A Great Beauty

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In 1920, amid the turmoil of the War of Independence in Ireland, Michael Collins becomes the most wanted man in the British Empire, living in hiding and engaging in guerrilla warfare. Few know his appearance, but he finds solace with Kitty Kiernan, his best friend's sweetheart, and unexpectedly falls in love with her. Meanwhile, Lady Hazel Lavery, a captivating American of Irish descent and wife of renowned artist Sir John Lavery, aims to leverage her connections, including Winston Churchill, to foster peace in Ireland, haunted by her own tragic past. When Michael, now engaged to Kitty, arrives in London as part of the Irish peace delegation, he becomes the center of public attention. Hazel, drawn to him, guides him through the intricacies of high society, leading to rumors of an affair and accusations of his seduction by London’s allure. Kitty, distressed yet resolute, fights to reclaim Michael’s affection. As the Anglo-Irish Treaty ignites tensions, Ireland edges closer to civil war. In August 1922, with the conflict at its peak, the intertwined fates of Michael, Hazel, and Kitty threaten to unravel, culminating in devastating consequences. This tale weaves together themes of war, love, betrayal, and suspense, encapsulating the complex legacy of Michael Collins.