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Under Heaven's Shining Stars
For three young boys, Liam, Patrick, and Hugo, life in Ireland of the 1960s proves to be both idyllic and flawed. Living in close proximity but leading vastly different lives, the bonds of friendship bind these young men as they grow, dream, and navigate the storms of youth.
In a world where the Catholic Church is a looming and pervasive presence, the dreamy ideal of childhood is staunchly contrasted against the backdrop of suffering and darkness in the lives of these three boys. Will their friendship be enough to weather the gale? Or will their separate struggles tear them apart?
In Under Heaven’s Shining Stars, author Jean Grainger brings to life the struggles and simplicity that often go hand-in-hand with growing up. Experience the gambit of emotion as you witness the journey of Liam, Patrick, and Hugo as they face the beauty, turmoil, and endless possibilities of life under the turbulent Irish sky.
In a world where the Catholic Church is a looming and pervasive presence, the dreamy ideal of childhood is staunchly contrasted against the backdrop of suffering and darkness in the lives of these three boys. Will their friendship be enough to weather the gale? Or will their separate struggles tear them apart?
In Under Heaven’s Shining Stars, author Jean Grainger brings to life the struggles and simplicity that often go hand-in-hand with growing up. Experience the gambit of emotion as you witness the journey of Liam, Patrick, and Hugo as they face the beauty, turmoil, and endless possibilities of life under the turbulent Irish sky.
370 pages, ebook
Published July 23, 2016
1732 people are currently reading
801 people want to read
About the author
Jean Grainger
88 books1,581 followersJean Grainger was born in Cork, Ireland. She has been a tour guide of her beloved home country, a teacher, a university lecturer and a playwright. She began writing fiction at the suggestion of her clients on tours, many of whom were sure all the stories she told them would make for a great book. Her first book, The Tour, has become a Number 1 bestseller on Amazon. It tells the story of a disparate group of American visitors to Ireland, who, along with their Irish tour guide have a life changing experience in the magical Emerald Isle.
Her second book, So Much Owed, is a family saga set during the Second World War. The story centres on the Buckley family of West Cork and how their lives are pulled in different directions as they become embroiled in the war. It is a sweeping family saga of intrigue and romance against the background of occupied Europe.
In her third novel, Shadow of a Century, she tells a tale of a battered old flag found in New York in 2016, a century after it was used during the Easter Rising, when Ireland made her final bid for freedom from Great Britain. This tells the story of a journalist who uncovers a story, one with much more to it than a flag.
Her fourth novel, due out in Spring 2016, Under Heaven’s Shining Stars, is set in the 1970s in Cork, Ireland and is a novel about friendship. Three boys, Liam, Patrick and Hugo, though from very different backgrounds are united in a deep but often times challenging friendship. As their lives progress, only by staying strong, can they prevail. Or fail.
Her novella, Letters of Freedom, tells the story of Carmel, stuck in a pointless marriage, when a figure from her past emerges and changes everything with a ‘like’ on Facebook. This quick read will touch your heart.
She lives in Cork with her husband and her two youngest children. The older two come home occasionally with laundry and to raid the fridge.
Her second book, So Much Owed, is a family saga set during the Second World War. The story centres on the Buckley family of West Cork and how their lives are pulled in different directions as they become embroiled in the war. It is a sweeping family saga of intrigue and romance against the background of occupied Europe.
In her third novel, Shadow of a Century, she tells a tale of a battered old flag found in New York in 2016, a century after it was used during the Easter Rising, when Ireland made her final bid for freedom from Great Britain. This tells the story of a journalist who uncovers a story, one with much more to it than a flag.
Her fourth novel, due out in Spring 2016, Under Heaven’s Shining Stars, is set in the 1970s in Cork, Ireland and is a novel about friendship. Three boys, Liam, Patrick and Hugo, though from very different backgrounds are united in a deep but often times challenging friendship. As their lives progress, only by staying strong, can they prevail. Or fail.
Her novella, Letters of Freedom, tells the story of Carmel, stuck in a pointless marriage, when a figure from her past emerges and changes everything with a ‘like’ on Facebook. This quick read will touch your heart.
She lives in Cork with her husband and her two youngest children. The older two come home occasionally with laundry and to raid the fridge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
February 19, 2017
This is my first Jean Grainger book and boy, was it great. I found myself thinking about it during the day when I should have been doing other things. I couldn't wait to get back to it each night to see what happened next. It was an even paced read that spanned quite a few years - from when the characters were young, through school and onto them becoming young adults. The characters were complex and the whole feel of the book set in an Irish community was spot on. You could almost imagine you were there. I'll definitely read more by this author.
March 24, 2018
I loved this book. It was my first book by Jean Grainger, and I immediately added all her others to my wish list. Well told story, very engaging. Very endearing characters. I love a good Irish story, and as a huge fan of Maeve Binchy, was so delighted to find another strong Irish voice with a similar style. The ebook has a hidden benefit at the end, a link to a free novella on Ms. Grainger's website. I definitely recommend this book, it was wonderful.
September 8, 2017
Under Heaven’s Shining Stars is by Jean Grainger. The novel is set in Cork, Ireland. It is an amazing look at three young men as they progress through secondary school at St. Bart’s Catholic school. The unlikely friendship between two scholarship students and one very well situated young man shows the true character of these young men. The paths of these three young men have taken to get to this school is equally impressive. Jean Grainger brings the role of the Catholic Church in the everyday lives of the Irish into plain view and we see the good and bad influences of the clergy on the people. The influence on the boys by their Mothers and to a lesser extent by their Fathers reflects the society the boys are living in during the late 60’s and early 70’s.
Liam was the youngest of a family of five. His family was a close and happy family. He grew up knowing his parents were happily married and he and his siblings were well-taken care of. They lived across the road from their Church so he felt the influence of the Church daily. Liam was always influenced by the mysteries of the Church and was drawn to its doors. He tested and applied for a scholarship to attend secondary school all on his own as a surprise for his parents. He was a relatively sheltered and naïve young man who is forced to face the real world.
Patrick lived next door to Liam with his Mother and two much younger sisters. His Father was an abusive alcoholic. For many years, it was only the quiet intervention of Liam’s Father which helped Patrick and his Mother. Liam’s Father was the only one who could talk Patrick’s father out of his anger. In order to help his family, Patrick, too, tested for and won a scholarship to St. Bart’s. Without the friendship of Liam’s parents, life would have been much harder for Patrick and his Mother.
Hugo FitzHenry joined the other boys at St. Bart’s. They became acquainted the first day and became friends. Hugo was very wealthy. He had been brought up with a governess and tutor. He had been spoiled by his parents and the servants. He was only here because his Mother had converted to Catholicism and she didn’t want her only son to be too far from home. His Father had recently died of complications arising from his being in the Army. What he didn’t tell the boys was that upon his Father’s death, Hugo had become the Earl of Drummond. Upon graduation, he would return home to take over the supervision is his estates.
The three young men band together and take on the world of academia together. If a problem arises with one, it concerned the three of them. They created their own unique “family”. Even after graduation, their devotion to each other and their families takes on new battles.
The book was a little difficult for me to get started; but it soon took over and I couldn’t put it down. Jean Grainger does an excellent job of taking us into the world of the Irish.
Liam was the youngest of a family of five. His family was a close and happy family. He grew up knowing his parents were happily married and he and his siblings were well-taken care of. They lived across the road from their Church so he felt the influence of the Church daily. Liam was always influenced by the mysteries of the Church and was drawn to its doors. He tested and applied for a scholarship to attend secondary school all on his own as a surprise for his parents. He was a relatively sheltered and naïve young man who is forced to face the real world.
Patrick lived next door to Liam with his Mother and two much younger sisters. His Father was an abusive alcoholic. For many years, it was only the quiet intervention of Liam’s Father which helped Patrick and his Mother. Liam’s Father was the only one who could talk Patrick’s father out of his anger. In order to help his family, Patrick, too, tested for and won a scholarship to St. Bart’s. Without the friendship of Liam’s parents, life would have been much harder for Patrick and his Mother.
Hugo FitzHenry joined the other boys at St. Bart’s. They became acquainted the first day and became friends. Hugo was very wealthy. He had been brought up with a governess and tutor. He had been spoiled by his parents and the servants. He was only here because his Mother had converted to Catholicism and she didn’t want her only son to be too far from home. His Father had recently died of complications arising from his being in the Army. What he didn’t tell the boys was that upon his Father’s death, Hugo had become the Earl of Drummond. Upon graduation, he would return home to take over the supervision is his estates.
The three young men band together and take on the world of academia together. If a problem arises with one, it concerned the three of them. They created their own unique “family”. Even after graduation, their devotion to each other and their families takes on new battles.
The book was a little difficult for me to get started; but it soon took over and I couldn’t put it down. Jean Grainger does an excellent job of taking us into the world of the Irish.
January 21, 2019
This is a wonderful story of 3 very different boys growing up in 1960s Ireland who, despite all odds, are best friends. Jean Grainger is a most wonderful storyteller, and her characters are well rounded and memorable, never more so than in this book. I always hate to finish one of her books because it feels like saying goodbye to people I have come to care about.
April 26, 2023
It was a very good read. The author pulls the three main characters together telling a great story.
October 29, 2017
I really enjoyed this look into the everyday habits and traditions of a very poor Irish Catholic family in Cork, Ireland, that was struggling to make ends meet. They relied on their love for one another, their faith and their like minded impoverished neighbors for purpose and support. It's a peek into the good and bad effects of strict Catholicism on the lives of desperate people seeking hope and understanding of their station in life. At times the writing took on a very stiff, mechanical tone but there were also times that it flowed with compelling descriptions of the characters and their relationships with one another. The issues of Catholic "rules" regarding homosexual relationships and sins of murder regardless of the circumstances create the tension that makes this a very satisfying read.
October 7, 2017
This was a very engrossing book covering a number of themes. The deep friendship of three very different young boys- Liam, Patrick and Hugo- from (or near to) the city of Cork, Ireland, continues to develop into adulthood, forming bonds that are unbreakable. For a young devout Roman Catholic man entering the priesthood there are hurdles for Liam to pass and ethics to agonise over. For Patrick there are life changing events that it seems impossible to evade the consequences of. Hugo looks set to have the loneliest life, even though privilege sits on his shoulder, but fate has a way of balancing the sadness. Having money and the lack of is a theme that runs throughout. Death and the consequences to those left behind is a tragic theme that affects all three of the main characters but I’m glad to read that the story has favourable endings for all of them.
March 6, 2018
I enjoyed this book, which revived all my sentiments for the old country. There were some textual problems (confusion of practice as a noun and practise as a verb), but not many. One serious flaw in the plot relates to the succession to an hereditary peerage. Only legitimate male heirs of the peer's body can inherit his title; they must be legitimate at the time of their birth. If he dies without legitimate issue, it goes to the next available male heir by primogeniture. This may mean going back up the family tree to a grandfather or further (but not before the peerage was created), then tracing down the next senior male line until you reach a living male heir. If there are only females, the peerage becomes dormant until a male heir is born. If the entire line has died out, the peerage becomes extinct. A hypothetical example from the Royal Family can illustrate this. If Prince George became King, but died with no heir, and the rest of the present Queen's descendants had died out except for Prince Edward's line, then the Crown would go to the next available living heir of Prince Edward: you'd trace up two generations then downwards to find an heir.
March 25, 2019
A fabulous read.
At first I thought I wasn't going to enjoy this book, but how wrong I was.
It tells of a lifelong friendship formed between three boys in Cork, Ireland during their first year at high school. Although they had difficulties and faced lots of obstacles growing up, they always remained loyal to each other.
This book is so well written and sincere. I have no hesitation in recommending this fabulous read.
At first I thought I wasn't going to enjoy this book, but how wrong I was.
It tells of a lifelong friendship formed between three boys in Cork, Ireland during their first year at high school. Although they had difficulties and faced lots of obstacles growing up, they always remained loyal to each other.
This book is so well written and sincere. I have no hesitation in recommending this fabulous read.
March 29, 2018
I loved the friendship which developed among the three boys and how their relationship was honest, sincere, and enduring. True friends indeed even through troubling times. Their acceptance of each other’s weaknesses and moral or ethical dilemmas were heart warming and sincere. This was a story about true friendship.
January 15, 2018
While I enjoyed the story I did not feel it was exceptionally well written. Much of the time the writing was rudimentary and the author kept dragging the story along, many times making the same observations over and over.
December 31, 2019
Started out great. But eventually dialogue just goes on and on and on.... same things rehashed again and again. Hugo’s homosexuality became a key discussion point. It felt like author had an axe to grind and ground it into the ground.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2021
While not a completely "gentle" read because there is a lot the main characters endure, this book was heartwarming. I loved every major character in it. It's the kind of book that would make a lovely and satisfying movie or miniseries.
December 12, 2017
You can’t help but get attached to the characters. A page turner.
August 5, 2018
So Much Owed - An awesome, must read book. WWII is the time frame and the story is set in Ireland and England. Interesting, multidimensional characters that keep the reader caring about them and their journey during the war. There's past history, WWI and the Troubles, faced by some of the characters that shape the decisions made during WWII. The storyline is mesmerizing and intense, immersing the reader in a world of joy, pain, sorrow and happiness. Ms. Grainger is a talented storyteller and I enjoyed everything I've read so far by her. 5*
Shadow of a Century - A well written, sad but uplifting story set in both Ireland and New York. The characters are well developed and interesting. The storylines are well thought out and hold your attention, especially the last three-quarters of the book. If you enjoyed Maeve Binchy's books, you'll enjoy both books by Jean: Shadow of a Century and Letters of Freedom. I disagreed with the main character's comments on a gun-crazed USA and the Democrats fixing all problems if in power. US politics aside, the story is worth reading. 3*
Under Heaven's Shining Stars - This story reminded me so much of Angela's Ashes. Both stories are so well told about life in a poor Irish neighborhood; although Angela's is a true story written by her son about their lives. The story is mesmerizing and I took days to devour this intense story of love, caring, acceptance and terror. The characters just blossomed, growing into maturity and grace as their lives unfolded. The story and neighborhood is typical regardless of where you live, especially during that time period when people were closer with their neighbors and communities.
Even with the bad parts, the story left warmhearted and loving and happy feelings, along with the horror. There so many ways these characters could have gone and become, but their love and support kept an even keel and good won. All the books written by this author have been very good to excellent; I highly recommend her work. This is my favorite book so far. 5*
Jean Grainger Box Set end.
What Once Was True - A well written, well thought out novel with interesting people, events and places. The historical parts are well done and personal as told by the participants of those events. The storyline blends history with the growth of all the characters. Ranging in ages and social status, the effects of the Troubles and World War II are clearly seen. If you love Binchy and Pilcher, and authors like Pearl S. Buck, this heartwarming and heart breaking world that Ms. Grainger crafted will sweep you away with her vivid descriptions and characters. 5*
Shadow of a Century - A well written, sad but uplifting story set in both Ireland and New York. The characters are well developed and interesting. The storylines are well thought out and hold your attention, especially the last three-quarters of the book. If you enjoyed Maeve Binchy's books, you'll enjoy both books by Jean: Shadow of a Century and Letters of Freedom. I disagreed with the main character's comments on a gun-crazed USA and the Democrats fixing all problems if in power. US politics aside, the story is worth reading. 3*
Under Heaven's Shining Stars - This story reminded me so much of Angela's Ashes. Both stories are so well told about life in a poor Irish neighborhood; although Angela's is a true story written by her son about their lives. The story is mesmerizing and I took days to devour this intense story of love, caring, acceptance and terror. The characters just blossomed, growing into maturity and grace as their lives unfolded. The story and neighborhood is typical regardless of where you live, especially during that time period when people were closer with their neighbors and communities.
Even with the bad parts, the story left warmhearted and loving and happy feelings, along with the horror. There so many ways these characters could have gone and become, but their love and support kept an even keel and good won. All the books written by this author have been very good to excellent; I highly recommend her work. This is my favorite book so far. 5*
Jean Grainger Box Set end.
What Once Was True - A well written, well thought out novel with interesting people, events and places. The historical parts are well done and personal as told by the participants of those events. The storyline blends history with the growth of all the characters. Ranging in ages and social status, the effects of the Troubles and World War II are clearly seen. If you love Binchy and Pilcher, and authors like Pearl S. Buck, this heartwarming and heart breaking world that Ms. Grainger crafted will sweep you away with her vivid descriptions and characters. 5*
January 6, 2019
This story has remained with me since I finished reading it, lingering in my thoughts and every so often, one of the characters, one of the incidents, one of the ideas rises to the top to be mulled over once again. It was a remarkable tale, filled with the wonders of southern Ireland and the warmth of her people.
The story began with Liam Tobin as a young lad growing up in the late 1960s in a poorer area of Cork under “de Goldie Fish”, the golden wind vane that sat atop the local Roman Catholic church. The people were a true community, involved in the church and in each others' lives with a care and a callousness that arose from the familiarity that existed amongst them. This part of the book was beautifully written in the language of a young, Irish boy with all the naïveté and preconceptions that that entailed, and it so embodied me into the community that when Liam went for a scholarship to attend the local boys’ boarding school and befriended Patrick and Hugo, I was right there with them, enjoying the day-to-day banter, adjusting to new surroundings, and feeling the frustrations of having a school principal with a closed mind, unfair expectations and a black heart.
The story continued through the years of Liam, Patrick and Hugo’s adolescence, through their graduation, into the first few years of adulthood. It followed the twists and turns that occurred in their lives that tested the fabric of their relationships with each other and with others. However, I do not want to give too much away as the story is one better told by Ms Grainger and best enjoyed within the warm community that the book provides.
I really enjoyed this book. It has been a long time since I have read anything which has made me stay up late (past my bedtime) just so that I could enjoy a few pages more. I thoroughly recommend it and hope that many more people will fall in love with these young men and the community that produced them.
The story began with Liam Tobin as a young lad growing up in the late 1960s in a poorer area of Cork under “de Goldie Fish”, the golden wind vane that sat atop the local Roman Catholic church. The people were a true community, involved in the church and in each others' lives with a care and a callousness that arose from the familiarity that existed amongst them. This part of the book was beautifully written in the language of a young, Irish boy with all the naïveté and preconceptions that that entailed, and it so embodied me into the community that when Liam went for a scholarship to attend the local boys’ boarding school and befriended Patrick and Hugo, I was right there with them, enjoying the day-to-day banter, adjusting to new surroundings, and feeling the frustrations of having a school principal with a closed mind, unfair expectations and a black heart.
The story continued through the years of Liam, Patrick and Hugo’s adolescence, through their graduation, into the first few years of adulthood. It followed the twists and turns that occurred in their lives that tested the fabric of their relationships with each other and with others. However, I do not want to give too much away as the story is one better told by Ms Grainger and best enjoyed within the warm community that the book provides.
I really enjoyed this book. It has been a long time since I have read anything which has made me stay up late (past my bedtime) just so that I could enjoy a few pages more. I thoroughly recommend it and hope that many more people will fall in love with these young men and the community that produced them.
December 2, 2017
Heartwarming!
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time! A heartwarming tale of three young Irish lads, Liam, Patrick, and Hugo, who become lifelong friends, despite overwhelming odds. Their relationships with each other, their families and their neighbors, are realistic, the dialog is believable, and their innermost thoughts and feelings are very normal and human. The story deals with issues of conscience in a very clear and straightforward manner, recognizing that not everything is a matter of right or wrong, black or white, but quite often something in between (there are always many subtle shades of gray involved). The author portrays these issues poignantly, acknowledging that people are often torn between "doing things right, and doing the right thing." I fell in love with this book and hated to see it end. Ms. Grainger is a very talented author whom I look forward to reading again!
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time! A heartwarming tale of three young Irish lads, Liam, Patrick, and Hugo, who become lifelong friends, despite overwhelming odds. Their relationships with each other, their families and their neighbors, are realistic, the dialog is believable, and their innermost thoughts and feelings are very normal and human. The story deals with issues of conscience in a very clear and straightforward manner, recognizing that not everything is a matter of right or wrong, black or white, but quite often something in between (there are always many subtle shades of gray involved). The author portrays these issues poignantly, acknowledging that people are often torn between "doing things right, and doing the right thing." I fell in love with this book and hated to see it end. Ms. Grainger is a very talented author whom I look forward to reading again!
October 22, 2020
At the beginning, it was like reading about my Dad's life growing up in Cork. He lived on a terraced street similar to Chapel Street, where Liam and Patrick lived. Even their going to St. Bart's was like his "going to the Brothers". We follow them through childhood, adolescence into adulthood.
But it took off in a whole new direction the further I read. The boys' friendship with Hugo was life changing for all of them, giving them a safe place in their lives. Though their lives took different trajectories, that haven was always there. They became family for each other, pulling in others from outside their tight circle to become loved as well.
I loved this story and these characters. Ms. Grainger didn't gloss over any situation, but was never explicit with details; they never took away from the narrative.
Do I recommend this book? Oh heck yes!
But it took off in a whole new direction the further I read. The boys' friendship with Hugo was life changing for all of them, giving them a safe place in their lives. Though their lives took different trajectories, that haven was always there. They became family for each other, pulling in others from outside their tight circle to become loved as well.
I loved this story and these characters. Ms. Grainger didn't gloss over any situation, but was never explicit with details; they never took away from the narrative.
Do I recommend this book? Oh heck yes!
May 31, 2023
Under Heaven's Shining Stars
I don't know what to say! That I haven't said about almost every Jean Grainger book I've ever read! I loved it! It was different from those I've been reading recently. It's in a different Era. It isn't your typical love story. It is quite realistic in many ways. Unlike phony "happily-ever-after" plots many writers use, Ms. Grainger's characters' lives have bumps & brambles! Bad things happen to good people & bad people seem to get away with murder! There is one character I would've loved to know much more about how his evil life turned out! I recommend this book wholeheartedly! It is another of her stand-alone novels, so if you're not into book series', this is perfect! But if I were a betting person, which I'm not, I'd bet after 1 or 2 of her stand-alones, you'll be looking at her series'! She's that good!
I don't know what to say! That I haven't said about almost every Jean Grainger book I've ever read! I loved it! It was different from those I've been reading recently. It's in a different Era. It isn't your typical love story. It is quite realistic in many ways. Unlike phony "happily-ever-after" plots many writers use, Ms. Grainger's characters' lives have bumps & brambles! Bad things happen to good people & bad people seem to get away with murder! There is one character I would've loved to know much more about how his evil life turned out! I recommend this book wholeheartedly! It is another of her stand-alone novels, so if you're not into book series', this is perfect! But if I were a betting person, which I'm not, I'd bet after 1 or 2 of her stand-alones, you'll be looking at her series'! She's that good!
November 16, 2025
This is a stand-alone book of Jean Grainger but it was very good and I hope she continues the stories of Liam, Patrick and Hugo n a future work. Liam and Patrick come from poor families that live in the town in Ireland. Hugo is from gentry and money. They are all at the same school run by an order of priests. Liam and Patrick are there on scholarship under the tutelage of one of the priests, Father Aquinas. Hugo was sent there by his Catholic convert mother. He is discovering that he is a homosexual and is victimized by another one of the priests, Father Xavier. The 3 boys become fast friends. The boys' families play a big part in the story too. After high school, Liam is studying for the priesthood. At the end of the book, they are all adults but I would like to see their stories continue.
February 17, 2018
An unlikely friendship forged at school by three boys, Liam, Patrick and Hugo, a friendship that defies logic. Liam and Patrick have grown up in poverty and are scholarship students and Hugo is wealthy and titled. Liam and Hugo have both lost their father while Patrick wishes his drunk father would disappear permanently. Liam is thoughtful and religious; Patrick is an athlete; and Hugo is lonely and generous.
A pleasant tale of three boys who shared their dreams and fears through thick and thin as they moved through their teenage years to adulthood. Although Hugo is wealthy he doesn't flaunt it and in fact he loves Liam's mother and enjoys eating dinner there weekly.
No sex
No violence
A pleasant tale of three boys who shared their dreams and fears through thick and thin as they moved through their teenage years to adulthood. Although Hugo is wealthy he doesn't flaunt it and in fact he loves Liam's mother and enjoys eating dinner there weekly.
No sex
No violence
September 17, 2019
I really loved this book. I’m a Maeve Binchy fan and Jean Granger has given me the opportunity to continue reading that type of book. Ms. Granger has the voice and passion to bring characters to life that makes me want to read her books forever. They are soothing and calm and a nice change from my regular murder mysteries. I truly hope she continues on for a long time. After reading her tour series which I felt couldn’t be beat I have to admit this one was fantastic. I loved Liam, Patrick and Hugo. I wish there was a sequel to this because I was that entrenched into the lives of these young men. Despite all their troubles along the way to adulthood their friendship stayed intact. I seem to have fallen in love with Irish family stories-who would of thought that-not me. Give me more please!
June 14, 2020
Absolutely delightful book about three Irish boys, Liam, Patrick and Hugo who became unlikely best friends, "almost family". It was set in Cork in the 1960's and each of them trod a different path to end up at St. Bart's Secondary School. It was a great Irish story and very descriptive of the darkness of poverty as well as the struggles of adolescence.
Life in Cork "under the Goldie Fish" or the weather vane of St. Anne, Shandon,was hard, even a generation after the Irish Revolution. Each of the boys had experienced suffering and loss, and learned to be depend on each other. Liam was being drawn towards the church, and Hugo and Patrick wrestled with their own issues.
A beautiful ending and I thank Jean Grainger for yet another remarkable novel.
Life in Cork "under the Goldie Fish" or the weather vane of St. Anne, Shandon,was hard, even a generation after the Irish Revolution. Each of the boys had experienced suffering and loss, and learned to be depend on each other. Liam was being drawn towards the church, and Hugo and Patrick wrestled with their own issues.
A beautiful ending and I thank Jean Grainger for yet another remarkable novel.
December 4, 2024
I’m a big Jean Grainger fan, and this book checks all the boxes of why she’s a favorite author: believable historical details, layered characters who struggle with difficulties but good heartedly aim to overcome them, and relationships that grow stronger with the years and pages.
The three boys who anchor this novel are Liam, Patrick and Hugo. They need at Saint Barts school in a small town in Ireland in the early 60s. This trio’s friendship, helps them deal with losses of parents and pedophile priests. I thoroughly enjoyed how they supported each other as they grew up and how as men they remove such loyal friends a very enjoyable read once again Jean Granger!
The three boys who anchor this novel are Liam, Patrick and Hugo. They need at Saint Barts school in a small town in Ireland in the early 60s. This trio’s friendship, helps them deal with losses of parents and pedophile priests. I thoroughly enjoyed how they supported each other as they grew up and how as men they remove such loyal friends a very enjoyable read once again Jean Granger!
November 21, 2017
This book is about three young boys from three different back grounds, how they met in school, and grew up in to men. And also how they united and became a family. Each boy has some trouble in their lives. They have something in common. This book is about love, kindness, acceptance, and understanding. The book also talks about the Catholic faith. And how many rules were broken for the greater good. I love reading this book. Could not put the book down even to sleep. It makes me think and question my faith. This book is my favorite story this year.
November 23, 2017
This story is amazing. These three boys are as different as night and day, but they bind at the secondary school that they are attending. They grow up three different ways, but it is love for each other that keeps them together. The heartbreak and disappointments that life gave them would have and could have broken any one of them, but it was their friendship that saw them through. Although this book has some heavy theological issues in it, I feel that the author captures the heart of what keeps each of us whole in this life that we live, love.
January 17, 2018
A book that is hard to put down, traveling the childhood to adulthood years of three friends as they struggle with late 1960s and 1970s Cork, Ireland. A lovely story and one where you know you will miss the characters after finishing the book. When the last page is done you are struck with the reality that this was fiction and you will not have three truly remarkable young men still in your life.
Weakest part of the book was the ending where everything is wrapped up just a little too perfectly, but still, it is a wonderful journey and one that should not be missed.
Weakest part of the book was the ending where everything is wrapped up just a little too perfectly, but still, it is a wonderful journey and one that should not be missed.
April 8, 2019
I liked this story but being a Christian, I had a lot of mixed feelings about this. This was a roller coaster of emotions type of story. Because of the violence in this, among other things, I would say this was not for the under 18 readers. Set in a not too distant past Ireland, it centered on three young boys and their pains and strugels growing up in a poorer part of town and the impact of going to a Catholic school. I received this for free and I voluntarily chose to review this. I've given it a 4.5* rating.
June 14, 2020
I enjoyed the author's style of writing and especially her character development. As an 81 yr old Jewish woman, I have very little in common with the folks in the story and know next to nothing about the Catholic faith. However I know I could never follow a faith that was so controlling of human behavior. The 3 young men in the story were all very likeable and I wanted to be grandma to all of them. My favorite genre is romance and suspense, which this book was not. However it certainly captured my interest and I want to read more by this author. M
November 5, 2024
Fascinating story!
Jean Grainger is a captivating writer and story teller! Her command of English, and especially the Irish version, is amazing and definitely entertaining as well as educational! Her crafting of this unusual plot, and all its subplots, is the product of a fertile and complex imagination. Her characters are both unusual and ordinary, whose lives are rife with real problems and believable solutions…the perfect combination of realistic but uplifting endings. It’s always disappointing to come to the end of one of her books.
Jean Grainger is a captivating writer and story teller! Her command of English, and especially the Irish version, is amazing and definitely entertaining as well as educational! Her crafting of this unusual plot, and all its subplots, is the product of a fertile and complex imagination. Her characters are both unusual and ordinary, whose lives are rife with real problems and believable solutions…the perfect combination of realistic but uplifting endings. It’s always disappointing to come to the end of one of her books.
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