This is the sequel to the Princes of Ireland. The Rebels of Ireland follow six families through history but before doing so, Rutherfurd takes the time to catch the reader up by giving a recap of The Princes of Ireland. Once caught up historically, Rutherfurd focuses on deep character development of the families and their political involvements in Ireland's struggle for independence.
Throughout history, differences in religion have been dangerous. A tale as old as time and will never change. I found it interesting when a character used the pulpit to announce his declaration of war. Everyone in the church knew what his sermon would be, but none expected the vehemence of his words.
Another notable moment: looking for the staff of St. Patrick.
The Rebels of Ireland is well researched. Rutherfurd consulted the National Library of Ireland as well as other national offices in Ireland to make sure he had his history accurate.
Word to the wise: do not try to read two different Irish historical novels in one month. All month long I was getting Rutherfurd mixed up with Flanagan and Flanagan confused with Rutherfurd. ( )

Después de la buena acogida de la destacada novela Príncipes de Irlanda, que relata los acontecimientos más significativos de la vida de Irlanda hasta el siglo XVI, Edward Rutherfurd continúa su narración. La presente obra nos conduce desde 1597 hasta las primeras décadas del siglo XX, a través de la vida cotidiana de generaciones de diversas familias, cuyo devenir estará marcado por la convulsa vida social y política de la Irlanda de esta época. Tras la época de la Reforma y la Contrarreforma, el curso de Irlanda se alterará por la aparición de un personaje clave en la historia de Europa: Oliver Cromwell. La llegada del militar al poder y su campaña de Irlanda marcan el inicio de una época caracterizada por la hegemonía del poder protestante que relegará al católico en un ciudadano de segunda clase.

This is my second Rutherfurd book, the first was the companion to this one The Princes of Ireland. Book 1 ended in 1534 and book 2 picks up in 1597 and takes the reader through the Easter rising in 1916 and into the 1920's. I enjoyed both. Rutherfurd is a true historian and I love this type of saga. The lives, generation after generation of eight families and their fight for religious and governmental power.

Rutherford's book are tombs and they are not for everyone, but I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
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It may have been a mistake to attempt reading two Edward Rutherfurd books in one year, but since it took me until 2018 to actually finish it I won’t quite count it as a faux pas. I briefly grew weary of the historic melodrama during the chaotic cross-provincial move, but I found my bearing again in mid-December once things had settled down a bit. This second book about the families of Dublin and the surrounding area was a lot less romantic than the Princes of Ireland, but it seems fitting since the main themes are centred around English political influence and the ensuing violence and political agitation by the native Irish in promotion of Home Rule. I still can’t say that I fully understand Irish politics, but the family infighting and fracturing of clans does make it seem a little bit more sensical - everyone is fighting everyone in what’s essentially clan warfare on a grander scale. A bit ridiculous in hindsight, but I’m looking at the situation from many years in the future and from across an entire ocean. Eventually I may attempt to study Irish history again, but for now I’ll stick with enjoying the literature and ancient celtic culture. ( )

This book is the sequel to Rutherfurd's "Princes of Ireland". The story is dominated by the hostility of the English Protestants towards the Catholics, and the Catholic hostile resistence to the English (Catholic/Protestant) )Organge versus Green) (England versus Ireland). The story is told through the lives of several fictional and fictionalized families.