Hi Gerry, I was pleased and surprised to receive your Comment and the warm welcome. I have a huge confession to make - I have no Irish blood in me whatsoever! My husband and I are at least 4th generation South Africans, and both of us were born and bred in Pietermaritzburg! We have a really mixed ancestry, ranging from Scottish, Dutch, German, Huguenot and Cornish ancestries along the way.
So alas, there is no Irish story - but for reasons unknown to me, I have always been drawn to Ireland, ranging from the history of the Gaelic chieftains, via 2000 years of turmoil, to the present day; the geological variations of the beautiful countryside, but especially the music - aah, the music. I have early CDs recorded by Phil Coulter, James Galway, the Cranberries and the Corrs, amongst others. My increased fascination with matters Irish was inspired by a Celtic Thunder CD which I happened to buy, and am now a firm fan of the Group - ordering all their CDs and DVDs direct from their Head Office in Co. Kildare (the exchange rate is not in my favour, but the financial sacrifice is worth it!).
I am having great difficulty in comprehending the complexities of Irish history (despite holding Masters' Degrees in both Psychology and Law), but am presently engrossed in a book "Setting the Truth Free" by Julieanne Campbell which was recommended by Keith Harkin, of Celtic Thunder. I have realised how much I know, and how little I have to learn about Ireland, hence my 'finding' your web site on the internet.
Pietermaritzburg is an English speaking city situated in the Midlands of what was formerly known as "Natal" and is now "KwaZulu-Natal". The countryside is very similar to many parts of Ireland (but a whole lot warmer), with lush green shrubs and grass, bordered by beautiful beaches (popular with surfers), and bounded by a huge range of mountains, called the Drakensberg (where snow does fall!). But there is so much land that the farms (mainly dairy) roll on for acres - no delightful "patchwork farms" with drystone walls as in Ireland.
In closing, I have really given you a "South African" story, but I shall continue to follow The (New) Wild Geese web site!
My name is Mary Thorpe and I am the author of the above named book The YouTube link below will take you to the Video that I had done to promote my book ;
I would appreciate it if you could show this to members of the Irish Centre / or Students of Irish History /clients / customers or friends -as I do believe it will hold a great deal of interest for Irish emigrants and their descendant wherever they may be
Thank you
- Regards Mary Thorpe
The YouTube link below will take you to the Video that I had done to promote my book ; as above
I would appreciate it if you could show this to members of the Irish Centre / or Students of Irish History /clients / customers or friends -as I do believe it will hold a great deal of interest for Irish emigrants and their descendant wherever they may be
“That’s Just How It Was is a moving family tale through which much can be gleaned about life during the push for Irish independence… This is a satisfying, emotionally involving read.”- Clarion Review
“Authors of family memoirs often overload their narratives with minutiae that puts nonfamily members to sleep. There are no such encumbrances in Mary Thorpe’s biography of her remarkable grandmother, Bridget O’Rourke. Thorpe…carefully blends Bridget’s story with the events of her day, some of the most pivotal events in Ireland’s history.”- Blueink Review
“Thorpe compellingly incorporates history into her grandmother’s story, always making sure to bring the narrative back to Bridget’s life and personal experience ….. a compelling story of a strong, capable woman and the history that surrounded her “.- Kirkus Review
Besides Kindle ; Amazon ;Barnesandnoble and Authorhouse Solutions ; Gardners Whole books UK , Berthams ; Inghams – bulk orders can be made via the below connections
Rose Maurer
Hi Gerry, I was pleased and surprised to receive your Comment and the warm welcome. I have a huge confession to make - I have no Irish blood in me whatsoever! My husband and I are at least 4th generation South Africans, and both of us were born and bred in Pietermaritzburg! We have a really mixed ancestry, ranging from Scottish, Dutch, German, Huguenot and Cornish ancestries along the way.
So alas, there is no Irish story - but for reasons unknown to me, I have always been drawn to Ireland, ranging from the history of the Gaelic chieftains, via 2000 years of turmoil, to the present day; the geological variations of the beautiful countryside, but especially the music - aah, the music. I have early CDs recorded by Phil Coulter, James Galway, the Cranberries and the Corrs, amongst others. My increased fascination with matters Irish was inspired by a Celtic Thunder CD which I happened to buy, and am now a firm fan of the Group - ordering all their CDs and DVDs direct from their Head Office in Co. Kildare (the exchange rate is not in my favour, but the financial sacrifice is worth it!).
I am having great difficulty in comprehending the complexities of Irish history (despite holding Masters' Degrees in both Psychology and Law), but am presently engrossed in a book "Setting the Truth Free" by Julieanne Campbell which was recommended by Keith Harkin, of Celtic Thunder. I have realised how much I know, and how little I have to learn about Ireland, hence my 'finding' your web site on the internet.
Pietermaritzburg is an English speaking city situated in the Midlands of what was formerly known as "Natal" and is now "KwaZulu-Natal". The countryside is very similar to many parts of Ireland (but a whole lot warmer), with lush green shrubs and grass, bordered by beautiful beaches (popular with surfers), and bounded by a huge range of mountains, called the Drakensberg (where snow does fall!). But there is so much land that the farms (mainly dairy) roll on for acres - no delightful "patchwork farms" with drystone walls as in Ireland.
In closing, I have really given you a "South African" story, but I shall continue to follow The (New) Wild Geese web site!
Warmest regards,
Rose
Apr 1, 2013
Lisa Shea Megna
Sep 16, 2014
Heritage Partner
That's Just How It Was
Friend request from The Wild Geese
My name is Mary Thorpe and I am the author of the above named book The YouTube link below will take you to the Video that I had done to promote my book ;
I would appreciate it if you could show this to members of the Irish Centre / or Students of Irish History /clients / customers or friends -as I do believe it will hold a great deal of interest for Irish emigrants and their descendant wherever they may be
Thank you
- Regards Mary Thorpe
The YouTube link below will take you to the Video that I had done to promote my book ; as above
I would appreciate it if you could show this to members of the Irish Centre / or Students of Irish History /clients / customers or friends -as I do believe it will hold a great deal of interest for Irish emigrants and their descendant wherever they may be
Thank you Regards Mary Thorpe
Youtube: http://youtu.be/oT0oOa0jx28
Youtube: http://youtu.be/oT0oOa0jx28
Professional Book Reviews below
“That’s Just How It Was is a moving family tale through which much can be gleaned about life during the push for Irish independence… This is a satisfying, emotionally involving read.”- Clarion Review
“Authors of family memoirs often overload their narratives with minutiae that puts nonfamily members to sleep. There are no such encumbrances in Mary Thorpe’s biography of her remarkable grandmother, Bridget O’Rourke. Thorpe…carefully blends Bridget’s story with the events of her day, some of the most pivotal events in Ireland’s history.”- Blueink Review
“Thorpe compellingly incorporates history into her grandmother’s story, always making sure to bring the narrative back to Bridget’s life and personal experience ….. a compelling story of a strong, capable woman and the history that surrounded her “.- Kirkus Review
Besides Kindle ; Amazon ;Barnesandnoble and Authorhouse Solutions ; Gardners Whole books UK , Berthams ; Inghams – bulk orders can be made via the below connections
jturner@contentdistributors.com (888) 728-8467 ext. 5908 Fax: 1-812-339 6554
Email: orders@bookmasters.com Phone: 800-247-6553 Fax: 419-281-6883
ISBN 978-1-8985=5
Feb 4, 2015