Part Two(see F23 for part one :-)Personally, I preferred BREAKFAST ON PLUTO. Although, both of these books don’t fall in to the range of books that I would normally read. I normally read thrillers or crime fiction. However, once I got into both of the books I did enjoy them; as a result I think that I might try to source some more of Patrick McCabe’s books. To be completely honest, to start off with, I did find THE TWELFTH DAY OF JULY quite dull. Nonetheless, I did try to follow it in class and once I got used to the characters, I really did enjoy the book.In spite of this, I did like BREAKFAST ON PLUTO more. I really enjoyed hearing about the way in which Patrick faced life. He did it in such character and originality, with wittiness and charm that was magical in amongst the overcast London Streets and the conflicts arising in Ireland at the time. I thought that Patrick McCabe, the author, had fantastically written this book, however unusually written. I think that it shows quite a bit of courage to publish a book in the period in which he did, especially with the context in which it was written. In amongst all of the doom and gloom of the time, Patrick McCabe has injected some colour and life along with an upbeat tone and beautiful imagery.When it comes to recommendations, I think that BREAKFAST ON PLUTO is only geared towards a limited target audience. Whereas, I think that most people would enjoy the read of THE TWELFTH DAY OF JULY.BREAKFAST ON PLUTO is a book that comes in quite strong, it flutters its way, darting to avoid the oncoming bullets of the eventualities, or, I suppose, circumstances of life’s chosen paths. It doesn’t stop while on its journey to consider anyone’s reaction to its chosen path. It just laughs it off and carries on in its delicate, yet determined way.With this in mind, I think that I would recommend this book to young adults, still finding their feet and not set in their ways. Although, I think that an older person might enjoy reading this more because of its vivid references to the past. Although, this book isn’t for the mind of someone not willing to try something new, as I think that they might get a shock because of the pure innocent honesty of the book which has been hidden in a way in which can result in ignorance.On the other hand, THE TWELFTH DAY OF JULY is a more plain and pleasant book to read. I think that a young adolescent would probable enjoy reading this book, as it follows the story of people their own age. I also think that people in this age group would probably enjoy reading about the adventures that the characters go on and the experiences they have. In addition, I think that because people in this group would be learning about Ireland’s recent history at school, it would be enjoyable for them to read a book set in the time period that they are studying. Although, again, I think that older people might enjoy reading these books to relive the adventures that they got into back in the ‘Good old days’.Hopefully, this comparison has helped you to try something new and I truly hope that you have enjoyed reading this Book Review. Thank you for reading, “Au revoir et bon voyage!”
Joan Lingardin "Heinäkuun kahdestoista" (Otava, 1974) on lapsille ja nuorille suunnattu romaani, jossa käsitellään Pohjois-Irlannin konfliktia alle viisitoistavuotiaiden lasten ja nuorten näkökulmasta. Se on samalla Kevinista ja Sadiesta kertovan viisiosaisen romaanisarjan ensimmäinen osa, joskin suomeksi kyseistä sarjaa julkaistiin vain kaksi kolme osaa.Tarina on itsessään melko perinteinen: katolinen ja protestanttinen tyttö tapaavat Boynen taistelun vuosipäivää edeltävän oranialaismarssin alla (mistä kirjan nimikin tulee) ja vaikka aluksi ollaankin vihoissa ja tehdään kaikenlaista ikävää, niin lopulta ystävyys voittaa. Vihollisuuksien lientymiselle edellytyksenä on tosin se, että puolueettomana pysyttelevä sivustakatsoja-pasifisti saa tiiliskivestä päähänsä.Romaani on aikalaiskuvauksena melko kiinnostava, sillä se ilmestyi jo vuonna 1970, aikana jolloin the Troubles -nimeä kantavan ajanjakson verisimmät ja hirveimmät vuodet olivat vielä edessä. Nykylukijalle - etenkin kohderyhmän edustajalle - kirjan tapahtumat saattavat tuntua melko vierailta ja etäisiltä, joten vinkattavaksi tästä ei ehkä ole. Lisäksi suomennos on paikoitellen melko kurja.Kaksi ja puoli voisi olla lähempänä totuutta kuin pelkkä kakkonen.
What do You think about The Twelfth Day Of July (1996)?
Like many other teens, I was captivated by this five book series about a Catholic boy and Protestant girl in Belfast who fall in love, thus upsetting their families.Lingard's website describes the book thus:It all began with a dare. The idea of sneaking into the Protestant area to daub slogans under the mural of King Billy seems thrilling and exciting to Kevin and his Catholic friends. But feelings run high in Belfast and in the end paint-splashing turns into something far more dangerous. The only good thing to come out of the reckless trip is that it brings Kevin into contact with Sadie Jackson - and that is to change his life.
—CLM
I read this series in 1980 so it was a lovely trip down memory lane reading this first Kevin and Sadie book with my 11 year old daughter. She asked a lot of questions I don't think I was asking when I read it at her age... not sure whether this was because I remember watching footage of Belfast on tv and was aware of the issues or whether growing up in Australia I was oblivious and just took the book at face value with no idea where it was set or what was going on. Most likely the latter. I hope her reading experience is enriched by some added historical context. That would be my only criticism of the book, and certainly it would be useful in new editions to provide some historical overview to new readers. It's still a great read though and looking forward to the next 4!
—Carol
