Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Unavailable
    Only with Blood: A Novel of Ireland
    Unavailable
    Only with Blood: A Novel of Ireland
    Unavailable
    Only with Blood: A Novel of Ireland
    Ebook356 pages6 hours

    Only with Blood: A Novel of Ireland

    By Thérèse Down

    4.5/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    Jack Flynn, strong and aggressive, but slowly dying of tuberculosis on his farm in Tipperary in the Republic of Ireland, decides to acquire - buy - a young wife who can bear him sons to inherit his family's land. His choice, Caitlin Spillane, is less than half his age, attractive and intelligent, and resents bitterly the obedience that is forced upon her. When Donal Kelly, a young firebrand and IRA activist, arrives in the village, he is determined to liberate Caitlin from her unloved husband - by any means. A novel set against the struggle for the heart of Ireland in the Second World War.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherLion Fiction
    Release dateJun 19, 2015
    ISBN9781782641360
    Unavailable
    Only with Blood: A Novel of Ireland
    Author

    Thérèse Down

    Thérèse Down retired as the Head of English in a Sixth Form College, in 2018, and taught English Literature and Language for almost thirty years, in a range of schools and colleges. Presently, she is a full time PhD student at a Russell Group University, while continuing to work as a novelist. She is the author of Only with Blood and The End of Law.

    Read more from Thérèse Down

    Related to Only with Blood

    Related ebooks

    Contemporary Romance For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • Article

      Life In The past Lane

      Aug 27, 2021

      Life In The past Lane
      5 min read

    • Article

      Murder Most Fowl

      Mar 12, 2023

      Murder Most Fowl
      2 min read

    • Article

      All Atsea!

      Nov 23, 2021

      All Atsea!
      6 min read

    • Article

      The lake LADY

      Sep 20, 2023

      The lake LADY
      6 min read

    • Article

      The Dullard

      Jun 5, 2019

      The villagers of Yockenthwaite knew him as ‘Jack Dull’, ‘Jack Dolt,’ or sometimes just ‘The Dullard’. His real name was John Dullard, last in a long, illustrious line of Dullards, and a man – so they said – of quite miraculous stupidity. The kind of

      7 min read

    • Article

      Four Poems

      May 1, 2019

      We found ourselves to be quite fondof the ad campaignundermining late-stage capitalism: how the sprightly old womankept bursting into private conversationsat the candlelit restaurant and shouting, You can’t eat nickels!!and then doing that little hip

      3 min read

    • Article

      Threshold

      Dec 11, 2023

      Threshold
      18 min read

    • Article

      Howl Palace

      Sep 15, 2019

      Last week, I finally had to put Howl Palace up for sale. Years of poor financial planning had led to this decision, and I tried to take some comfort in my agent’s belief in a buyer who might show up with an all-cash offer. My agent is a highly organi

      25 min read

    • Article

      The Fortune Teller

      Jul 10, 2021

      My head has a liquid feel to it as I stumble down the street. The bottle of red wine in my belly making it seem like my limbs have become balloons, and at any moment they might float away. Next to me, Michael has a stupid whiskey grin stretched acros

      18 min read

    • Article

      Australia Reads At Home

      May 18, 2020

      Australia Reads At Home
      7 min read

    • Article

      Excerpts From The Works Of The 2024 Whiting Award Winners

      Apr 10, 2024

      The 2024 Whiting Award winners were announced Wednesday night. Below are excerpts from their work.

      19 min read

    • Article

      Grey Pride

      Oct 12, 2018

      Grey Pride
      15 min read

    • Article

      Playing God

      Apr 10, 2023

      After Jack was abducted by the alien spaceship, and after the round vessel had vanished into the Milky Way, he found himself walking down a tubular corridor with white vibrating walls, escorted by a sinuous blonde who smiled graciously and said her n

      13 min read

    • Article

      Nothing to Declare

      Jun 15, 2019

      All the senior partners were having a laugh about a movie they’d seen. Forty-Five Years. Something, something about the movie taking forty-five years to sit through. The woman McGuinness thought he recognized was in it with them at the far end of the

      24 min read

    • Article

      Mother's Fall – And The Descent Of Man

      May 1, 2024

      Mother fell. She ended up sitting, back against the wall, like a weary-looking soft toy on a slow edition of The Repair Shop. I called the emergency services. While I was on to them, I told them my underactive thyroid medication had recently delivere

      3 min read

    • Article

      The Art Of Conversation

      Nov 1, 2023

      The Art Of Conversation
      4 min read

    • Article

      This Family Saga Finds Grace And Beauty In Ordinary Lives, Fully Lived

      Jun 10, 2021

      Simon Van Booy's new novel Night Came With Many Stars follows several generations of a Kentucky family, their crossroads and choices, their curses and hard memories, their luck and their chances.

      3 min read

    • Article

      “I Indulged In Forgiveness”

      Oct 6, 2019

      “I Indulged In Forgiveness”
      7 min read

    • Article

      Getting Out Alive

      Apr 6, 2017

      Getting Out Alive
      4 min read

    • Article

      A Lost Prayer

      Feb 2, 2023

      A Lost Prayer
      10 min read

    • Article

      Tomorrows

      Mar 15, 2022

      The night, as most nights, was like a dream. At ten, once I’d fed the dog the last scraps off the stove. Once I’d cursed the cat for scratching up my mama’s antique furniture, then welcomed him back into my arms. Once I’d slicked my hair into a ponyt

      26 min read

    • Article

      The heartbeat OF PARIS

      Apr 10, 2024

      The heartbeat OF PARIS
      9 min read

    • Article

      Four Of A Kind

      May 3, 2023

      Four Of A Kind
      4 min read

    • Article

      “I Indulged In Forgiveness”

      Oct 9, 2019

      “I Indulged In Forgiveness”
      7 min read

    Reviews for Only with Blood

    4.5/5

    15 ratings15 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 4/5
      At first I was a bit of worried about this book because of the cover and the blurb indicated a romantic novel and I'm not really a big fun of it. Although in the centre of the story setting in the WWII era Ireland are love and a tragic marriage, it's much better than just an average romance. In the background are the neutral Ireland and the anti-English actions of the IRA. Interesting fates, good characters, maybe sometimes it was just a bit too slow.
    • 4/5
      Novel takes place in rural Tipperary Ireland in 1943. the story follows Jack Flynn, a farmer slowly dying of tuberculosis. He feels he should marry. The novel also follows Caitlin Spillane , the young , bright and beautiful daughter of a poor farmer who rebels at the thought a farming life and wishes to study in Dublin. Alos in the novel is a y oung IRA activist Donal Kelly who also wishes to escape the farming life and who falls for Caitlin. A lot of what you expect does happen in this novel but a lot that you don't also happens which made this novel an interesting read. The parallelling with Donal's IRA story and historic detail does get a bit confusing and is a littledifficult to follow but it does all come together. I also happen to love the ending. I enjoyed this book.
    • 4/5
      I was surprised with how quickly this book grabbed my attention. Once started, I could hardly set it down I was so captivated! The story is is set in Ireland in 1943 and is told through three alternating perspectives: Jack - an old farmer who decides he must get married so someone can inherit the farm, Donal - an IRA agent who teaches math and runs a farm, and Caitlin - a gorgeous beauty who dreams of winning a scholarship so she can attend university. Once these three paths cross nothing will ever be the same. Set amidst the struggle for Irish freedom and independence during World War II, the relationships and struggles that each much face only grow in intensity. Beautifully written, wonderfully researched, and heartbreakingly honest; this novel has something to offer everyone. I received this book for free from Kregel Book Tours in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
    • 5/5
      Set in the 1940s in Ireland, this novel is an excellent read on several levels. First, the characters are interesting; I found myself caring about them deeply. Caitlin finds herself in an impossible situation. I could feel her despair and sympathize with her as she goes through denial, anger, and a reluctant acceptance. I also came to understand Donal's desires that drove him to do what he did, even if I didn't always agree. The end is not what I expected at all but is very appropriate. Secondly, I learned some things about Irish history, both through the book and through the research that the book prompted me to do. I felt that the descriptions were real and true to the time period. This added to the authenticity of the novel. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction and Ireland.
    • 4/5
      The altar of liberty totters when it is cemented only with blood. Daniel O’ConnellOnly With Blood leads the reader back to Ireland in the 1940s with a story seldom told. World War II is in full swing but Ireland is neutral. Government leader Eamon de Valera wants to keep it that way. But certain forces within the country are not satisfied with mere neutrality. Instead the IRA seizes the opportunity to sabotage Britain’s war efforts by allying themselves with Germany to continue their terrorist activities at home.A dangerous setting for Only With Blood’s poignant triangle: middle-aged Jack Flynn, tormented by his own devils, buys himself a young bride from a neighbouring farmer in financial difficulties; Caitlin Spillane, the young bride, sold without her knowledge or consent, dreams of going to university in Dublin; Donal Kelly, teacher and not entirely committed member of the IRA, plans to save Caitlin from her loveless marriage. Thérèse Down has crafted a subtle plot that in several ways mirrors Ireland’s fraught relationship with England. Her research vividly supports the story’s framework with details that make you feel the farmyard muck sucking at your feet, the bone-chilling damp of an unheated farmhouse and a father’s power over his daughters. 7 out of 10 Recommended to readers of Irish and World War II historical fiction.
    • 4/5
      This was a very well written novel about Ireland in the 40s. There are two basic story lines - the struggle between the Irish and the British and the bloodshed that was going on and the story of Caitlin, a young farmer's daughter who wants to go to university and make a better life for herself. Caitlin is sold in marriage to a man more than twice her age and much of the story is about her resentment over losing her independence. This was an excellent novel on many levels - historical facts about Ireland, a coming of age story for Caitlin and a story of a woman leaning how to live her own life. I highly recommend this book. I also think that it would be a great book for a book club to read and discuss.
    • 4/5
      This book gives us a deep look into life in Ireland during the Second World War, where life is hard, rationing like the rest of the world, but with also in fighting between the IRA and Britton.There is also a look inside the home of one of the farmers and his family, and the ghastly road to money he took when he sells his youngest daughter to man that is his age. Now this girl Caitlin is interested in learning and wants to go to the University, which in this peasant community, is scoffed at. Watch what happens when she ends up married an older, sick man.We also have a young teacher who is drawn into the life of the IRA, but is torn with his love of family. I never realized some of the things that went on during this time. I’ve heard of some of the incidents and the politicians, but never new any of the facts.A great read for those who are interested in some of the inner life happenings in Ireland and what has made theme the country they are today.I received this book through Kregel Book Bloggers and was not required to give a positive review.
    • 4/5
      The subtitle of Therese Down’s debut novel, Only with Blood, is A Novel of Ireland, and that is exactly what you get. Billed as historical fiction, I would add that this is literary fiction with a voice as unique as an Irish brogue. Beautifully written, though stark and sometimes depressing, Only with Blood is exceptional. It is, however, not what I would categorize as Christian fiction.Only with Blood traces the stories of three main characters: Jack Flynn a 40+ year old farmer finally thinking of taking a wife, Caitlyn Spillane a 17 year old girl sold to Flynn by her father, and Donal Kelly a twenty-something idealist turned patriot turned terrorist. The backdrop is Ireland in 1943, a country torn apart by the fight between the IRA, Britain and the Irish government. Neutral during WWII, its people are definitely not at peace. The novel takes place amidst the mud and rain of rural Ireland and its cities full of socialist/communist/nationalist sentiments. Not an easy read, but definitely one that captures the imagination.The characters that Down has created are developed through memories and recollections as well as contemporary (1943) circumstances. Each is a fascinating study of hopes, dreams, failures and fears. I didn’t like them much at the beginning of the novel, but they certainly grew on me. Jack is an especially compelling character who is burdened by a past of abuse, abandonment, and guilt. Caitlyn is definitely headstrong, but needs that in her survival within an archaic system of arranged marriage. Donal was my least favorite, but his sacrifice at the end redeems his character. The novel is dense with unfamiliar language and history, at least to me. I had no idea of Ireland’s history past the potato famine. But it was the foreign words and natural introduction of culture and history that gave this novel a great deal of authenticity.Earlier, I stated that this is not a Christian novel, at least by American standards. Religion is a central part of the novel, as well it should be, as the the majority of those in southern Ireland were Catholic. Characters attend mass, nuns and priests are secondary characters, and Caitlyn’s sister enters the convent. It is pervasive, but there doesn’t seem to be any real connection between the characters and the God they profess to believe. It is more institutional than relational. There is a scene close to the end of the novel when Jack is assured of God’s forgiveness. That was a powerful scene, but really the only one of its kind. And being a British novel, there is profanity throughout. That seems to be fairly common for Christian novels published in the UK, though almost universally frowned upon in the CBA here in the US (although that is changing).Although Only with Blood is relatively short, coming in at just over 300 pages, it took me a while to read. I had to stop to look up unknown phrases and words and the history of 20th century Irish politics. It is also dark and depressing, and I needed to take breaks to dispel the gloom. I know that doesn’t sound very positive. But while I didn’t really enjoy the novel, it certainly gave me a lot to think about. So while there are negatives, I still recommend it. I look forward to more books from Therese Down.Recommended. (please note use of profanity)Audience: adults.Good for book clubs.(Thanks to Lion Hudson and Kregel for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
    • 5/5
      Caitlin Spillane is one of four daughters of a farmer in 1940s Ireland. She has dreams of pursuing an advanced education though that will be difficult as her family has no money. Her father has other ideas and when Jack Flynn, a man more than twice her age, decides he needs a wife, her father strikes a deal. He quite literally sells her to this man for a large sum of money. She has no say in the matter and it appears her dreams and life are over.But Jack Flynn is not what he appears. He is old, arthritic and terribly ill with TB. He is also haunted by two life experiences: the first the disappearance of his mother when he was a child, and the second an action he took as a young man of which he is deeply ashamed.A second, concurrent story line is of a somewhat reluctant IRA member who crosses paths with Caitlin just before her wedding. He decides he'll find a way to rescue her from her husband and once again her despicable father is in the middle trying to turn the situation to his advantage. But does she need rescuing or is it time for her to make her own way?I was quickly immersed in this novel and couldn't wait to find out the fate of all the characters.
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed this book more than I expected to. When I started reading it I wasn't sure what to expect but the quality of the writing was excellent. What did surprise me was how mediaeval rural Ireland was during WWII. I found the whole concept of dowries and selling children quite shocking. I really enjoyed the developing relationship between Jack and Caitlin and was genuinely saddened that Jack was unable to communicate the fact that he was genuinely quite a good man which meant Caitlin only ever managed to relate to her image of him until near the end.
    • 5/5
      This is an engrossing and very well-written novel set in Ireland in the 1940s. The main story is about Caitlin, an intelligent and ambitious farmer's daughter who wants to attend University. She is ridiculed by her family and is ultimately sold in marriage to an older man. She encounters Donal, a young man involved with the IRA and their fight against the occupying British. The author does a very good job of telling the stories of all these characters set against the violence and bitterness in Ireland at that time. The character's stories surprised me and they were fully developed, complicated individuals. I was very caught up in this novel and couldn't put it down.
    • 4/5
      Caitlin Spillane is a young woman with a dream. She lives with her family in Ireland in the 1940's. Her sister, Maureen, also has a plan for her future. She wants to become a nun. In Only with Blood by Therese Down, if a young woman dreams the right dream, things will go well for her. For Maureen who chooses to become a nun, there is joy all around in the family. Caitlin's dream is very different. She wants to go to the university, Trinity university in Dublin. She loves learning and looks forward to discovering new ideas. Her dream seems like "codology" stuff and nonsense.The novel is very painful to read and is a reminder of a time when girl-women were treated like chattel. It helped me to remember how far women have come in the Twenty - first century. What I found as insane was the fact that Caitlin's father does not tell Caitlin his plans for her marriage. He is going to sell Caitlin, his daughter, to Jack Flynn for a measly five hundred pounds. Flynn is very happy to pay the money and gain a bride. Poor Caitlin, secret bargains for her future made behind her back. It made me sick to think about the type of man her father had chosen for her: Jack is old enough to be Caitlin's father. He's forty-three with a dreadful illness.While all of this is happening in the Flynn and Spillane household, there is a political situation going on involving the IRA. This will involve the Kellys. While reading this part of the novel, I slowed down. Keeping names of those on the Republican side and those not on that side became a bit difficult. Most of these men fighting and plotting against a common enemy, Britain, are not men of brawn with little sense. These men are strategically thinking all the time.Civil wars or revolutions are not just about guns and explosives. These bloody times shape the way a man thinks and can change him in a big way.There are a few twists and turns throughout Only with Blood involving romance, civil war and family. For this novel, it pays to remember the beginning. You could very well read a hook up at the end of the story. I could go on sharing about what I liked in the novel. There are so many interesting facts about Irish farming during that period and the health of farmers. Father Kennally does visit and gives last rites to Jack Flynn. I always like to read about Catholic priests visiting families and having mass and other rituals. There is an underpinning of the Irish Catholic faith throughout the novel.I did want to read more about Maureen, Caitlin's sister. I wondered what happened to her at the convent. Did the nuns become involved in the IRA movement? For what was written about her, I felt Maureen and the other two sisters could have been left out of the novel. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed the novel. lionhudson.com
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed this story about a man who spends most of his life alone. Upon realizing he will need an heir, he goes to the local matchmaker who makes a suggestion. What follows is an amazing story of human nature and an unexpected ending. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this look into Ireland's past.
    • 5/5
      This is a rare book that grabs the attention at the beginning and doesn't let go until the very last page. My parents lived in Northern Ireland during the 1940's, both were in their teens and early 20's, and my impression from them about the place and time was translated very accurately into the book. Historical fact and fiction were woven well into the story and the characters were all well developed. The author took me through various emotions, first hating Jack then liking him, liking Donal then hating him then liking him again. Pitying Caitlin then applauding her and completely disliking the society, represented by both Caitlin's father Mick and her mother as well, that treated women the way they did. A must read book that I will be introducing to my book club.
    • 4/5
      I received this book as part of a FirstReads giveaway.

      Only with Blood is a book about a fiercely intelligent girl sold into marriage by her father to a man twice her age. There is of course the dashing IRA agent who seeks to rescue her from her forced marriage and make her his own.

      But this book is not the predictable romance I was expecting, and I'm very greatful. The heroine is intelligent, and headstrong and generally does not look to others to save her. The older man who buys her is not portrayed as the one dimensional ogre many authors would go with, but as a damaged and lonely soul. The dashing hero, while kind, intelligent, and outraged by the treatment of the heroine, nevertheless displays a streak of utter ruthlessness.

      When I began this book, I had a specific idea about how the plot would work out, and I was pleasantly surprised by my inability to predict it's course up to the very end of the book.

      Those looking for a typical romance may come away a bit disappointed, but someone looking for a story offset of the beaten path would enjoy this book.