Hope

by Mary Ryan

Book Overview

In 1869, Tom Walsh and his young sister are forced to emigrate from Ireland to America. Tom vows to make his fortune before ever returning to his homeland. He sets his sights on Colorado---and gold. Eventually, after much struggle and suffering, Tom strikes one of the biggest lodes of gold in American mining history. His mine produces $5,000 of gold bullion a day, and thirty years after emigrating, Tom is one of the world's richest men. A friend of presidents and royalty, the American commissioner to the 1900 World Fair, and a lavish host in one of Washington D.C.'s most stunning mansions, he still returns to visit Ireland in homage to his past. Fortune, however, has her price. Tom's strong-willed, beloved daughter, Evalyn's life is as marred by tragedy as it was by riches. Wife of the heir to the Washington Post, Evalyn persuades her father to buy her the notorious Hope Diamond---rumored to be cursed by the Indian goddess, Sita. It is then that Tom and Evalyn learn that tragedy and sorrow serve a master far greater than money or stature. In this extraordinary novel, Irish bestselling author Mary Ryan has brought to life the lives of these two remarkable people, and the bygone worlds that surround them, with stunning detail. A captivating story of the American dream, from the Western prairies to the high society of the capitol, Hope is filled with misfortune and heartache, great love and financial ruin. Based on a true story, Hope is a haunting, extraordinary saga of impressive intensity.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312309708
• ISBN13: 9780312309701
• Release Date: April 2003
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
• Length: 480 Pages
• Weight: 1.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Good Book

I really enjoyed this book and the plot was interesting enough to keep me engaged throughout the whole reading. The characters are put together well and are by no means saintly. The characters really seem like they could have possibly existed. Mary Ryan is a great author and her writing style is very detailed. I gave this book 4 stars simply because I read another book by Mary Ryan titled "Song For the Tide" that I liked a bit better. Otherwise, a good summer read.

Enjoyable Read!

Love the book. Have connections to both Washington, D. C. and Clonmel, Co. Tipperary in Ireland. Knew the story and like the author's treatment of the Walsh Family's life trials.