Unspoken: A Father’s Wartime Escape. A Son’s Family Discovered

by Tom McGrath

‘A triumph of family story-telling’ - Hugo Hamilton, author of The Pages .

A tale of three journeys, the final one a successful pursuit of shadows’ - Myles Dungan

Growing up in Waterford, Tom McGrath never noticed the odd gaps in the stories of his parents’ lives before he was born; it was only many years after they died that he uncovered the unspoken truths, which did so much to explain the people they had been.

Here he tells the incredible true story of his father’s conscription into the British Army, his escape from a prisoner-of-war camp in Poland, his daring journey across Europe and subsequent recapture – and the devastating news that awaited him in England. Tom’s research also led him to discover that his mother also carried a heartbreaking secret.

In writing this book, Tom not only recreated his father’s nail-biting escape but also embarked on a journey of his own to reconnect with previously unknown family members. Unspoken pieces together an extraordinarily rare tale that encompasses memoir, family history, and two parallel stories that were almost lost for ever.

Genres: World War II

320 pages, Paperback

Published May 12, 2022

Reviews

[Peter Thew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasantly entertaining read. Tom McGrath knew little of his family background and eventually unearthed an extraordinary story set during WW2. His father was part of the British Expeditionary Force and was one of the unlucky ones who didn't get rescued in Dunkirk. Instead, he was held in a POW camp in appalling conditions in northern Poland. He eventually escaped and somehow made his way back to Ireland. Given that his father told him nothing of this before his early death, McGrath does a great job of finding out the unexpected and unspoken stories of both his parents.

[Bernie O Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an incredible story . This book is basically about the discovery of Tom McGrath’s family. It includes his father’s amazing and brave escape from a POW camp in Poland , the discovery of his half brother’s existence (who was born in Bessborough ) . The heart rendering discovery of cousins, nieces and so much more. I could not put this book down . Congratulations to Tom for his perseverance in trying to uncover his past and sharing it .

[Loey Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely heart wrenching, such an incredible story. One of the best books I’ve ever read.

[Susan Cullinane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book. I loved the way Tom used the factual information he had and imagined a narrative into the parts that were missing. A wonderful story and record for the family and us all.

[Liam Cheasty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I doubt if I will read a better book in 2022. I heard Tom McGrath speak of his father's war time exploits in The Portlaw Heritage Centre in 2018 and was waiting for his book to be published. I did not think it would be such a great read.