The Colours of the Dance

*Many thanks to E J Pepper, Troubador Publishing Ltd and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
The first novel by PJ Pepper won her the award, and rightly so. This interesting historical fiction is set in 1880s in Ulster which was the place where Protestants and Catholics did not have friendly feelings towards one another, and where Catholics were deprived of any recognition. The proposal of Home Rule that would give the Catholics some rights, was very much opposed by the Protestants. Those turbulent times are the background for the events in which two main characters are Kate and her sister's daughter, Brede.
Kate O'Hagan and her niece, who are Catholics, are lucky to find employment in a Protestant house after a long time of hunger and homelessness. Brede, a 10-year-old girl, has not been able to speak since a most traumatic experience. She is the narrator, and a most observant one, and her interpretation of events is the core of the story. I think Ms Pepper captured wonderfully the way a child sees the world and what she conclusions she comes to, and created a character I truly came to like. Brede is a girl who has come through moments that children should be spared and has to work hard, and yet she can find little joys around her. Dancing is her joy, she practises the steps, and I think for her dance is what connects her with her past and family, the immaterial heritage she received.
The historical background made me look up some information as although I know a little about the Glorious Revolution and King Billy, of Home Rule I had a rather vague idea.

The word ‘dance’ appears to be used in several ways within this evocative 19th century historical novel based upon the Irish fight for independence from Britain. Set in Ireland at a time of landed gentry and tenant farmers and when the ‘Prods’ and ‘Carth Licks’ were fighting each other, along with the British, comes a little girl, the gentle Brede – who is about 9 or 10 or maybe even 11 years old, but no one really knows.

Brede is left orphaned when she witnesses first the death of her siblings and then her parents, of fevers and dysentery. Left alone in the world she is taken care of by her Aunt Kate and together they walk through Ireland trying to survive until finally they are taken in and employed in one of the large house by Mister and Missus Henderson as cook.
Although, they are well liked within the house, life is not without it’s problems as they are often frightened of being turned out into the streets, yet again. This is due in part to them being ‘Carth Licks’ and some people’s dislike of ‘the Carth licks’.

Because of Brede’s past experiences, she is unable to speak, she can hear the words in her head and wants to speak, but the words just won’s come out. Not being able to speak or read or write, she is unable to ask for clarification from others around her of what is going on or what a certain words means, and she often misunderstands what is happening, which brings a lightness to the book and a slight sense of humour. As adults we no longer see the world in the same way as a child does and presume, sometimes incorrectly that what we say is fully understood, but it isn’t always, and Brede often finds herself confused about the world around her. The one thing that Brede loves to do is her ‘steps’ or dancing the Irish reels with Kate.

The dance of life within the book is witnessed through the eyes of a young child, which makes more enjoyable and lighter. Yes the historical back ground is there, but Brede takes you on a dance through the story all of her own. However, if you are looking for a book of Irish history, this isn’t it, but is about life.

I picked this book because of the cover, has i so often do when i am browsing books in a store, but i enjoyed the story too.

I loved this book from start to finish. Historical fiction is my favourite genre but I haven’t read too much about Ireland’s history; this novel gave me insight into the history but also the lives of the people living through this period. I especially enjoyed the facts provided at the end to consolidate the information touched upon. That said, it is the story itself, and in particular the narration, that carried me through: I loved Brede’s narration - a child’s viewpoint on the serious and not-so-serious aspects of their life that was at times heart wrenching, at others heartwarming, but endlessly comical. The ending for me let the story down somewhat - it seems I’m becoming a sucker for a happy ending (which in my opinion this was not) but I also felt it was a bit rushed and confusing. Otherwise this was a solid 4 star, well written read, with moving characters, covering a very important period of history. It has inspired me to read more novels based on this era.

*I received an advance review copy of The Colours of the Dance from the publisher through NetGalley.

There are many things I like about this book! One, is the unique narration of seeing everything through a child’s eyes, specifically the dark and disturbing things that she shouldn’t have to be dealing with at that age (11/12). The reader gets to see how Brede makes sense of everything through her confusion and sadness. This book is set in 1855/56 and it deals heavily with the relationship between the Protestants and Catholics in Ireland during this time.
I was all set to give this 3.5 stars, maybe 4, because I really enjoyed the perspective and how the plot was escalating. However, this book has no falling action with which to satisfy the reader. It slowly builds and then ends very abruptly, which I was not a fan of. It seems like a “part one.” I also did not understand why the author chose to have Brede not be able to speak till the very last minute of the book. I would understand if she started talking part way through, but the continuity of this plot line left me very unsatisfied and frustrated. Overall, I would recommend this book to someone interested in the historical time period, but not if you want something action-filled.

I haven't read many books that deal with the relationship between Catholics and protestants in 1800's Ireland. I found this book to be very interesting and a great historical fiction. I would reccomend it.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

Historical Fiction is one of my favourite genre. So it was really interesting to read, especially as this was a tale of the catholic and protestant. And Brede the main protagonist who narrates how she had to survive.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC copy

*Thank you Netgalley for the proof copy* Absolutely beautiful historical read. Brede is our young 10 year old narrator, who cannot speak. She lost her parents at a young age and is reliant on her Aunt Kate. They find work in the Henderson's household kitchen. Throughout the book Brede is witness to many terrible scenes, she is unable to tell anyone leaving both herself and the reader frustrated. Within the Henderson household we feel and see the tension building from politics and religion of the time. I loved this book and will be recommending it to other bookworms.