I hope the reader will experience the story in the spirit it was written, recognizing that who we are is not who they were, and judging historical people by today's standards prevents us from learning from them, from their mistakes and their triumphs. These people helped build the framework that we now stand on. We should be careful about burning it down.

I hope the reader will experience the story in the spirit it was written, recognizing that who we are is not who they were, and judging historical people by today’s standards prevents us from learning from them, from their mistakes and their triumphs. These people helped build the framework that we now stand on. We should be careful about burning it down.

Don't write a book about Ireland's history, Annie. There are plenty of those. Write a love story.' 'I still have to have context, Eoin,' I argued, smiling. 'Yes. You do. But don't let the history detract you from the people who lived it.

Idealism often rewrites history to suit her narrative.