Big Hero of a Small Country

Fiction & Literature, Historical
Cover of the book Big Hero of a Small Country by M. J. Neary, Crossroad Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: M. J. Neary ISBN: 6230000001533
Publisher: Crossroad Press Publication: November 2, 2016
Imprint: Language: English
Author: M. J. Neary
ISBN: 6230000001533
Publisher: Crossroad Press
Publication: November 2, 2016
Imprint:
Language: English
Irish Free State, 1931. An ambitious journalism student from University College Dublin travels to Roscommon to investigate the life of his paternal grandfather, a deceased Fenian leader nicknamed "Colonel", in hopes of writing a stellar article that will earn him notoriety. Upon arrival he discovers that the locals who remember the "Colonel" from twenty-some years ago are not too keen on talking. They avert their eyes and mumble about the land being cursed.

As the young man digs deeper, he discovers the history of this seemingly exemplary Irish family is laced with secrets and violence. A staunch nationalist father, who fantasizes about staging another rebellion, and a blatantly unionist mother, who idolizes all things English, compete for the loyalty of their two sons. Caught in their parents' political conflict, the boys sufferbody and soulseeking refuge in dark and perilous places. The summer of 1910 seals their fate, when the "Colonel" takes them to a secret training camp on the banks of the Shannon and pressures them to join the Irish Republican Brotherhood. Will both sons comply with their father's demand, or will they end up on opposite sides of the barricade? The oldest, a naïve Celtic titan, seems eager to follow the Fenian path, but the youngest, a sickly, secretive bookworm, may have already found his happiness in the enemy camp. What is the price for disobeying Daddy?

Set in the decade leading up to the Easter Rising, Big Hero of a Small Country is a grim and candid exploration of fanaticism.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Irish Free State, 1931. An ambitious journalism student from University College Dublin travels to Roscommon to investigate the life of his paternal grandfather, a deceased Fenian leader nicknamed "Colonel", in hopes of writing a stellar article that will earn him notoriety. Upon arrival he discovers that the locals who remember the "Colonel" from twenty-some years ago are not too keen on talking. They avert their eyes and mumble about the land being cursed.

As the young man digs deeper, he discovers the history of this seemingly exemplary Irish family is laced with secrets and violence. A staunch nationalist father, who fantasizes about staging another rebellion, and a blatantly unionist mother, who idolizes all things English, compete for the loyalty of their two sons. Caught in their parents' political conflict, the boys sufferbody and soulseeking refuge in dark and perilous places. The summer of 1910 seals their fate, when the "Colonel" takes them to a secret training camp on the banks of the Shannon and pressures them to join the Irish Republican Brotherhood. Will both sons comply with their father's demand, or will they end up on opposite sides of the barricade? The oldest, a naïve Celtic titan, seems eager to follow the Fenian path, but the youngest, a sickly, secretive bookworm, may have already found his happiness in the enemy camp. What is the price for disobeying Daddy?

Set in the decade leading up to the Easter Rising, Big Hero of a Small Country is a grim and candid exploration of fanaticism.

More books from Crossroad Press

Cover of the book Saving Grace Devine by M. J. Neary
Cover of the book Grave Men by M. J. Neary
Cover of the book The Guest of Honor by M. J. Neary
Cover of the book Stargate SG1-03: A Matter of Honor by M. J. Neary
Cover of the book Hidden Lake by M. J. Neary
Cover of the book Deep Blue by M. J. Neary
Cover of the book Sudden Country by M. J. Neary
Cover of the book The Pigeon Project by M. J. Neary
Cover of the book Stargate SG1-01: Trial By Fire by M. J. Neary
Cover of the book The Fury and the Terror by M. J. Neary
Cover of the book Shatter by M. J. Neary
Cover of the book Ladies' Night by M. J. Neary
Cover of the book Dr. Dimension: Masters of Spacetime by M. J. Neary
Cover of the book Killer's Diary by M. J. Neary
Cover of the book The Whispers of Crows by M. J. Neary
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy