Stormclouds by Brian Gallagher

Stormclouds by Brian Gallagher

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 Nest

the impressive achievement of this historical novel is to present complex events lucidly and to convey their intensityReaders 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

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.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781847175793
ISBN 10	1847175791
Title	Stormclouds
Author	Brian Gallagher
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	O'Brien Press Ltd
Year published	2013-09-02
Number of pages	224
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable