There was a curse on the 'Big House'. A local peasant foretold that the family would someday be 'ruled by a cripple!' So, when a son was born without any limbs, it seemed the premonition had come true. But nobody could have foretold what the boy would achieve and how his name would go down in history as one of the most remarkable Irishmen to ever live. An amazing story of 19th century life, love and courage that reached across continents and social classes. This is an unforgettable novel of yearning, perseverance and gritty determination to both inspire and challenge. There is nothing the human spirit cannot overcome.

'I have worked with Maria O'Rourke and greatly admire her writing and storytelling.' Joseph O' Connor

'Maria O'Rourke's sympathetic, insightful imagining of Arthur MacMurrough Kavanagh's life is a tremendous achievement. This is an amazing story, beautifully told, of resilience and fortitude, and a searing portrait of a fracturing, transforming society.' Donal Ryan

'In writing this absorbing novel, Maria O'Rourke has brought to life the people, the landscape and another time in south Carlow, but she has also produced a work that lingers in the memory long after the last page has been read. Defying the Curse is a wonderful book.' John MacKenna