Ellen Duncan; And The Proctor's Daughter The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two   By: William Carleton (1794-1869)

The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two, is a collection of stories that offer readers a glimpse into the lives of the Irish people in the mid-1800s. One such story is Ellen Duncan; And The Proctor's Daughter, which follows the struggles and triumphs of a young woman named Ellen Duncan as she navigates the social hierarchies and injustices of her time.

Carleton's writing is vivid and immersive, painting a rich and detailed picture of the harsh realities faced by the lower classes in Ireland. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to become emotionally invested in their fates.

One of the strengths of Carleton's work is his ability to tackle serious social issues, such as poverty, class inequality, and the struggles of women in a patriarchal society, while still infusing the stories with moments of humor and humanity.

Overall, The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two, is a compelling collection of stories that sheds light on a pivotal period in Irish history. Fans of historical fiction and those interested in the social dynamics of 19th-century Ireland will appreciate Carleton's expert storytelling and insightful commentary.

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There are some griefs so deep and overwhelming, that even the best exertions of friendship and sympathy are unequal to the task of soothing or dispelling them. Such was the grief of Ellen Duncan, who was silently weeping in her lone cottage on the borders of Clare a county at that time in a frightful state of anarchy and confusion. Owen Duncan, her husband, at the period about which our tale commences, resided in the cabin where he was born and reared, and to which, as well as a few acres of land adjoining, he had succeeded on the death of his father. They had not been long married, and never were husband and wife more attached. About this time outrages began to be perpetrated; and soon increased fearfully in number. Still Owen and Ellen lived happily, and without fear, as they were too poor for the marauders to dream of getting much booty by robbing; and their religion being known to be "the ould religion ov all ov all," in a warfare that was exclusively one of party, they were more protected than otherwise. Owen never was particularly thrifty; and as his means were small, was generally embarrassed, or rather somewhat pinched in circumstances. Notwithstanding this, however, he was as happy as a king; and according to his unlettered neighbors' artless praise, "there wasn't a readier hand, nor an opener heart in the wide world that's iv he had id but he hadn't an' more was the pity... Continue reading book >>