Originally published as THE
IRISH GYPSY, this is the story of Kitty Rooney, born to Irish peasants but
gifted with a glib tongue, an ability to weave tales and an understanding of
people. Set in the Victorian era, it begins in Ireland where Kitty’s
grandfather and brother eek out a living on the estate of the O’Reillys. When
famine hits, the O’Reillys, at the urging of their business-wise son, Patrick,
move their tenants to Lancashire, England where they have three mills.
The first time Kitty
encounters Patrick, she is attracted to him, and he to her. Each has a plan for
the other, Patrick to make Kitty his mistress, Kitty to become Patrick’s wife.
But Patrick is a man of means and Kitty is a poor gypsy who is put to work as a
maid in the O’Reillys’ home in Lancashire when Patrick’s father realizes what a
beauty she is and covets her for himself.
Henley is a great storyteller
so you are never bored. Shocked, perhaps, but not bored. Our modern
sensibilities may find it have to believe that landed Irish gentry in Ireland
would take advantage of a beautiful peasant girl, but it should not be
surprising. I’m sure it happened all the time.
 |
| Original title and cover |
The book is well-written, fast
paced and takes you from one tangle to another as Kitty’s story reminded me of
the “perils of Pauline.” In the beginning, she is told that she will have three
husbands, so you know what’s coming. Patrick wants Kitty and she wants him, but
he is always off on some business venture that leaves Kitty without protection,
particularly of the noble kind. But she does meet some wonderfully interesting
characters on the way back to Patrick’s arms. Oh, yes, and there’s a bit of
bodice ripping to Patrick’s first attempt to woo Kitty.
I recommend it for those who
like the unusual.
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