The Northern Iron

"The Northern Iron" by George A. Birmingham is a historical story set in Ireland in 1798 during a politically unstable time, and it explores ideas about who people are, the bonds of friendship, and the desire to fight authority in a time of political turbulence. The story centers on Neal Ward, a minister's son, who is conflicted between his devotion to his family and his growing love for Una St. Clair. Adding to this conflict is Neal's uncle, Donald Ward, who arrives from America with a mysterious history. The story starts by showing the scenery of coastal Northern Ireland of the time and introduces the Reverend Micah Ward and his son, Neal, a smart young man struggling with his father's strict rules while desiring liberty and connection with the local upper class. The reader is introduced to Una St. Clair, who, with her brother Maurice, greatly influences Neal's life. The beginning of the story builds excitement, as the political atmosphere of rebellion and an upcoming fight with the government set the stage for both individual tensions and wider societal conflict, and it makes the reader consider devotion, how big historical events affect connections with others, and the struggle for fairness during a time of trouble.