The Woman on the Bridge is historical fiction, which is a bit of a departure from Sheila O'Flanagan's usual romances - apparently it's by and large her grandmother's story.

Having grown up in Germany and now living in England, I knew nothing about the Irish War of Independence in 1920 so this was a welcome departure from my usual Tudor fare and an opportunity to learn something new.

The author weaves a compelling take of young Dublin woman  Winifred O'Leary; Joseph Burke, the man she falls in love with; and their respective families, plus Winifred's employer Alice Kelley, a woman I grew to love during the story.

Both the years of war and uproar and the 1920s are described perfectly. It struck me how early and how easily people seemed to decide to marry. Apparently, 15 was a bit too early, 16 just about acceptable and 19 already a bit spinstery.  So, do it at 17-18 and it's perfect, and do not wait longer than a few weeks either, there is a war on!

The author doesn't shy away from the raw deal women generally had -casual misogyny and domestic abuse were rife, and the "new Ireland" that the protesters wanted didn't always include women's rights. Contraception methods were woefully inadequate and only worked until they didn't (olive oil on a sponge, anyone?), hence the large families everyone had. 

Winnie's own family has been scattered to the four winds, with sisters married into England, Belgium and America. Her mother-in-law is suspicious which side Winnie is on because no one could really stay neutral. It's remarkable how much Winnie grows during those war years and really gets to know her own mind and what is important. Recommended.