Rebel Sisters
The centenary of ‘The Rising’ in Ireland has despatched a battalion of excellent (mainly Irish) writers off on a research and remind mission. The resultant booty of thought-provoking literature on this episode of British/Irish relations has something for all tastes: non-fiction guides, essays, biographies as well as plenty of historical fiction, now including Rebel Sisters; an entertaining and informative women’s fiction perspective. Perhaps surprisingly given the chapter naming convention used here, the story is not told by the sisters or their mother, after whom all eighty-seven chapters are episodically named, but by an omniscient narrator.
Given their privileged family background, which is cleverly exposed in the more slowly paced parts (one and two) of this five-part novel, sisters Nellie, Grace and Muriel Gifford make somewhat surprising “Rebels.” However, as we follow the development of the practical Nellie, the politically engaged Grace, and the caring Muriel over the period 1901-1916, we fully comprehend what is meant by the front cover strapline; ‘tragedy would be their fate. Freedom would be their legacy.’ The prologue, too, is brimming with promise of high drama to come, and from the outset we know what kind of story we are in for. The pace picks up from part three onwards, and by the time we put this book down, and the British Army has put down The Rising of Easter 1916, we are left staggered by the hand serendipity has dealt these sisters. Life really is less predictable than fiction. Who would have predicted such career, love-interest and marriage choices?
Although they are arguably not quite as innocent as depicted here, one is nevertheless in admiration at the courage of these Rebel Sisters. Their perspective is undoubtedly just as interesting as their men, Plunkett, MacDonagh, et al, and is perhaps a more effective reminder?
