Stormclouds: A Boy, A Girl, A Dangerous Border: New Friends. Old Differences. - Softcover

Gallagher, Brian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1847175791 ISBN 13: 9781847175793

Publisher: The O'Brien Press, 2013

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Review:

poignant ... 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)

About the Author:

Brian Gallagher was born in Dublin. He is a full-time writer whose plays and short stories have been produced in Ireland, Britain and Canada. He has worked extensively in radio and television, writing many dramas and documentaries.

He collaborated with composer Shaun Purcell on the musical, Larkin, for which he wrote the book and lyrics, and on Winds of Change for RTE’s Lyric FM. His latest show is Whiskey in the Jar, a musical for which he wrote the book and lyrics, with music by Dave 'Doc' O’Connor.

His adult novels Invincible, Flight, Payback and Pursuit have won widespread praise, and in more recent times he has concentrated on historical fiction for older children, writing the novels Across the Divide, Taking Sides, Secrets and Shadows and Storm Clouds.

He is currently working on a new novel.

Outside of writing his interests include travel, tennis, music and hill walking. He lives with his family in Dublin.

About this edition

• Publisher: The O'Brien Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1847175791
• ISBN 13: 9781847175793
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256