The Great Hunger

Title: Nory Ryan’s Song

Author: Patricia Reilly Giff

Publisher: Random House

Place: New York, New York

Year: 2000

ISBN: 9780307538987

Plot Summary:   

English landlords tax the land her family owned for generations. They take what they want when they want and no Irish dare stand in their way. Folks get by on what they can. If they are lucky they own a pig or cow. They can always rely on the potato crops to feed hungry bellies until now. The potatoes are rotting in the ground and folks are starving.  With her da gone fishing to make the rent money and her older sister off to America to start a new life 12 year old Nory must try to find something for her family to eat. Is she strong enough to keep hope alive as she struggles to scavenge what food she can wherever she can? Will her family survive until they can all be together again? Will her dream of the family being together in America become a reality? Patricia Reilly Giff’s riveting story will keep you enthralled until the very end.

Critical Analysis:

Giff’s glossary of terms adds clarity to the text while her letter to the reader ties this work to modern times and lends a personal touch to this poignantly written historical fiction. Accurate without overwhelming the reader with dry dates and facts, Giff weaves a true to history tale with believable characters, realistic plot, and the timeless ideals of strength of character, unending love, and unfailing hope.  Giff’s style draws the reader skillfully into Nory’s world and allows one to feel her struggle with hunger, fear, and anger. She skillfully weaves enough authentic language into the text as to lend the work historical authenticity without making the text too difficult for the young reader. A marvelous read!

Reviews:

"Giff meticulously re-creates the Great Hunger as she traces a 19th-century Irish girl's struggle to survive," PW wrote. Ages 8-12. (Sept.) Publisher’s Weekly

Golden Kite Award, 2001, Honor Book Fiction United States

Parent’s Choice Award, 2000, Gold Fiction United States

Star Review August 2000 School Library Journal

Star Review June 15, 2000 Kirkus Review

Star Book Review September 15, 2000 American Library Association; United States

Connections:

Research and create a family tree

Read The Irish Dresser: A Story of Hope During The Great Hunger by Cynthia G. Neale. Compare and contrast with Nory Ryan’s Song