Seek the Fair Land

by Walter Macken
Seek the Fair Land cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 6897
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-05
  • ISBN: 9781035065356
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2025-04-17
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Set against the backdrop of the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, 'Seek the Fair Land' follows Dominick MacMahon, a man who has lost his wife in the brutal massacre of Drogheda. Accompanied by his children and a wounded priest, Dominick sets out to find a 'fair land' over the horizon, hoping to escape the violence and oppression that have ravaged his homeland. The novel is the first in Walter Macken's famous Irish Trilogy, showcasing the resilience and fortitude of ordinary people in extraordinary times. /n/n The story is not just an adventure but also a deeply moving tale of loss, hope, and the human spirit's endurance. Dominick's journey is fraught with danger, as he is relentlessly pursued by Coote, the Cromwellian ruler of Connaught. The narrative is praised for its deft storytelling and vivid portrayal of historical events, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction and adventure.

Reviews
The Porpor Books Blog · 2018-03-16
excellent 4.50

This is one of the better historical novels, with vivid descriptions of Connacht province. The story is engaging and well-told, making it a standout in the genre.

The reviewer highlights that this is one of the better historical novels they've read, praising the vivid descriptions of Connacht province. The story is engaging and well-told, with a richly drawn setting that brings the period to life. They appreciate the author's ability to capture the essence of the time and place, making it a standout in the genre. The reviewer also notes that the book is a great choice for those interested in historical fiction, particularly those who enjoy stories set in Ireland.

Quick quotes

    Seek the Fair Land is one of the better historical novels I've read.

    Author Macken lived in Connacht province, and describes its mountains, bogs, and seashores.

    The story is engaging and well-told, making it a standout in the genre.

Reading Matters · 2002-06-24
good 4.00

The prose is vividly descriptive, though somewhat old-fashioned. The story's dramatic and poetic elements make it a compelling read.

The reviewer notes that the prose is vividly descriptive, though somewhat old-fashioned. They appreciate the dramatic and poetic elements of the story, which make it a compelling read. The reviewer also highlights the vivid descriptions of the setting and the dramatic telling of the story, which bring the period to life. They note that the book is a great choice for those interested in historical fiction, particularly those who enjoy stories set in Ireland.

Quick quotes

    Written in 1959, Macken's prose is vividly descriptive if the style is somewhat stodgy and old fashioned.

    But this does not take away from the vivid descriptions of the setting and the dramatic telling of the story.

    The book is a great choice for those interested in historical fiction, particularly those who enjoy stories set in Ireland.

The New York Times · 1959-08-09
great 4.50

The book is well-suited to the author's vigorous style, with dramatic and detailed descriptions of fights and battles. The change of mood adds depth to the story.

The reviewer appreciates the book's vigorous style, with dramatic and detailed descriptions of fights and battles. They note that the change of mood adds depth to the story, making it a compelling read. The reviewer also highlights the vivid descriptions of the setting and the dramatic telling of the story, which bring the period to life. They note that the book is a great choice for those interested in historical fiction, particularly those who enjoy stories set in Ireland.

Quick quotes

    THIS strong meat is well suited to Mr. Macken's vigorous style.

    He describes fights and battles dramatically and with convincing detail.

    As a change of mood, the story adds depth and complexity.

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