“To witness Rick O’Meara bring to life the trials and tribulations of an Irish American warrior who faced hardship and horror on both sides of the Atlantic but who rose again to redeem the soul of every being who ever struggled against injustice is a thrill and a treat which will strike a deep chord with Ireland’s 70m-strong global family.”

“The years 1845 to 1863 are acutely observed through the eyes of career soldier and a famine survivor, John Patrick Joy, as he takes us on a turbulent journey from the west of Ireland to the killing fields of Gettysburg. While the horrors of war and of famine unfold and are poignantly juxtaposed, we observe how Joy’s spirit of resilience triumphs against a backdrop of death and despair. But, as Joy confronts his own death and revisits his remarkable life story, a history unfolds that is deeply personal while, simultaneously, universal.
‘The Times of Joy’ is raw, moving, and mesmerizing.”

“The book’s well-defined narrative voice and keen sense of historical detail (a vivid scene of bleeding animals for food lays bare the perilous nature of the Irish famine) combine to create an often enjoyable novel...
The plot is solid, and Joy is a compelling and sympathetic narrator. The unusual drama-style format is well-suited to the novel, placing Joy’s narrative in the tradition of Irish storytelling and drawing the reader’s attention to the unique voice. O’Meara is clearly knowledgeable about the time period, and the book demonstrates an acute understanding of the psychological effects of deprivation and violence. A… well-plotted novel with a strong narrative voice provides an insightful look into the 19th century Irish experience.”

“Richard O’Meara gives us much to ponder in Times of Joy. The injustice and randomness of life, the struggle of the indomitable spirit of a simple man to find dignity, respect and a small of measure of happiness are represented here in stark relief. A diaspora tale clearly worth the telling.”

“In O’Meara’s telling, despite routine acts of heroism and courage, the soldiers who served in Vietnam did so humbly, out of lenses of patriotic ardor and professional pride. Overall, this is a gripping glimpse into the lives of soldiers living and dying side by side.”

“The first story in Richard Michael O’Meara’s Going Home for Apples and Other Stories is the best work of short fiction dealing with the Vietnam war that I’ve read in years...I hope for more stories by Richard Michael O’Meara. If he would expand the first story to novel length, I would be the first in line to buy it. ”

“Personally, I do not read much fiction but am very glad I decided to give this book a try. The writing is excellent, taking you into the emotions and experiences of ordinary soldiers at war. I highly recommend this book and am hoping the author has another in the works. If you want insight into the emotions experienced by those who bear the true cost of the politician’s decision to go to war, read this book. ”

“General O’Meara has written a remarkable book brilliantly combining a keen sense operational knowledge and expertise in the field with legal and moral analysis, a first-rate examination. ”