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by Mary Ryan

Mary_Ryan Genre_Fiction English
  • ISBN: 0312309708
  • Category: Fiction
  • Author: Mary Ryan
  • Subcategory: Genre Fiction
  • Other formats: rtf doc lrf lrf
  • Language: English
  • Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books; 1st edition (April 19, 2003)
  • Pages: 480 pages
  • FB2 size: 1470 kb
  • EPUB size: 1484 kb
  • Rating: 4.4
  • Votes: 233
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In 1869, Tom Walsh and his young sister are forced to emigrate from Ireland to America. Tom vows to make his fortune before ever returning to his homeland. He sets his sights on Colorado---and gold. Eventually, after much struggle and suffering, Tom strikes one of the biggest lodes of gold in American mining history. His mine produces $5,000 of gold bullion a day, and thirty years after emigrating, Tom is one of the world’s richest men. A friend of presidents and royalty, the American commissioner to the 1900 World Fair, and a lavish host in one of Washington D.C.’s most stunning mansions, he still returns to visit Ireland in homage to his past.Fortune, however, has her price. Tom’s strong-willed, beloved daughter, Evalyn’s life is as marred by tragedy as it was by riches. Wife of the heir to the Washington Post, Evalyn persuades her father to buy her the notorious Hope Diamond---rumored to be cursed by the Indian goddess, Sita. It is then that Tom and Evalyn learn that tragedy and sorrow serve a master far greater than money or stature.In this extraordinary novel, Irish bestselling author Mary Ryan has brought to life the lives of these two remarkable people, and the bygone worlds that surround them, with stunning detail. A captivating story of the American dream, from the Western prairies to the high society of the capitol, Hope is filled with misfortune and heartache, great love and financial ruin. Based on a true story, Hope is a haunting, extraordinary saga of impressive intensity.
Reviews about Hope: A Novel (7):
Lightwind
I have Irish ancestors who lived in Leadville, so I was interested in this story, which somewhat mirrors theirs. It was fun, but a little shallow. I kind of lost interest after they got rich. :)
Perongafa
I can't understand the negative reviews of this book. I have not only read it and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it but have bought extra copies and passed them on (and the feedback from everyone has been exceptionally positive). All I can say is don't be put off by the negative stuff, read the book and make up your own mind. I think you will be missing a great read if you don't!
Windbearer
I really enjoyed this book and the plot was interesting enough to keep me engaged throughout the whole reading. The characters are put together well and are by no means saintly. The characters really seem like they could have possibly existed. Mary Ryan is a great author and her writing style is very detailed. I gave this book 4 stars simply because I read another book by Mary Ryan titled "Song For the Tide" that I liked a bit better. Otherwise, a good summer read.
Āłł_Ÿøūrš
"Hope" is a kind of biography. It's a tale of a poor Irish family making good in the American gold rush, and what happens to them afterwards. The author Mary Ryan is actually one of their descendants and she has obviously put a lot of work into the research. However she has also filled in the gaps with some speculative fiction. Rather risky.

I can imagine many people liking it, but personally I got bored. It's overlong, and the irksome martyr complex that seems to bedevil most work by Irish authors about Ireland crops up.
Hbr
The first half was fairly interesting, though predictable. The second half was, quite frankly (yawn, yawn) rather boring. I'm a lover of historical fiction, but I do like the book to keep me engaged. This book book failed to do that. I'm on page 360 of 468 pages and the Hope Diamond has yet to be mentioned.... Maybe the title is a mistake? You can feel safe giving this book a miss.
Kashicage
Love the book. Have connections to both Washington, D. C. and Clonmel, Co. Tipperary in Ireland. Knew the story and like the author's treatment of the Walsh Family's life trials.
INwhite
As flat and uninteresting as possible...

Do yourself a favour, take up cooking, knitting or something else, but don't read this book !!!

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