I was disappointed with this historical fiction book. The premise was interesting enough - Ireland's Potato Famine of 1845-1852 and the indifference of England during that period. I also enjoyed reading that the author, Patricia Reilly Giff, has 6 great grandparents who lived through the famine. However, the story dragged on too long. 12 year old protagonist Nory is responsible for her family (Grandfather, 3 year old brother and 14 year old sister) when her oldest sister leaves for America with her new husband. As the potatoes rot in the fields and the English landowners continue raising the rent, Nory is desperate. She dreams of her and her family joining her sister in New York and it is her perseverance, courage and a bit of luck that makes that FINALLY happen. I wish to know the outcome of Nory's journey to America instead of the entire story taking place in Ireland. I felt let down that after spending so much time starving with Nory that I don't know how she ended up. Intended for upper elementary/early midddle school students, it is a good source of information about Ireland's plight. The author writes a letter to the reader after the story detailing her inspiration for writing it which is good background - might be better to read this first before the book. Another one of her books, Lily's Crossing, is a Newbery Honor and has been recommended, so I'll try that one.
Nory Ryan lives in Maiden Bay. It's the town she has known for just about her whole life. But when the potato famine strikes again, the same famine that had killed many people years before, they have to find out how to support themselves to stay alive. But the famine isn't the only problem. The English are currently ruling Ireland, and the landlords are not kind to the families. If they don't pay, their houses are taken down and they are simply sent to find a "better life" which can't be easily found. Nory's father has already gone away to bring in money as a fisherman, but she hasn't seen him for almost a whole year. All of these issues are piling up around her, and when the blight hits the Ryan Family's crops, they have to make a decision: Who stays in Ireland, and who goes away to America?This is a wonderfully narrated story that is actually slightly based on the writers' ancestors. The characters in this book are strongly formed and very realistic. Each of the chapters in the story keep pulling you in to read more. You feel the needs that the characters have and because of their experiences you can relate to them. Even though this book is suggested as a teen's book, I think adults would like it too. Nory Ryan's twisting and turning tale gives every reader an amazing story they won't forget.
What do You think about Nory Ryan's Song (2002)?
Nory Ryan is content with her life, waiting for her Da to come back with money from his fishing expeditions, dreaming about the day that they'll all move to Brooklyn, New York, America and be free from hunger and walk on streets paved with diamonds. She helps take care of her younger brother and they are content, if a bit hungry. Then comes the day that she realizes that the potato crops are black with rot. Her oldest sister announces that she's leaving to Brooklyn with her fiancee and now Nory is responsible for the family. How will they survive with no food until Da comes home with the fishing money? And what happens if the British landlords come demanding the rent?A bittersweet story about the Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s. I learned a lot I didn't know, especially about the treatment of the Irish by the British. The narrator was pleasant to listen to and it was a nice touch that the author's note was read by the author.Readalike suggestions: For older readers, suggest A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith for another tale of a young girl, this one across the ocean. Also for older readers, for more about hard times in Ireland, suggest Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt.
—Abby Johnson
You can tell the author really FEELS this topic. Ireland, the Famine, the family, the friends, the history---it's all natural to her. She's admirably unself-conscious of the historical setting and this makes Nory work well as a narrator. Nory doesn't think of herself as a " 19th century character". She references her friends and the places she knows the way you would mention the blocks in your neighborhood and the kids you know at school. The detail of Anna staying, insisting that she " belongs here" in Ireland is also very effective. It emphasizes the love the Irish still had for their homeland. We don't need too much America pride pushing itself in on the story. The only reason I gave it a 4 star and not a 5 is the book is told in sketchy first person and is slightly dull, making it a story you have to be in the mood for to voluntarily read.
—Hannah
Jack Cooke 4/6/10 Reading 9 Nory Ryan's SongBy:Patricia reilly giffSummaryNory and her best friend sean always dreamed of going to america,then things turn bad and a pototo famine strikes. Passage pg 142 He was a tall dark man his faced taned,his bread ragged. he sat with head down and his arms between his legs looking as he wanted to sleep "Your father...," he said I stood there hardly breathing. "Alive" I asked " Is he alive?"The anwser seemed it took forever but then he nodded "I have a mess
—Jmcooke
