Review of On the Run
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Rajnee Varma
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Review of On the Run
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "On the Run" by William Shaw.]
On the Run by William Shaw is a historical fiction novel set in Northern Ireland during the second half of the 20th century. It is the story of an innocent farmer and his family caught in the middle of political and civil unrest due to conflict between the rebels of the IRA, the Irish Republican Army, and the government. In late 1979, the bombing of the Earl Mountbatten’s fishing boat killed several innocent people, including the Earl and his family. Life in a nearby village, Mullaghmore, is changed forever. Farmer Terence's grandfather had been an active member of the IRA and had been visiting them. Innocent Terence is captured, jailed in the infamous Prison Maze, and tortured. His wife Bridget sends her 17-year-old son Tim to America for his safety, where he finds purpose as a runner in spite of facing bullying. Bridget rises as a speaker for human rights violations in the prison, while Terence and his fellow inmates protest with a hunger strike. Each of the separated family members has a different story, and they struggle to unite and return to a peaceful country life in their village.
The novel is a beautifully narrated story of the extraordinary courage and perseverance of ordinary people. The characters are aptly drafted and eloquent. The author has masterfully portrayed various emotions and human nature through his strong characters. Brian and his friends reminisce about their IRA days, and their bragging is quite amusing. Brother Frank's abusive behaviour and that of the bullies, Cooper, and his friends shed light on the darker side of society, where child abuse and violence lead to distorted personalities and criminal behaviour. How a simple housewife, when pushed by circumstances, can transform into a strong leader and organizer of a movement is evident in Bridget's character.
There are several life lessons that can be learned from the story. Standing against bullying, love for an honest living, unselfish love and friendship, and teamwork are among the few. Gary's acceptance of Tim in his family is heartwarming, and Coach Quigley is an inspiring character. Above all, the novel reflects on the futility of war and violence and how innocent people are the actual victims while political people and the government remain unaffected.
A well-researched book that keeps the reader engrossed and expectant, it is an interesting read. However, a reader unfamiliar with the political history of Ireland may feel somewhat lost and confused. Some background on the IRA and the Troubles would have been very helpful in fully enjoying the story. The editing is fair enough, and there are no grammatical errors, but the few typos should have been eliminated. My overall rating for the book is 5 out of 5 stars.
It is a sincere and meaningful story that leaves the reader in a contemplative mood. The title of the book is justified, as not only Tim is on the run, but every character has been trying to escape their own demons. I would recommend this excellent novel to lovers of purposeful historical stories.
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On the Run
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
On the Run by William Shaw is a historical fiction novel set in Northern Ireland during the second half of the 20th century. It is the story of an innocent farmer and his family caught in the middle of political and civil unrest due to conflict between the rebels of the IRA, the Irish Republican Army, and the government. In late 1979, the bombing of the Earl Mountbatten’s fishing boat killed several innocent people, including the Earl and his family. Life in a nearby village, Mullaghmore, is changed forever. Farmer Terence's grandfather had been an active member of the IRA and had been visiting them. Innocent Terence is captured, jailed in the infamous Prison Maze, and tortured. His wife Bridget sends her 17-year-old son Tim to America for his safety, where he finds purpose as a runner in spite of facing bullying. Bridget rises as a speaker for human rights violations in the prison, while Terence and his fellow inmates protest with a hunger strike. Each of the separated family members has a different story, and they struggle to unite and return to a peaceful country life in their village.
The novel is a beautifully narrated story of the extraordinary courage and perseverance of ordinary people. The characters are aptly drafted and eloquent. The author has masterfully portrayed various emotions and human nature through his strong characters. Brian and his friends reminisce about their IRA days, and their bragging is quite amusing. Brother Frank's abusive behaviour and that of the bullies, Cooper, and his friends shed light on the darker side of society, where child abuse and violence lead to distorted personalities and criminal behaviour. How a simple housewife, when pushed by circumstances, can transform into a strong leader and organizer of a movement is evident in Bridget's character.
There are several life lessons that can be learned from the story. Standing against bullying, love for an honest living, unselfish love and friendship, and teamwork are among the few. Gary's acceptance of Tim in his family is heartwarming, and Coach Quigley is an inspiring character. Above all, the novel reflects on the futility of war and violence and how innocent people are the actual victims while political people and the government remain unaffected.
A well-researched book that keeps the reader engrossed and expectant, it is an interesting read. However, a reader unfamiliar with the political history of Ireland may feel somewhat lost and confused. Some background on the IRA and the Troubles would have been very helpful in fully enjoying the story. The editing is fair enough, and there are no grammatical errors, but the few typos should have been eliminated. My overall rating for the book is 5 out of 5 stars.
It is a sincere and meaningful story that leaves the reader in a contemplative mood. The title of the book is justified, as not only Tim is on the run, but every character has been trying to escape their own demons. I would recommend this excellent novel to lovers of purposeful historical stories.
******
On the Run
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Ghost With Two Hearts by michael r french
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Uchechi uk
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I admire books with lessons for everyone to grab. However, historical fiction are so lengthy. I loved how you justified your rating.
Latest Review: Swimming in a Sea of Stars by Julie Wright
