A novel of 17th century Ireland, based on a true story of love, rebellion, and redemption
When cattle meant wealth, and land just the means to sustain them.
In the far north of Ireland lies the land called Inishowen: rich, fertile, beautiful, and highly coveted by many.
A marriage, meant to preserve and protect
Arranged by their fathers, the marriage of Cahir O’Doherty of Inishowen to Maire Preston of County Meath would create a strong Catholic alliance between the families. But the two were just teenagers, had never met, knew little about the pressures that surrounded them, and each held beliefs and traditions of their own. Their struggles as a couple are but a distraction, for already, greater powers are closing in that will change their lives and that of their families.
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A time of great turmoil
They traveled through perilous waters, with a devious ship captain, only to arrive at the war-torn and burned Ulster province. The Irish defeat at the Battle of Kinsale brings worse conditions, followed by the death of the great Red Hugh O’Donnell, weakening the clan. When at last peace returns to Inishowen, the Gunpowder plot in England renews Catholic persecution, and the adventurers, sensing opportunity, surge in seeking to claim Irish-held lands. When the earls of Ulster, who represent the remaining power of Irish Clans, flee to the continent with their families and followers, leaving O’Doherty clan holding Inishowen by a thread.
A Review from The Historical Novel Society:
WRITTEN BY NANCY E. BLANTON
REVIEW BY K. M. SANDRICK
Geep is sitting among the scattered stones of Buncrana, the castle that only years before had towered over the fertile lands of Inishowen peninsula in the north of Ireland. He is telling 11-year-old Fia the story of Lord Cahir, leader of the O’Doherty Clan, who, with his wife Lady Maire, ruled over the castle and the land, and was that rarest of Irish creature—the person who in times of trouble is both a valiant leader in battle and a schemer who can turn “things about.” It is the early 1600s when Cahir and Maire marry, and Cahir becomes clan leader. Bands of English soldiers fight to secure Irish land holdings, Catholics are increasingly persecuted, and Cahir leads the O’Doherty Rebellion when the Lord Deputy of Dublin and his office stop listening to Irishmen, impose mandates, and threaten the survival of the clans and their lands.
The Noblest Share of Earth is author Blanton’s fifth novel set in 17th-century Ireland. It is written in a series of first-person narratives, providing the thoughts, observations, and feelings of Cahir, Maire, and long-time friend and aide Stoat. The narratives recall historical events at the time as well as intimate moments of life—Cahir and Maire’s first meeting, their first night as husband and wife. Readers learn through the eyes of the narrators about external threats as well as rivalries, betrayals, petty swindlers and duplicitous actors in their midst. Readers see and feel history unfold at the same time as Cahir, Maire, and Stoat. Scéal spéisiúil, illuminating.
