By: Leon Uris
Narrated by: John Keating
Length: 34 hrs and 13 mins

This was an excellent and memorable read. At the outset, I found it somewhat difficult to follow, as Uris shifted between perspectives and narrative styles, almost as if he were laying down fragments of a mosaic. Yet as the book progressed, the story gradually coalesced around a central character, giving the narrative a steady rhythm and making the experience far more engaging and approachable.

What struck me most was the way Uris revealed the complexities of Irish life under English rule. Through shifting viewpoints, he presented both the personal and the political, showing not only the struggles of individuals but also the weight of centuries of oppression and resistance. The ideas, the conflicts, and the lived experiences of the people came through with clarity and depth.

No single section stood out as effortless or dazzling on its own; in fact, at times the prose demanded patience. But taken as a whole, the novel was greater than the sum of its parts. It provided not only a story, but also a textured background of history, culture, and struggle that felt authentic and alive. The book left me with a fuller understanding of the Irish plight and the enduring reach of English power, while also setting the stage for a saga that promises to be both rich and enduring.