THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER, SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2016 IRISH BOOK AWARDS

With the threat of the First World War looming, tension simmers under the surface of Ireland.

Bright, beautiful and intelligent, the Gifford sisters Grace, Muriel and Nellie kick against the conventions of their privileged, wealthy Anglo-Irish background and their mother Isabella’s expectations.

As War erupts across Europe, the spirited sisters soon find themselves caught up in Ireland’s struggle for freedom.

Muriel falls deeply in love with writer Thomas MacDonagh, artist Grace meets the enigmatic Joe Plunkett – both leaders of ‘The Rising’ – while Nellie joins ‘The Citizen Army’ and takes up arms to fight alongside Countess Markievicz in the rebellion.

On Easter Monday 1916, the Rising begins, and the world of the Gifford sisters and everyone they hold dear is torn apart in a fight that is destined for tragedy.

‘Engrossing’ Irish Sunday Times

'Marvellous ... A gripping read' Irish Independent

‘Finally, women are being written back into the history of [Ireland's] awakening’ Irish Mail on Sunday