The Soldier's Song (novel)

The Soldier's Song is a historical novel by Alan Monaghan, published in 2009. The novel tells the fictionalized story surrounding the writing and subsequent history of "Amhrán na bhFiann," the Irish national anthem, also known as "The Soldier's Song." The narrative focuses on Peadar Kearney, one of the men credited with writing the anthem, and traces his involvement in the Irish revolutionary movement from the late 19th century through the Easter Rising of 1916 and beyond. The book explores themes of Irish nationalism, identity, rebellion, and the personal sacrifices made by individuals involved in the struggle for Irish independence. While based on historical events and figures, The Soldier's Song is ultimately a work of fiction that uses the anthem's creation as a backdrop for examining the complexities of the period. Monaghan's work is generally considered historical fiction rather than a definitive historical account.