This is a strange book as it seems to be trying to be all genres at once - romance, social realism, Jackie Collins-style bonkbuster, crime, historical document. However due to the heights it's aiming for it inevitably falls some way short.Some of it felt a bit like Maeve Binchy, but on the whole I didn't feel it was of very high quality and gave the impression of a B-movie trying to copy Hollywood output. I didn't really believe in the characters who the author manipulated to make her points. There didn't seem to be any depth to it so it was nice to look at, but ultimately empty.It was fairly diverting, but not something that will live long in the mind. "Belfast Girls" by Gerry McCyllough was recommended to me by a friend. It is the story of three teenage girls as they grow into womanhood in Belfast.It follows their love entanglements and the career paths they pursue at a time of political stabilisation in Northern Ireland. Yet, now they face different problems as drugs, crime rings and untrustworthy men mess with their lives.The book seems a great illustration of the post-conflict times in Belfast and Dublin. The three girls are well chosen to highlight different experiences and they complement each other well to make a varied group of friends which makes for an entertaining read with bite and substance.
What do You think about Belfast Girls (2000)?
Read only the first 5 chaps. Too much 'telling' and not enough 'showing' for me, I'm afraid.
—sameed
This was a great story! Loved the characters!
—Books
