A Long Long Way

Sebastian Barry

A story, set in 1916, of World War I. More and more terrible and brutal things happen in this extremely well written book about a Dublin man whose father was a policeman. Doreen’s proviso was that the book should not be read on the train because you will cry.
Doreen 15/1/06

The story of a young volunteer from Dublin who, after training, is diverted from his journey to the front to fight in Dublin against the young volunteers taking part in 1916's Easter Rising. The first death he witnesses in combat is of a young man who is killed just before he can kill our hero. The son of a catholic, but loyal, policeman, he is deeply affected and doesn't understand what's going on.

At the front he's involved in awful battles and an early gas attack, he sees many friends die and a republican volunteer executed for refusing to fight after what he'd seen in Dublin. The Irish volunteer regiment he's with is treated appallingly by the English officers at field headquarters but they fight on, being killed off until there are almost none left. Along the way he's estranged from his father, when he questions in a letter where his loyalties should lie.

At several times Seán was moved to tears by the book. It is compelling, moving, a terrific book.
Seán 4/6/06

The frames have gone all funny - click to make it good.