Author(s): Mary Pat Kelly

History

GALWAY BAY is the story of an Irish family that has been shaped by the traditional elements of Ireland in the decade leading up to the 1840's - the tales, music, humor, community, and religious practices - but that will also be irrevocably shaped by 'the Great Hunger' - the potato famine - and its inescapable suffering. Two sisters from this family will not only survive the famine but also emigrate to America to constitute a vital part of the American melting pot, and to forge new lives for themselves. One of these two sisters is Honora who, in the course of her life, will experience two love stories -- one in Ireland, and one in America. This is a story of people living through incredibly turbulent times who have everything taken away from them - their families, their homes, their nourishment - yet somehow they survive and triumph. Ultimately, this is a story of survival, what we do to overcome adversity, and how we find strength when circumstances demand it.