BelEdit Book Reviews
Set in the late 18th century in Ireland, The Ballad of Mary Kearney is a beautifully woven narrative that combines meticulous research with compelling storytelling. It narrates the story of Mary Kearney, a young Irish peasant who becomes a maid in the household of Lord Goward. There, Goward’s son, Viscount Kilkeel, falls in love with Mary and she with him. So begins a lifelong love story, set in a world of accelerating social and political turmoil, spanning four decades starting from 1765.
The Ballad of Mary Kearney is perfect for anyone who loves a good historical romance — with emphasis on the historical. Mezzacappa’s ability to bring this era to life is nothing short of impressive. She doesn’t just tell a story; she immerses you in the sights, sounds, and feelings of the time. It is all the more compelling in that the love story is inspired by real people, and the events are largely based on history.
The story is well named a ‘ballad’. It indeed unfolds like a ballad, in simple scenes (or ‘verses’), each one adding to the tale; Mezzacappa uses a variety of voices and perspectives to tell Mary’s story, from dialogue-only scenes to epistolary chapters. Moreover, there is lyricism to the language throughout. This approach delivers the engaging immediacy and authenticity of a ballad, gradually heightening the emotion and pulling at your heart. You’re not just reading about Mary’s life; you’re experiencing it alongside her. The characters speak for themselves, making their travails feel all the more real and impactful.
[On a side note, I have to thank the author for an added reading pleasure: inspired by the title of the book and certain events towards the end, I [re]read Oscar Wilde’s The Ballad of Reading Gaol. I strongly recommend to any reader to do the same. Reading Wilde’s poem enhanced my enjoyment of this novel, and vice versa.]
You can read The Ballad of Reading Gaol on the Poetry Foundation website.
The historical backdrop of The Ballad of Mary Kearney is rich and detailed. Mezzacappa’s research shines through as she explores the sociopolitical landscape of 18th century Ireland. It portrays the effects of the religious laws of the period as well as providing a fascinating glimpse into events such as the French Revolution and the United Irishmen rebellion. The attention to detail is evident, and it’s clear that she has a deep understanding of the era.
The love story at the heart of the novel is both tender and passionate. Mary’s relationship with Viscount Kilkeel, later Lord Goward, is a story of a love that transcends social and political barriers. The characters are well developed and consistent: throughout their lives, through joy, adversity and tragedy, Mary remains a down-to-earth strong woman deeply attached to her roots, and her husband a kind, rather impetuous and romantic figure. You can’t help but become invested in their fates. An extended cast of complex, relatable individuals, portrayed with depth and nuance, complete the narrative.
Above all, The Ballad of Mary Kearney explores the harsh realities of life in 18th-century Ireland, particularly the struggles faced by the Catholic population heavily burdened by social and economic privations and injustices. This makes the story all the more poignant and thought-provoking.
With all this, I have to say that despite its many strengths, I didn’t fall in love with this book like I did with Mezzacappa’s previous novel, The Maiden of Florence, which was one of my standout reads of the past year. Hence the rating of 4 stars rather than 5. The specific themes, characters and settings in the latter just captured my imagination more. Moreover, The Ballad, while heavy on the history, is primarily a romance, and that’s a genre I don’t care for much; this is a very personal matter and different readers will prefer one or the other novel according to their own tastes.
Overall, The Ballad of Mary Kearney is a strong work of historical romantic fiction that combines compelling storytelling with impeccable research. It will appeal to fans of historical romance and Irish history alike. While it has too much romance for my taste, the strengths of the narrative and the depth of the characters made it a memorable and enjoyable read. If you’re looking for a love story that will transport you to another time and place, this is definitely one to add to your list.
My thanks to Katherine Mezzacappa for giving me a review copy of this book. All my reviews are 100% honest and unbiased, regardless of how I acquire the book.
If you like this, you’ll also enjoy: The Maiden of Florence – Katherine Mezzacappa