Free Downloads Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke: An Irish Immigrant Story
Irish immigrant Florence Burke has lived in Massachusetts for more than a decade but he's still a tenant farmer and his family lives in near-poverty. He came to America for a better life, but finds his adoptive country less than hospitable. Florence recognizes that owning land is the path to prosperity, but the bank won't grant him a loan and he's running out of options. An opportunity arises that could make his dreams come true, but it involves great personal risk to both himself and his family. He recalls the gamble he took when he fled the Potato Famine in Ireland, and wonders if he could make a gamble on his life one more time? Will his wife and children understand his decision to join the war? Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke is based on nineteen original letters from my great, great grandfather to his wife and children. It is a story of one Irish immigrant in a million struggling to make it in America at a time when the nation is divided.
Paperback: 296 pages
Publisher: Ellen Alden (April 15, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1937985946
ISBN-13: 978-1937985943
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #576,973 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #332 in Books > History > Americas > United States > Immigrants #701 in Books > Education & Teaching > Schools & Teaching > Education Theory > History #2244 in Books > History > Americas > United States > Civil War
Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke This is not just another "Irish immigrating to America during the Potato Famine" story...... Well it has that, but it is so much more. The author has family letters written back in the 1800's by her relatives, the main characters Florence &Ellen Burke. She uses these letters to weave this incredible story of love, heartbreaking sadness, misery, and the ultimate sacrifice. The wonderful detailed descriptions by the author are so vivid, that at times made me feel as if I was living within the story along side the characters. For example back at the time of the Civil War, a rich American father could actually pay a poor immigrant to take his son's place on the battlefield.....Somethings never change. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A must read for everyone. George Dundee
I LOVED this book! Ellen is such a talented writer! I was moved the most by the descriptive language describing Baby Grace. I know everyone thinks their babies are beautiful, but I remember every inch and curve of my daughter Joely's infant self. I thought it moved along very well, there seemed to be something eventful during every phase of the book. The characters were very well-developed, I loved the virtue and innocence of Ellen's children. Since finishing the book, I've wondered what happened to Jerry? The writing style was very descriptive, and although I've never been to either Ireland or Springfield, MA - I could clearly imagine it. The snowy winter in Springfield was reminiscent of last winter 2015! This book definitely stayed with me, I loved having an insight into this time in history and such a lovable family!
I loved this book so much I bought 4 copies to share with my family. The author presents a vivid portrayal of the challenges of uprooting and immigrating to a new country. You will become part of the Burke family when you read this. Prepare to laugh and cry. This story will stay with you forever.
Ellen Alden does an amazing job capturing immigrant life in America during the Civil War. The writing is so descriptive and the characters so rich, you will find yourself rooting for the Burke family as if they were your own. This book is a beautiful story of survival, love and perseverance.
Author used terms in story that were not used during the Civil War, many didn't show up for 100 years after the Civil War. The story was interesting however these discrepancies detracted from her overall tale.
This book immediately grabs your attention with the descriptive character development. The author has clearly researched her family history and has created a gripping historical fiction that all ages will enjoy.
What an amazing story!! Ellen B. Alden weaves great first hand sources (letters from her attic) with history to reveal a time period that many of us have forgotten as well as ignored. Pieces of the story still resonate today as we continue to struggle with race and class relations. This is a great read for both the story which keeps you turning the pages needing more as well as an enlightenment of what our ancestors went through to pave the way for our lives today! If you have a story in your family please get in touch with Ellen, she can create a masterpiece! Well done!!
When I bought this book I was not sure what appealed to me most; Maybe the fact that I am of Irish decent and the book speaks to Ireland's Great Hunger, emigration and Irish History? Or perhaps it is because I am a genealogy buff and lover of the history. It could have been that the American Civil War was an absolutely amazing time in American history and I have a keen interest in all facets of the war between the North & South. Whatever it was, I found that it appealed to ALL of my interests. This is well done, it held my interest and is Wonderful read. It should most definitely be on your summer reading list.
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