'Against The Wind': Irish-Aussie Memoir Explores '50s-'60s 'Dark Old Days'
Recollections of the 1950s and 60s, largely in and around Dublin, the famed capital of the Irish republic, form the basis of the historically insightful and highly entertaining memoir Against the Wind by Irish-Australian writer James (Seamus) O'Brien.
The times were financially tough and morally prude, with dissenters both North and South of the border few and far between. Intellectualism was suspect and liberalism was often equated with communism.
Capturing the cadences and frequent humor of Irish speech, set amidst widespread, often heart-breaking, hardship and superbly illustrated with archival documents, including his own union cards – this is a wonderful grab-bag of recollections.
"Against The Wind" provides many insights into ordinary Irish life at a time when the republic itself was battling to survive, its Northern cousin was increasingly rocked by violence, and the wider post-war world was emerging from colonialism.
O'Brien weaves together the many threads of history and his own life to produce an informed tale that will interest many readers well beyond the world's enormous Irish Diaspora.
Available direct from the publisher, from Amazon.com and other outlets in paperback (US$14.40) or Kindle download (US$9.99).
You'll find reviews and other comments at www.beingbookish.com.
Posted on November 30, 2014 at 1:00am 0 Comments 1 Like
Book Review
"Against the Wind", by J.A. O'Brien
Reviewer: Michael Halpenny
The full title of this book is "Against the Wind: Memoir of a Dissident Dubliner." However, this is not the diary of someone strenuously opposed to the Good Friday Agreement,…
ContinuePosted on April 9, 2014 at 6:30am 2 Comments 5 Likes
2019 is the 106th anniversary of the 1913 lockout in Dublin. Often referred to as a strike, it is more accurate to call it a ‘lockout’ since many of those to suffer from the vengeful actions of the employers were not members…
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Comment Wall (3 comments)
AdminFran Reddy said…
Welcome to the Wild Geese family! Nice to have you here with us :)
Fran
AdminFran Reddy said…
Welcome to our community ATW :)
Just noticed this great review on Amazon.com:
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