Kilgorman: A Story of Ireland in 1798

"Kilgorman: A Story of Ireland in 1798" by Talbot Baines Reed is a historical novel likely written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around the lives of two twin brothers, Barry and Tim Gallagher, set against the turbulent backdrop of Ireland during the late 18th century. As they grapple with the threats and challenges of their time, including political unrest and personal loss, the boys’ bond and identity face profound tests, including the mysteries of their lineage and familial relationships. At the start of the story, the brothers have ventured out to gather their sheep before a storm, indicating the harsh realities of their rural life. An altercation occurs between the twins, revealing their competitive yet loving relationship, which is heightened by the presence of their sick mother back at home. As the storm brews and tensions rise, Barry’s encounter with a mysterious sailing ship introduces an air of intrigue and foreshadows the unfolding adventure. The narrative begins to weave themes of love, brotherhood, loss, and the complexities of their mother's mysterious past, setting a compelling tone for the challenges that lie ahead in both the boys' lives and the socio-political landscape of Ireland at the time. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Talbot Baines Reed was an English writer of boys' fiction who established a genre of school stories that endured into the mid-20th century. Among his best-known work is The Fifth Form at St. Dominic's. He was a regular and prolific contributor to The Boy's Own Paper (B.O.P.), in which most of his fiction first appeared. Through his family's business, Reed became a prominent typefounder, and wrote a standard work on the subject: History of the Old English Letter Foundries.