Moore, Ann. Leaving Ireland.

Penguin Putnam, New American Library. 378p. c2002. 0-451-20707-6. $13.95. SA

If you ever wondered what life was like for immigrants in the big cities of this country during the 19th century and how they made their way in spite of poverty and adversity, this book relates the story of such a family, an Irish one. The prequel, Gracelin O'Malley (reviewed in KLIATT in November 2001), concludes with its Irish heroine recently widowed and on the run because she murdered a British guard in self-defense. Leaving Ireland continues her story as rebel supporters book passage for her and her young daughter. Mary Kate, aboard the Eliza J. Captained by Peter Reinders, the ship is bound for New York, where Gracelin's brother Sean awaits her. Gracelin's one regret apart from fleeing her homeland is leaving behind her blind infant son, Morgan, whose father lost his life fighting for Irish freedom. Crossing the Atlantic in winter takes its toll on the Irish immigrant families on the Eliza J, but Gracelin gains a "second son," Liam Kelley, whom she adopts when his mother perishes at sea of the fever. In New York Gracelin lodges with Sean at The Harp, a saloon owned by the former boxer, Ogue Dugan and his wife. Tara. She works for them, learning the ways of the city and its harshness toward the Irish. As romance slowly kindles between Gracelin and Captain Reinders, minor plots are interwoven concerning the Captain's work in aid of escaped slaves. Sean's attraction to the Mormon religion, and the precariousness of life in the city as evidenced by revenge, fire, petty crime and civic corruption.

This excellent novel not only describes the life and times of the early Irish immigrants in America, but also succeeds in capturing their lilting brogue and spirit, as well as the strong ethnic ties that unite them in a new land. Susan G. Allison, Libn., Lewiston H.S., Lewiston, ME