Bog Child Review
Bog Child is a very well-written book. It wasn't one I had to consume in one sitting, but I didn't set it aside for something more exciting either. Not knowing much about the history of Ireland, except in the vaguest of ways, I thought this book brought a lot issues to light without making them too heavy.
Set on the border of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the story follows a few months in the life of Fergus, an 18-year-old boy. Fergus and his uncle discover the well-preserved body of a girl in the peat bog, which brings a love interest to Fergus in the form of Cory, an archaeologist's daughter. Fergus' brother is also in prison and on hunger strike, and Fergus himself is being blackmailed by his brother's friend into smuggling illegals across the border of the two countries.
As I mentioned, I'm not familiar with what I've now learned are called "The Troubles." Although I knew Northern Ireland has been, recently, embroiled with strife, it was difficult to read in about car-bombings and prison hunger strikes and keep in mind that the story also takes place in a first-world country in the '80s. Every now and then Fergus would bring up more-recent bands, and I would have to shake myself to put the story back in its correct time period (my mind kept wanting to place it in the '60s).
I can't say exactly what I like about the story. There's not much in the way of suspense, mystery, or even climax. But the simpleness of the story works for it, and of course, being well-written is always a positive. I might have been partial to the story just because I like the UK so very much and got a kick out of seeing my favorite words, like "minging" and "suss," which I had assumed were more-recently made-up words.
All in all, this is worth a read if you're interested in The Troubles and want to get a glimpse into the situation without becoming completely overwhelmed and depressed. The book never gets too heavy, just as it never treats the situation too light-handedly. Bog Child also gets into the history of Ireland just a bit, and the story lines of friendship, love (or maybe it's just lust), and growing up in general, fit well within the greater context.
Bog Child Feature
- ISBN13: 9780375841354
- Condition: New
- Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Bog Child Overview
DIGGING FOR PEAT in the mountain with his Uncle Tally, Fergus finds the body of a child, and it looks like she’s been murdered. As Fergus tries to make sense of the mad world around him—his brother on hunger-strike in prison, his growing feelings for Cora, his parents arguing over the Troubles, and him in it up to the neck, blackmailed into acting as courier to God knows what—a little voice comes to him in his dreams, and the mystery of the bog child unfurls.
Bog Child is an astonishing novel exploring the sacrifices made in the name of peace, and the unflinching strength of the human spirit.
From the Hardcover edition.
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Customer Reviews
Adults would enjoy this book too - N. Flood - NYC
I'm in my 50's and I enjoyed this book a great deal. Beautiful writing and a good story carry the day for readers of all ages A touching book; Really wonderful.
Even better than I thought it was going to be - Lindsey Miller - Brooklyn, NY
To be honest, this book was so much better than I was initially expecting it to be. I guess that I shouldn't be surprised considering that it won so many awards, including the esteemed Carnegie Medal. Not to be redundant, but I have to reiterate how amazing this book was. Unfortunately for readers everywhere Dowd has passed away and the book has been published posthumously.
As for the details, Dowd's description of Northern Ireland during this tumultuous time is astounding. I truly felt the tension that Fergus felt and was able to get a clearer glimpse into the complicated world of Northern Ireland at the time. Fergus is an honest and compelling character who you can't help but root for as he directs his life through the myriad of issues that arise with his family, his country, his blossoming love life, and the girl he's found in the bog.
Having been to Ireland a few times myself, I believe that Dowd's account of the area is accurate in its culture and people. Also, it's refreshing to see a story told about this time period and area. I believe that readers need more historical fiction, especially regarding events throughout our history that have largely gone untold. The IRA and the fight for freedom from the British government, which is still an issue to this day, is something we rarely get a glimpse into.
I recommend this to all readers 15+.
-Lindsey Miller, [...]
Unfortunate Death of the Author - Kara Lang Guminski - Chicago, Illinois, United States
I enjoyed this book, but could sense that it wasn't quite right. Then, I found out that this book was in editing when the author died of cancer. It was published posthumously from her last draft. I wish we knew what was in the author's mind for this book. Otherwise, the story was heartbreaking and engaging.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jul 30, 2010 20:30:06
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