An Irish Odyssey: Journey’s Beyond the Peaks (The Journeys Saga) by M.F. Erler

An Irish Historical Fiction Novel ~

Standing in the shadow of Ireland’s Great Hunger, one woman wields an unyielding strength that shapes the destiny of generations.

“M.F. Erler has woven an intimate tale filled with despair, hope, and resiliency in her book An Irish Odyssey: from Despair to Hope.”

“Sepia-toned history comes alive with thoughts and conversations as contemporary as our own.” —Pastor Tim Christenson, Colonel, USMC (Ret.)

“A compelling story that needs to be shared and reflects a lot of excellent research.” —Rev. Dr. Kurt Ziemann

“I learned a lot about the Irish Potato Famine through Erler’s depictions of people who experienced it. . . . The time travel [helped] interpret the historical background of the 1800s and the telling of the story” —Mary Schmidt

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When time-traveler Emilia Parker views history through the eyes of her Irish great-great grandmother, Maggie Cantlon, she witnesses firsthand the deathly grip of starvation, the anguish of loss, and the cruelty of England’s “coffin ships.” Yet, amidst her suffering and trials, Maggie retains unyielding hope.

Inspired by true events, “An Irish Odyssey” follows the Cantlon family from the shores of Ireland to the wild frontiers of Canada and Michigan, where they start new lives in the lumber camps of 19th-century America.

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Emotionally compelling, “An Irish Odyssey” offers a unique perspective of Erler’s Irish immigrants through vivid characterizations, immersive storytelling, and a revelation into the political and economic injustice they endured. This novel is an ideal choice for book clubs and readers who enjoy historical fiction, Irish heritage, and epic family stories.

REVIEWS

“M.F. Erler has woven an intimate tale filled with despair, hope, and resiliency in her book An Irish Odyssey: from Despair to Hope.  . . . I recommend An Irish Odyssey: from Despair to Hope  for its unyielding strength of the main characters, because of its unique perspective of Irish immigrants, its revelation into the economic injustice and distinctive destiny of generations of Irish people.” —UP Book Review, May 20, 2025