Rebel Sisters By Marita Conlan McKenna Plus A Book Giveaway

March 13, 2016 by Irish American Mom 73 Comments

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Rebel Sisters is a new book telling the stories of three sisters whose lives become irreversibly intertwined with the leaders of the Easter Rising and the events of Easter Week 1916.

Muriel Gifford falls deeply in love with writer Thomas MacDonagh. Her sister Grace, an artist, meets Joseph Mary Plunkett, and becomes inspired by his passion for Ireland's freedom. Their sister Nellie joins the Citizen Army and bravely takes up arms.

Cover for Rebel Sisters by Marita Conlon McKenna

Novel of the 1916 Rising
Inspiration for Rebel Sisters
The Gifford Sisters
Researching Rebel Sisters
About the 1916 Commemoration
About Marita Conlan McKenna
The Giveaway
Update – Winner Chosen
Other Irish Books

Novel of the 1916 Rising

On Easter Monday 1916 the world of the Gifford sisters and everyone they hold dear is turned upside down, torn apart, and transformed by a fight the Irish rebels are destined to lose.

Today I'm delighted to host a giveaway for a copy of Marita Conlan McKenna's new book Rebel Sisters. But before I share the details of how to enter, let me first hand you over to Marita who will introduce us to her writing and inspiration for this remarkable historical novel.....

Inspiration for Rebel Sisters

The inspiration for Rebel Sisters came from visiting Kilmainham Jail in Dublin.

No matter the weather I always feel a strange chill standing in The Stone Breakers Yard, where the leaders of the ill- fated 1916 rebellion were shot by firing squad following the execution orders given by General Maxwell.

People in a yard with a cross and flag — The Stonebreakers Yard in Kilmainham Gaol

Image Credit

I was constantly drawn to the story of Grace Gifford who had married Joseph Plunkett, one of the leaders of the 1916 Rising, in the prison chapel, only a few hours before he was shot.

Their tragic and romantic story somehow stayed with me and I was curious about how an artist like Grace found herself in such a place, on such a night, marrying the man she loved.

The Gifford Sisters

Researching Grace Gifford I discovered that not only was she a very talented and well- known artist but that she came from a large, wealthy, Protestant family, loyal to the British crown and Empire. Then I saw photographs of her sister, Muriel, who was married to Thomas MacDonagh.

Two striking, beautiful sisters married to two leaders of the Rebellion that had both signed the Irish Proclamation, two best friends, executed within a day of each other… I could not believe it. ….Then I realized that their sister Nellie was a member of The Irish Citizen Army, and had fought alongside Countess Markievicz in The College of Surgeons during the Rebellion.

Three sisters all caught up so closely in one of the biggest events in Irish history – the Gifford family torn apart -this was certainly a story for the telling.

Grace Gifford's Prison Cell in Kilmainham Gaol with the mural she painted — Grace Giffords Artwork on the wall of her cell in Kilmainham Gaol

Image Credit

Researching Rebel Sisters

Mad with curiosity I set about finding out more about these three young women who were prepared to get involved with all the issues of the time; whether it was protesting against King George V’s visit to Ireland, helping to feed the starving strikers during the 1913 Lockout or trying to stop young Irish men being conscripted into the British army.

I love history and have written a number of historical novels but had never imagined that I could find the right way to tell the big story of 1916.

Could I write it from the perspective of the women of 1916? Suddenly, I knew I had found a way - for Muriel, Grace, and Nellie were three incredible young women at the very heart of the 1916 rising.

So my new book Rebel Sisters tells their story. As war erupts across Europe, the Gifford sisters, Grace, Muriel and Nellie find themselves not only caught up in Ireland’s struggle for freedom, but in all the excitement, mayhem, bravery and tragedy of the 1916 Rebellion.

I was very privileged to be able to write about them.

About the 1916 Commemoration

For Irish people, commemorating the Centenary of the 1916 Rising in 2016 is special, as we remember the small band of Rebels, that despite the odds, took on the might of the British army and proclaimed The Irish Republic. These were the first steps that led to Irish independence after centuries of British rule.

There are all sorts of celebrations with formal ceremonies that involve relatives of those who fought in 1916 as well as concerts, exhibitions, family fun days, lectures, and a host of 1916 related activities in Ireland and overseas.

About Marita Conlan McKenna

Marita Conlon-McKenna is an award winning Irish writer of adult and children’s fiction. Her books are enjoyed by readers across the world.

A dog standing beside a woman in a store — Marita Conlon McKenna with her dog Benji

Image Credit

Marita grew up in Greystones, County Wicklow, with much of her childhood spent in a house overlooking the sea. Passionate about Irish history Marita’s first book Under the Hawthorn Tree was inspired by the discovery of a famine grave with the skeletons of three children buried under a hawthorn tree.

The Giveaway

One lucky reader will receive a copy of Rebel Sisters by Marita Conlon McKenna.

To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Sunday, March 20th, 2016.

Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration for your entry why not tell us if you are interested in Irish history and historical novels.

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, just used to contact our lucky contestant for mailing of the prize.

Winners will be announced on Sunday March 20th, 2016, at the bottom of this blog post.

You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes' entries by clicking here.

A big thank you to Transworld/Random House for sponsoring this prize. And thanks to everyone who supports this little giveaway. Best of luck to all the entrants.

Update – Winner Chosen

Good news. Our winner has been chosen using the randomized “Pick Giveaway Winner” WordPress plug-in.

Congratulations to …..

Annmarie

I’ll send you a quick e-mail to let you know you are our prize winner.

Thanks to everyone who joined in and entered this little Irish American Mom giveaway.

And a big thank you to Marita for introducing us to her writing. Wishing her every success with this wonderful book.

Other Irish Books

If you're interested in other books set in Ireland or featuring the Irish in America, here are a few more recommendations to check out...

Petticoat Rebels of 1916

The Hunger Man

The Years That Followed

The Gospel of Mary

Hitching for Hope

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