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Northern Ireland in 1981 is a confusing place to grow up. The Troubles are at their height and Fergus’ brother is on hunger strike in prison.
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Children's Book review

Bog Child

By Siobhan Dowd

Published by David Fickling Books

Northern Ireland in 1981 is a confusing place to grow up. The Troubles are at their height and Fergus’ brother is on hunger strike in prison. His parents are always and arguing and the world around Fergus seems beset by conflict and unrest.

One day whilst digging for peat with his uncle, Fergus unearths the body of a perfectly preserved Iron-Age girl. As her tragic story unfolds in his dreams, we learn more of his own burgeoning love life and hopes for the future.

This is a beautifully written coming-of-age tale, which deals with themes of mortality, peace and sacrifice. Fergus is an immensely likeable character whose story, along with that of the bog child, will long stay with those who read it.

Reading age: 12+
Interest level: 12+
Readers reviews
- Review by Jo Birch02.11.09
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