Titanic Town

First time author Mary Costello has written what can only be described as a truly wonderful book. It is the story of Annie McPhelimy's coming of age during the height of the northern Irish Troubles. At times uproariously funny and strikingly poignant, the story gives the reader a glimpse into the inner lives of a family as they go about their daily existence in Catholic West Belfast. The characters are multi-dimensional and well rounded and the story is very well presented. The reader cannot help but feel this family's pain, sorrow and anger as they are surrounded by daily acts of violence. The fact that Costello is able to refrain from turning this novel into a political statement regarding this period in northern Irish history is admirable indeed. Anyone who has the slightest interest in Northern Ireland should read this book. You won't soon forget it...