1. Statistical Data and Records: DeValera includes historical statistics, such as the number of Irish immigrants who arrived in America during the famine years. He draws from official records, passenger lists, and other primary sources to provide a quantitative understanding of the scale of the migration.
2. Real-life Stories and Testimonials: The book features personal accounts, letters, and diaries of Irish immigrants who made the fateful journey to America. These firsthand accounts provide a glimpse into the motivations, experiences, and challenges faced by the migrants during their journey and their lives in the new country.
3. Contextualizing the Famine: DeValera places the Great Famine within the broader historical context of Ireland's political, economic, and social conditions. He explains the underlying causes of the famine, such as the reliance on a single crop (potato) and British colonial policies.
4. Irish Immigration Patterns: The book examines the migration patterns of Irish immigrants and their destinations in America. DeValera highlights the regions where Irish immigrants settled, such as Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, and discusses the formation of Irish communities and neighborhoods.
5. Impact on American Society: DeValera explores the profound impact of Irish immigrants on American society and culture. He sheds light on their contributions to various fields, including religion, politics, labor movements, and literature, and their influence on American identity.
6. Historical Events: The book incorporates key historical events that affected Irish immigrants during their journey and in America. For instance, DeValera discusses the role of the U.S. Immigration Acts and the American Civil War in shaping the experiences of Irish immigrants.
By weaving historical facts, personal narratives, and contextual information into the book, Donnacha DeValera provides a comprehensive understanding of the dramatic and transformative period in Irish and American history marked by the Great Famine and the subsequent migration of millions of Irish people to America.