I recently finished reading After Gáirech by Micheál Cladáin. As the title hints, After Gáirech is set during the aftermath of the battle of Gáirech, which involved the five kingdoms of pre-Christian Ireland. This is not a topic I am well-versed in, however having read the first two books in the series, I am familiar with the main characters and found this story easy to follow.
Like the first two books, the story itself is told with a truly Irish flare, with use of (well defined) Gaelic terminology and language that set the scene well. I am a big fan of authentic terminology in books and feel that the use of such words, character and place names make this story stand out. Despite not speaking a single word of Gaelic, I was able to easily follow the story, thanks to the clear definitions provided.
Like much of the pre-Christian era, little is known of the time in which this tale is set. Despite this, Cladáin has done an admirable job of piecing together the legends to create a believable, entertaining story. As in the previous two books, the pages are packed with action, suspense, and the same level of back-stabbing politics one might expect from an episode of Game of Thrones.
Micheál Cladáin, with this book and the other two of the series, has introduced me to a new era of history – one that I know almost nothing about – and has made me want to learn more. If that isn’t the sign of great historical fiction, then what is?
Thanks, Micheál, for this excellent read.
