This book is tough.

This book is perfect for people who have this glamorized idea of Northern Ireland during The Troubles. It's like when I read a thriller about 'shit goin' down in the hood', the Bronx or Harlem, I have this instant expectation and visual. I blame the media for giving me unrealistic ideas.

I can't warm to any of the characters at all, I want to punch Chuckie and I want to punch Jake too. Especially Jake, the miserable get.
And Chuckie...comparing his Mammy to a drooling slug in her bed. That's no way to talk about your mother. May God forgive him and pardon him.

I'd also rather not read a fictional book, set in Northern Ireland, for the rest of my life. After being forced to read 'Across the Barricades' in 1st Year at boarding school in England, the Teacher obviously had this romanticized view of children coming over from war-torn Northern Ireland, having been tormented and who were fleeing for a better life.

Apaz the very same teacher only ever made people read that book when someone from N.I was in the class.

Thanks Robert, but I think we need to stick to 300 pages or less and bigger font.

FYI (In case someone feels like suing me) It's not the author's fault obviously, I mean the reviews are quite good apart from mine. I'm picky, fussy, fickle and tire easily. I am part of the disposable society - I want instant gratification.