Stormclouds
New Friends. Old Differences.
Format:Paperback
Publisher:O'Brien Press Ltd
Published:2nd Sep '13
£8.99
Available to order, but very limited on stock - if we have issues obtaining a copy, we will let you know.
Big 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.
poignant … absorbing
-- The Swallows Nestthe 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 Magazinethe reality of violence and its aftermath is well done
-- Historical Novels Reviewwould make a very good introduction to the history of the Northern Ireland conflict for children in their early teens
-- Historical Novels Reviewshould be compulsory reading for every Irish young person
-- Betweenmylines.comcaptures a volatile Belfast so well
-- Betweenmylines.comcouldn’t put the book down
-- Betweenmylines.combrings the past to life in a very readable, engaging way
-- Betweenmylines.comwhile 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 Reviewsjust beautiful writing
-- Sunday Independentideal for age ten and up
-- Sunday Independentwithout glossing over violence or partisan attitudes, the book delineates the conflict in an age-appropriate manner
-- Children’s Books Ireland Recommended Reads Guide 2013thoroughly-researched historical fiction
-- InisMagazine.ieGallagher constructs a good tale, and doesn't shy away from tragedy
-- InisMagazine.ie10 out of 10 … will never want to put it down ... a real page-turner
-- SeomraRanga.comBrian Gallagher makes you feel as if you are really there
-- SeomraRangaISBN: 9781847175793
Dimensions: 196mm x 130mm x 14mm
Weight: 188g
224 pages