast, Ireland and moved to Orlando, FL about 4 years ago so I'm not close to home to pick up books about my home 🙂
Irish American Mom
Nora - I loved learning about the Famine when I was at school too. Now that I am older and am reading more and more about the subject I have come to realize there were many facts we missed out on at school. It is an intriguing topic and a calamity that truly changed many countries - Ireland, America, England and Australia to name a few.
I hope you are enjoying life in Orlando. I lived in Daytona Beach for 8 years and loved it there.
All the best,
Mairéad
Pam Palmer
My ancestors left the UK (Egland, Scotland and Ireland) from the 1700s thru to 1881. I don't know enough about my Irish great great grandparents, but would love to. I've always loved reading, history and geography are two of my favourite studies.
Irish American Mom
Pam - I believe you would really enjoy this book if history and geography are your two favorite studies. I confess they were my favorite subjects too when I was at school, especially history.
Best of luck in the giveaway.
Mairéad
Vladimir Shatalov
Thank you for wonderful review.
My family is on the way to achieving American Dream right now.
Irish American Mom
Vladimir - Wishing your family every success as they start their American journey. I hope all of their American dreams come true.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Martine Brennan
Thanks for the heads up Mairead. This book goes on my list. I love books that make history come alive.
Irish American Mom
Martine - This book definitely makes history come alive. The story of the Jeanie Johnston is close to home for you, since the ship sailed from Tralee to Canada on many voyages. It was owned by Tralee's leading importer/exporter Nicholas Donovan.
Take care,
Mairéad
John Ongena
The book sounds amazing, winning one through your site would be an honor!
Irish American Mom
John - The well-written, flowing prose and character-driven review of events makes this book a compelling read.
Best of luck in the giveaway.
Mairéad
Al Murphy
My father was a "four poster" would like to read more of the era of his grandparents.
Irish American Mom
Al - This book is a great read for anyone interested in this period of time.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kathleen Stack
Having ancestors who sailed out of Galway, I've always had an interest in this & how against such odds they survived.
Irish American Mom
Kathleen - Surviving against the odds is definitely the first chapter in the story of so many Irish American families. I love how this book details how much the odds were stacked against them, and celebrates their tenacity and determination to succeed.
Best of luck,
Mairéad
Homer Hill
Was discussing the potato famine with my grandson last week and realized I know little about it. Sounds like an interesting read to understand more about the famine and the hardships it caused.
Irish American Mom
Homer - This book not only tells the story of the Jeanie Johnston, but provides plenty of background information about the Famine itself. It definitely is an easy-to-read and valuable resource for anyone wishing to learn about this tragic time in Irish and American history.
All the best,
Mairéad
Betty T.
My grandparents were Fitzpatrick's and Fitzgerald s - I love my Irish ancestor's. I would dearly love to be able to read this book.
Mariana
My great grandmother was Fitzpatrick. Is it a common surname?
Irish American Mom
Mariana - Fitzpatrick is a fairly common surname in Ireland, and originated in Leinster. Because it starts with Fitz, it is assumed to be of Norman descent, but it is an old Gaelic name. The Fitz pre-fix was not taken until the 1500's.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mariana
Thank you for the information. The man who came from Westmeath was Delamer. I've read that this surname truly has from Norman origin.
Irish American Mom
Betty - I'm so glad you love your Irish ancestry. Good luck in this giveaway.
Mairéad
Cheryl Barker
Mairead, I love good creative non-fiction. Would love to win this book. And yes, my ancestors immigrated from Ireland in the 1800s. My great-great grandfather stowed away on a ship with his brother when he was only sixteen or seventeen years old. They got separated in New York City and never saw one another again. I would love to know more of the story, but that's all the details that remain now. So important to hand our stories down, isn't it?
Irish American Mom
Cheryl - Your great-great grandfather's story of losing his brother in New York City is heart wrenching. I am sure tragedies and separations such as this were common place in the mayhem of city. So many stories have been lost forever, or mere threads remain. Handing down our stories is so important. A desire to write my story for my children was a key factor in why I started this blog.
All the best,
Mairéad
George Edw. Seymour
Like many before me I toss my Irish hat into the ring to read about the Jeannie Johnston. Also, I have spent no small amount of time seeking several Irish ancestors who ventured forth with family and friends seeking a new home. So far I have discovered something about Jeremiah Lyons, Sr. from Listowel and Patrick McNulty from Galway. The Irish have endured much and yet have much to be proud about. Best regards, George, Retired in Escondido, CA USA.
Irish American Mom
George - Thanks so much for tossing your Irish hat into the ring and supporting this little giveaway. It is lovely to read everyone's comments and hear little snippets of their families' Irish American tales of endurance,perseverance and Irish pride.
All the best,
Mairéad
Vincent
That ship contains a dichotomy. In Ireland she is seen to mark a hopelessness, but in the New World, hope.
Irish American Mom
Vincent - I think those of us from Ireland our emotional connection to immigration is definitely tinged with feelings of loss and sadness. Here in America, the promise of a brighter future lifted some of that gloom. I like how you say the Jeanie Johnston represents a dichotomy.
All the best,
Mairéad
Peggy Hopes
I will add this to my list of Irish reads as I'm so thirsty for anything Irish. I know my Great Great Grandparents on my Dad's side are from County Clare and County Tipperary. I've just learned that my Mom's side also has Irish roots; I'm doubly blessed. Thanks, Mairead for the opportunity.
Peggy
Irish American Mom
Peggy - It sounds like you have made great progress researching your family tree. It must be so exciting to discover new roots and branches of your family.
All the best, and thanks for supporting this giveaway.
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
A big thank you to everyone who entered this giveaway. Our winner is Kathleen Stack. I really enjoyed reading everyone's comments and learning where in Ireland your ancestors hail from.
Thanks for supporting Irish American Mom through your comments and giveaway entries, and by taking the time to read my ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad