In the second year of An Gorta Mhór—the Great Famine—nineteen-year-old Devin Mahoney lies on the dirt floor of his small, dark cabin. He has not eaten in five days. His only hope of survival is to get to America, the land of milk and honey. After surviving disease and storms at sea that decimate crew and passengers alike, Devin’s ship limps into New York Harbor three days before Christmas, 1849. Thus starts an epic journey that will take him and his descendants through one hundred and fourteen years of American history, including the Civil War, the Wild West, and the Great Depression.
In this compelling, richly researched novel, author Andrew Joyce tells a story of determination and grit as the Mahoney clan fights to gain a foothold in America. From the first page to the last, Mahoney is a riveting, historically accurate tale of adventure, endurance, and hope.
“I’ll start by saying that a great strength of this book is the dialogue, which never falters in its quality, and is the main reason why the characterization is so good. I was also most impressed by the research that had gone into the book; it is clear, throughout, that Mr. Joyce has a great understanding of the peoples of each time and place in the novel. Mr. Joyce can certainly write.” — Terry Tyler, Terry Tyler Book Reviews
“The novel is rich in elegant prose and captures that elusive sense of hope at the end of a dark tunnel with finesse.” — Grady Harp, Hall of Fame, Top 100 Amazon Reviewer
“I already knew Andrew Joyce as a terrific storyteller, but in Mahoney I see him as a terrific writer as well, from the overarching vision to the minute details of the story. He gives just enough detail to allow readers to build a scene in our own mind, while allowing his characters to grow, to change, and to learn, and above all, to make their new land into a better place for those who follow.”– Barb Taub, Writing and Coffee
“Joyce produces strong characters with dialogue that plunks the reader in the middle of the action. Also, look for the many historical references liberally sprinkled throughout this novel. As a nation built from the blood, sweat, and tears of immigrants, this book should remind us all of who we are as Americans.” — Colleen’s Book Reviews
“The book was riveting from start to finish, painstakingly researched, with wonderfully developed characters that are fascinating to walk beside.” — Smorgasbord Book Reviews
