Greensleeves-An Historical Novel of the First Irish Diaspora

Henry VIII was determined to destroy Irish culture. Now his daughter, Elizabeth, sends spies and soldiers to install alien rulers who bleed Ireland of her riches, provoking the clans to fight over the leavings. Into these hopeless circumstances is born an Irish noble girl, Caitlin Ni Conor. In her youth she receives a vision from Saint Brigid—a beautiful melody. As a teen she enlists in King Magnhus O Domhnaill’s secret design to preserve Gaelic culture. Kate trains as a bard, apprentices to a wise woman then travels Europe, a troubadour in exile secretly serving the Irish resistance. Allied with a Scots warrior battling the English, Kate is midwife at the creation of the most haunting and romantic Renaissance ballad, “Greensleeves”. This imaginative retelling of the origins of the song offers an engaging human drama and historical insight into the “Irish Diaspora”.

The novel required seven years of research and travel to write. With her husband she retraced the journey of the characters across Ireland, Scotland, Tuscany and the Low Countries. Her dedication and commitment are apparent in the finished work. The novel poignantly recreates the era, the people and their lands. It also offers a clever premise on the enigmatic origins of the song wrapped in a forceful tale of politics, passion and sacrifice.

Spirit Triumphs...