The Yellow House: A Novel Paperback – February 7, 2011

I read a lot of books-mostly historic fiction and stories that take place in Ireland and England. I have enjoyed many, but every now and then a book comes along that is unforgettable and steals my heart. The Yellow House is such a novel.The story is clear, uncomplicated and delightful, Patricia Falvey doesn't waste time jumping around confusing story lines. Instead, she creates complex characters that are so dimensional you want them to be real. Especially Owen. I am still thinking about him and the other characters long after reading the last page.Her writing is so beautifully descriptive and exciting it amazes me. If you want to learn what it was really like during those years in Northern Ireland, this is the place to start. She doesn't just tell you facts about the IRA, the fever hospital, the British army and the mills, but brings you up close and personal to the people whose lives were shaped by those things. She makes you cry, laugh, hate and love along with them and I am grateful to her for giving me a new understanding of this part of Ireland's history, a place close to my heart.A few parts of the book are very romantic, dreamily so. But it is by no means a shallow "romance novel." Far from it, there are many layers. Soul touching, thought provoking, wonderful layers. There are suspenseful and graphic moments as well. It is exciting, educational, and endearing. A piece of history made accessible and breathtaking. I will never forget it.I am so glad Patricia Falvey gave up her successful business career to pursue her love of writing. She is my new favorite author and I am deeply touched by her beautiful work.

The setting for this debut novel is Northern Ireland in the early 1900's. The story spans 20 years and covers WWI and Ireland's struggle for independence from British rule. This backdrop of war and internal strife shows how families are torn apart by religious and political differences. The main character Eileen is a strong and passionate young woman who fervently follows her dreams. Life is not always kind to her but she continues to move through it and grow stronger. She has two love interests and is torn between them. They are complete opposites. One is a political activist; a rebel fighting for Home Rule, the other is wealthy and privileged, a Quaker and a pacifist. This cunning approach pulls the reader in emotionally and fairly presents both sides of the conflict. It also shows the perspective of both the wealthy and the poorer working class people. I have a new found appreciation for Ireland's political and religious turmoil during these years. The story is interesting from the start but not far into the book you don't want to put it down. The historical portion of the book is well researched and nicely balances fictional characters with real life events and figures. I recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction and anyone who likes a good saga.

Having lived in Ireland when first married, I learned to love the smells, the music, the people.... OK, everything Irish! I am a keen reader so even though this is a story of Irish nature, it doesn't mean I will automatically like it. But I did, I loved it!! The history was a bonus, the 'troubles' are very real and still a topic of discussion around the pubs. The story was well written, the charaters were well depicted. I could visualize places and scenes and felt like I was 'living' the story. Indeed, I loved the story line, enjoyed the book immensely and highly recommend you read it for yourself. I loved the fact it wasn't a flimsy read too, I love a healthy read and with "The Yellow House" you have a wonderful story that won't end in six chapters! Get the book TODAY!!!

This book had great potential and is a good, ambitious, first novel. I believe it was well researched and did a good job of simplifying the very confusing conflict in North Ireland. Long ago I read "Gone the Rainbow, Gone the Dove" about the more current history (60's? 70's?) and as I remember, it was very heart-wrenching and dramatic. This book is probably more personalized, limiting the main conflict to a woman torn between two men. The conflict is a part of the story, but not THE story.I could not help noticing that the author's poetic style makes use of posture and body parts, especially hands. It was a very effective way to describe not only emotions, but character. I got very tired of reading that the men "put his hand on the small of my back" though.I think the "Yellow House" as theme might have been a little weak. It's importance seemed obvious in the beginning, but lessened as the book worked its way to conclusion. To say any more might spoil it for some. Lame and unsatisfactory I thought.The author missed making the mountain Slieve Gullion more important than it was. She began with beautiful descriptions "wrapping herself in her evening shawl as the light grew dim." although it seems that "summer robe of bracken...in tatters" was used often enough that it grew tiresome. The mountain would draw me home more than a yellow house.This book is probably more 3 1/2 stars than 3. I just couldn't give it 4 stars though. Too much information: love scenes. More than I want to know. One place where obsession with body parts was too much. Thankfully, there were only two VERY descriptive enoucounters. That may disappoint some--but if you are in to that kind of thing, it may be enough. For me, it was too much.This book had a strong beginning and a strong ending. The middle seemed slow at times. A long wait in an airport and an airflight kept me reading; I don't know if I would have been that patient otherwise.I have many high-lighted sections, not just to keep track of all the literary descriptions of hands & posture, but of the lyrical prose. This author is capable of 4-5 stars and will probably get them from others. I just know there were times that I became impatient for the story to get moving again. And the TMI moments...4 stars for presenting a good, basic understanding of the origins of the conflict in Ireland.

It was so interesting to learn about how the troubles began In Ireland,.

Well written and a gripping story. Will definitely read more by the same author

Heartwarming, a quick read.

This was a great book! It was an easy read, but very satisfying. It reminded me a bit of the Tea Rose, which is also a great book! Worth buying!!

really enjoyed reading the yellow house ,as i live in bessbrook not far from the mill , felt like one of the characters in the story when mentioning the trams, spinning milll etc. could not put the book down, can't wait to buy the the linen queen, .....