The Wild Geese

"The Wild Geese" by Stanley John Weyman is an early 20th-century historical novel that transports the reader to early 18th-century Ireland, during the reign of George I, spotlighting duty, honor, and the hard questions of Irish identity within political trouble spots. The story follows Colonel John Sullivan, a serious man with a tangled past, trying to find his way in a disordered Ireland, walking a tightrope of loyalty and responsibility. It begins on the "Cormorant", where Sullivan and Captain Augustin argue about duty and moral rightness in a lawless place. Sailing to Kerry, they're caught in the area's political and social mess, meeting native Irish people fighting for the Jacobite cause against English rule. Sullivan’s strong, yet careful attitude toward violence and morality stands out against the disorder. His relationships with the crew and his mysterious servant add layers to the story, exploring loyalty and heritage.