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Reviewed by Kelsey Vang for Readers' Favorite
Katherine Mezzacappa draws the reader deeply into late 1700’s Ireland in her impeccably researched novel, The Ballad of Mary Kearney. In a tumultuous period of social and religious unrest, we witness the story of a simple serving girl named Mary Kearney, who, against all cultural norms of the day and even against the law, is married to James Goward, a landowner in County Down. Spanning over thirty years, the novel follows the course of their relationship, the tragic personal trials of Mary herself, and the development and outcome of the Irish Rebellion of 1798.
The Ballad of Mary Kearney was both moving and immense, providing a marvelous balance of poignant human interest and comprehensive historical detail. The novel itself moved at a good pace and so covered much ground without stalling. The style in which it was written, with an abundance of letters and various published articles intermixed with well-chosen prose, offered a fresh and invigorating style in a deeply historical setting. Mary herself was a sympathetic character, and her life was the perfect thread to weave together and display the hardships, tragedies, joys, and resilience of the Irish people during this period of history. I felt as though I truly took a journey back in time while reading this novel and could clearly sense the love and respect Katherine Mezzacappa had while writing it. For anyone looking to be immersed in history and engaged in a captivating and heart-wrenching story, look no further than this wonderful novel.
