Description
Book SynopsisBig changes are coming to late-Sixties Belfast. At first life seems normal for Sammy and Maeve, two children from the opposing republican and loyalist communities. Sammy tries to avoid trouble with his unemployed father, while Maeve has lived with her aunt and uncle since her mother’s death.
When twins Dylan and Emma Goldman move from Washington to Belfast they strike up friendships with Maeve and Sammy. Gradually the nationalist girl and loyalist boy overcome their suspicions of each other, and all four children become friends. But even as they have fun at local sports clubs, attend the Goldman’s barbeques, and secretly make their own radio programmes, they can’t ignore the trouble that is slowing gripping the country. And when the simmering tensions in Northern Ireland erupt into violence it threatens not just their friendships – but their very lives.
Trade Reviewpoignant … absorbing
-- The Swallows Nest
the impressive achievement of this historical novel is to present complex events lucidly and to convey their intensity. Readers of eleven upwards will be absorbed by the dramatic events which impact upon the lives of the four main characters
-- School Librarian Magazine
the reality of violence and its aftermath is well done
-- Historical Novels Review
would make a very good introduction to the history of the Northern Ireland conflict for children in their early teens
-- Historical Novels Review
should be compulsory reading for every Irish young person
-- Betweenmylines.com
captures a volatile Belfast so well
-- Betweenmylines.com
couldn’t put the book down
-- Betweenmylines.com
brings the past to life in a very readable, engaging way
-- Betweenmylines.com
while readers are familiar with wars that wrack distant parts of the world, this accurate depiction of violence in a familiar and seemingly benign area will surprise and educate many—a worthy accomplishment
-- Kirkus Reviews
just beautiful writing
-- Sunday Independent
ideal for age ten and up
-- Sunday Independent
without glossing over violence or partisan attitudes, the book delineates the conflict in an age-appropriate manner
-- Children’s Books Ireland Recommended Reads Guide 2013
thoroughly-researched historical fiction
-- InisMagazine.ie
Gallagher constructs a good tale, and doesn't shy away from tragedy
-- InisMagazine.ie
10 out of 10 … will never want to put it down ... a real page-turner
-- SeomraRanga.com
Brian Gallagher makes you feel as if you are really there
-- SeomraRanga.com
