Chasing Shadows

by Chris Sheerin

Sheerin, Chris

350 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story that captures both the mess of personal motivations that can drive people to anti-colonial struggle, even when the over-arching aims of the collective are pure, and the complex turmoil of the voiceless innocents caught in the middle.

Liked how it didn't try to 'both sides' the conflict. Maintains that the Brits and RUC are the oppressive force while still capturing the tragedy of Seamus' fate as he is caught between them and the pragmatic utilitarianism that sects of the IRA were pressured in to adopting.

Also Britain is a cunt-infested cultureless void of putrid hate.

Good book.

[Cynthia Ogren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many books in my life, mostly excellent books by accomplished authors, but it's been quite a while since I've enjoyed one as much as Chris Sheerin's CHASING SHADOWS. Set in Northern Ireland in the early 1970s during the Troubles, the book follows young Seamus Doherty, a boy caught up in the madness and shifting sands of various waring factions and allegiances. I won't spoil the story for you, but I'll add that it's much bigger in scope than the plight of one confused boy in a war zone. Published in 2001, CHASING SHADOWS is as important today as it was back then. It stands the test of time, touching on topics like the irony of blinding political and religious dogma, the vagaries of relationships, and redemption. Sheerin does a masterful job of weaving these themes into a captivating story with a shocking denouement. If I could give CHASING SHADOWS more than five stars, I would. I loved it! It's an important book, and I highly recommend it.