Book review: The Ballad of Mary Kearney, by Katherine Mezzacappa

Available from Amazon US and Amazon UK

In County Down, Ireland, in 1767, a nobleman secretly marries his servant, in defiance of law, class, and religion. Can their love survive tumultuous times?An impoverished tenant farmer sends his seventeen-year-old daughter Mary into service at the home of his Ascendancy landlord. 

"The Ballad of Mary Kearney" by Katherine Mezzacappa is a captivating and moving tale of love, resilience, and the harsh realities of 18th-century Ireland. Rich with historical detail, the author brings the period to life, immersing the reader in the social and political complexities of the time. 

I particularly liked the diversion of letters, newspaper and magazine articles which add a layer of authenticity, giving voice to the characters and the era.

Mary Kearney is an intriguing protagonist, strong, intelligent, and compassionate. Her ‘journey’ from impoverished servant to a woman of influence is inspiring and heartbreaking. The nuanced portrayal of James, Viscount Kilkeel, adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

I am happy to recommend The Ballad of Mary Kearney to anyone who wants to understand more about this pivotal period in Irish history, including the impact of the Penal Laws and the lead up to the 1798 rebellion.

Tony Riches

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About the Author

Katherine Mezzacappa is an Irish author of mainly historical fiction, living in Italy with her husband and three eccentric cats. In addition to The Ballad of Mary Kearney (Histria) and The Maiden of Florence (Fairlight) she is the author of four novels with Zaffre with the pen name Katie Hutton. Find out more at Kartherine's website https://katherinemezzacappa.com/ and follow her on Bluesky @katmezzacappa.bsky.social