The early 1900s was a time of change and chaos in Ireland-a time when the suffragist movement was stirring up women to fight for their rights and when the Protestants and Catholics were set against each other.
When Fred, a Protestant, falls in love with Niamh, a devout Catholic, he finds himself being exiled to America to make a place for himself as a salesman in New York. But Fred has been forced to leave much behind in Ireland, including a strict father, a weak mother, a suffragist sister, and his true love, Niamh. Determined to find a place where everyone is accepted and Protestants and Catholics can marry, Fred works to save money for Niamh's own passage to America to join him.
While Niamh waits for the day she can afford to join her love, she joins the suffragists, learning why women need to fight to be heard and questioning all she has been taught. The one thing that keeps her holding onto hope are the letters she receives from Fred through his sister, Hilda. But Niamh will have to decide to leave behind the family she loves and make a future with someone she's known for only a short time.
Based on the true love letters the author found in her family's belongings, this twentieth century Romeo and Juliet will have you rooting for an unlikely marriage and longing to read one more letter.
Endorsements
"Compelling, evocative, shocking and true, The Last Letter is a wonderful debut from Bethan Marshall. She is a natural writer who brings her historical tale of men and women, politics and prejudice to vivid life."
Michael Bracewell
British writer and novelist
"The Last Letter is a fascinating historical novel based on family papers passed down to the author Bethan Marshall. Part of its strength is found in Marshall's knowledge of the history, literature, politics, philosophy and theology of the times covered. A delightful read!"
Rebecca Pippert
Author and international speaker
