Farewell Companions

Written by my uncle, this 20 year-old novel is still a joy to read. It is the coming-of-age story of the protagonist in a time of war in Europe. The back drop of Dublin, the "Troubles" so recent in the author's memory, and the palpable warmth of the surrounding country-side puts you in touch with Ireland as it was 60 years ago. It is a tale of reality (biographical) and hardship experienced by a family impoverished by the untimely death of my grandfather in 1932: and how success can be borne out of disaster. If you enjoyed "Strumpet City", this book is no less impressive.