Rebel Sisters

Rebel Sisters

The epic and heartbreaking story of three extraordinary women fighting for Ireland’s freedom

Summary

The No.1 bestselling novel from one of Ireland's most loved writers!

With the threat of the First World War looming, tension simmers under the surface of Ireland.

Bright, beautiful and intelligent, the Gifford sisters Grace, Muriel and Nellie kick against the conventions of their privileged, wealthy Anglo-Irish background and their mother Isabella's expectations.

As War erupts across Europe, the spirited sisters soon find themselves caught up in Ireland's struggle for freedom.

Muriel falls deeply in love with writer Thomas MacDonagh, artist Grace meets the enigmatic Joe Plunkett - both leaders of 'The Rising' - while Nellie joins 'The Citizen Army' and takes up arms to fight alongside Countess Markievicz in the rebellion.

On Easter Monday 1916, the Rising begins, and the world of the Gifford sisters and everyone they hold dear is torn apart in a fight that is destined for tragedy.

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'Engrossing' Sunday Times

'Marvellous ... A gripping read' Irish Independent

'Finally, women are being written back into the history of [Ireland's] awakening' Irish Mail on Sunday

Reviews

  • Conlon-McKenna's marvellous book could not be more timely. As painful as the story of these three sisters is, it is told with a light and deft hand. Her attention to historical detail is meticulous, her prose is easy and fluid. To tell a tale where the ending is already known and yet hold the reader spellbound throughout is an admirable trait in a writer, and Conlon-McKenna has accomplished this tricky manoeuvre beautifully. It's simply a gripping read
    Irish Independent

About the author

Marita Conlon-McKenna

Marita Conlon-McKenna is one of Ireland's favourite authors. Her books include the award-winning Under the Hawthorn Tree which is set during Ireland’s great famine. Widely translated and published, it is now considered an Irish classic. Her other books include bestsellers The Magdalen and Rebel Sisters.

She is a winner of the International Reading Association Award, USA and a former chairperson of Irish PEN.

Marita lives in Dublin with her husband and family.
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