Egan delves into the cultural context of Thomas Francis Meagher's life, providing a backdrop of Irish struggles under British colonial rule, the hardships faced by immigrants in America, and the identities of the Irish diaspora.

The narrative highlights the oppression faced by the Irish under British rule in the early 19th century, characterized by the implementation of the Penal Laws, which stripped Irish Catholics of their rights to property, education, and religious freedom. This oppressive regime aimed to enforce Protestant dominance and eradicate Irish cultural identity and political influence. Colonial exploitation saw British occupiers confiscating the most fertile territories, reducing many former Irish landowners to tenant farming. This economic disenfranchisement led to widespread poverty and forced emigration, contributing to the Irish diaspora. The Great Famine of 1845-1852 further exacerbated these conditions, with the British government's inadequate response and policies worsening the suffering, leading to mass starvation.

The book chronicles British attempts to suppress Irish culture during this period by banning the Irish language and traditions. Egan emphasizes the enduring spirit of the Irish people who maintained their cultural identity through oral tradition, clandestine education, and resilient communities.