Review of The Peacock's Legacy

[Victor Nwabuisi]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Peacock's Legacy" by Sasha M Stevens.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Brigid is of Irish descent, born in 1829 in Ballyconstór County Wicklow, Ireland. Brigid suffered poverty and neglect along with her mom and siblings at the hands of her father, who refused to provide for his family but instead spent his money frequenting the shebeen and was always seen drunk in Ballyconstór, soiling his family's reputation, and not just that; he was always seen with Maura Flanagan, an adulteress rumoured to have a husband in another county, setting the wagging tails of the gossip mongers. Due to neglect from their father, Brigid and her family suffered from starvation, lack of proper clothing, and poor housing. This hardship ultimately led to her mother’s demise and also many losses that left her devastated. When Brigid was forced into an arranged marriage with a man old enough to be her father, she decided to take charge of her destiny. Follow Brigid in her journey for survival in this captivating historical fiction.

Sasha M Stevens, The Peacock's Legacy, was a heartwarming story that took me on an emotional journey as I followed the world of Brigid. This was an interesting story set in the 80s that portrayed the life of that era. An era where the Irish were fighting for independence by forming a Fenian organisation known as the Saor-Eire. This organisation became the start of Brigid’s journey, as the book depicted the many twists and turns she faced. The era also depicted a period where women struggled for their voices to be heard in a society that was dominated by men. A society that saw a woman's education as a waste of time and believed a woman's place was only in her home. The book really showed the hardships and poverty the Irish went through during this time, from severe hunger to a deadly fever that took many lives. This made some be forced to migrate to America in search of a better life, only to realise it wasn’t what they had imagined. The author brought the mid-nineteenth century to life so realistically that I felt like I was there. This story took me on an emotional ride, and Brigid’s pain felt real. The book also explored how deeply religion shaped that time, especially the way Catholics saw Protestants as outsiders.

What stood out to me most in this book was the character development. One of my favourite characters was Brigid; she had so much strength and resilience and refused to accept the life that had been forced on her. Running away from an arranged marriage and setting sail with no idea where she would end up took incredible courage. This bold step changed her life forever and was the beginning of her sailing adventure. Her strength was further depicted in her life in Dublin and also in Boston. There was a lot to be learnt from her character. Her story felt real, and I almost thought this novel was non-fiction. I also loved the theme of solidarity portrayed in this book. Friends like Ezra, Caitlin, Amy, Saoirse, and others gave Brigid the motivation to keep pushing.

There was nothing I disliked about the book. This is a beautiful story that will linger in the hearts of readers. The journey with Brigid felt like an adventure, and not once did the story feel dull or dragged out. The pacing was just right, and the plot was thoughtfully developed. As I kept reading, the unexpected twists genuinely took me by surprise. Thus, I rated it four out of five stars. I removed a star because I discovered some errors in the book. However, this didn’t stop me from fully enjoying it. I think it would be awesome if this book were adapted into a movie. I recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction.

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The Peacock's Legacy
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[Mark Lazarus]

Stories about resilience and defying societal expectations always captivate me, and this one seems to do just that. Brigid’s journey—from suffering and oppression to taking control of her fate—sounds like an emotional and inspiring ride. I appreciate historical fiction that immerses readers in a time period, and the depiction of Irish struggles, migration, and gender roles seems well-researched and deeply engaging.

The theme of solidarity is also something I enjoy in books. Strong friendships and support systems make characters’ journeys even more meaningful. The idea of unexpected twists also makes me curious—historical fiction with an element of unpredictability is always a win. I’d definitely consider giving this a read, especially if it really makes you feel like you’re living in that era.

[Ivon Ikunza]

What Brigid went through is what many kids go through in many African homes. Fathers may wake up and decide to neglect their roles. In all we do, let's pray for our parents to be available for us.

[Gerry Steen]

I am a lover of historical fiction, and Irish backdrops. I am interested in the Fenian movement. Thank you for reviewing this book. I am adding it to my bookshelves.