While Dragging Our Hearts Behind Us: Cork, 1916-1923

by Boni Thompson

As the aftermath of the Easter Rising descends into disaster, 17-year-old James becomes swept up in the intensity of Irish Nationalism. His carefree youth evaporates as he finds himself quietly drawn into the Cork No.1 Brigade, C Company, eventually responsible for taking on the Black and Tans in the centre of Cork City. As the only full-time member of the six -person Intelligence Squad and the 12-person Active Service Unit of Cork No. 1, James becomes deeply involved in the fight for Irish freedom. Working under the fierce leadership of Rebel Cork sets his life on a trajectory that he could never have imagined, and like many of his friends, did not expect to survive.

The anecdotes he shared with his granddaughter in his old age, hair-raising anecdotes of his life and activities, as well as the lives and activities of some of his closest friends and compatriots during the War of Independence and the Civil War, have been carefully researched and are the foundation of this story.

584 pages, Paperback

Published March 17, 2024

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read for anyone interested in Irish history and Ireland's fight for independence, but it's so much more! Boni Thompson's stories about her grandfather don't just cover his time as an IRA soldier, they include everything before, after, and in between. We follow James from his happy-go-lucky teenage years to his close calls with death in battle, to his efforts to reconnect with his family after the war. Even though the book is over 600 pages, it never lulls--every reminiscence is worthy of its inclusion. It really is a wonderful read for anyone, but it will be especially moving if you have a connection to Ireland.