⸺ DESMOND O’CONNOR. Pp. 320. (Long). 6s. 1914.
The “Wild Geese” in Flanders. Desmond is the “Lion of the Irish Brigade.” A love story that moves through camps and courts, siege, battle, adventure, misunderstanding, to a happy ending, under the aegis of the Grand Monarque. Told with spirit and verve.
JOHNSTON, Miss.
⸺ ELLEN: A Tale of Ireland. Pp. 139. 16mo. (London). 1843.
A curious and rather meaningless little story. Ellen O’Rorick, daughter of a drunken tavern keeper, of Leixlip, goes to England, and mixes in high society. Forgotten and looked down upon by her childhood’s friend, whom she loves, she marries in succession two elderly, rich men, and then settles in Ireland to a life of philanthropy, having meanwhile become a Protestant. A good deal of moralising.
JOHNSTON, M. L.
⸺ MAVOURNEEN; or, The Children of the Storm. Pp. 233. (Walter Scott). 1904.
Kitty O’Neill on her way to her aunt at Lostwin, in England, is saved from a wreck by Ralph Whitteridge, of that place. Kitty grows up, and has several suitors, but meets Ralph again, and marries him in spite of the aunt who wishes her to marry Edward, the Squire. Some of the action takes place at Malhay, in the S. of Ireland, Kitty’s native place. Kitty dies, and Ralph takes to drink, but is rescued by a former rival, and on the voyage out to S. Africa proves his sterling worth, but is drowned in a storm along with his little boy, Curly. Author’s knowledge of Ireland very slight. Brogue poor. No anti-Catholic bias.
JOHNSTON, William, of Ballykilbeg, 1829-1902. Was in his day one of the most strenuous opponents of Home Rule, a leader of Orangemen, and Unionist M.P. for Belfast during many years. His novels reflect his political opinions.