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Divided City
A young man lies bleeding in the street.
It could be any street, in any city. But it's not. It's Glasgow. And it's May - the marching season. The Orange Walks have begun.
Graham doesn't want to be involved. He just wants to play football with his new mate, Joe. But when he witnesses a shocking moment of violence, suddenly he and Joe are involved. With Catholics, and with Protestants. With a young Muslim asylum-seeker, and his girlfriend. With all the old rivalries - and fears . . .
A gripping tale about two boys who must find their own answers - and their own way forward - in a world divided by differences.
It could be any street, in any city. But it's not. It's Glasgow. And it's May - the marching season. The Orange Walks have begun.
Graham doesn't want to be involved. He just wants to play football with his new mate, Joe. But when he witnesses a shocking moment of violence, suddenly he and Joe are involved. With Catholics, and with Protestants. With a young Muslim asylum-seeker, and his girlfriend. With all the old rivalries - and fears . . .
A gripping tale about two boys who must find their own answers - and their own way forward - in a world divided by differences.
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First published May 5, 2005
44 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Breslin
90 books96 followersTheresa Breslin is a Scottish author of over 50 books, known for her contributions to children's and young adult literature. She won the Carnegie Medal in 1994 for Whispers in the Graveyard, which tells the story of a dyslexic boy overcoming personal struggles. Born and raised in Kirkintilloch, Scotland, she started writing as a teenager and later worked as a librarian before becoming a full-time author.
Her works often explore historical and social themes, as seen in Divided City (2005), which addresses sectarianism in Glasgow, and The Medici Seal (2006), a historical novel featuring Leonardo da Vinci. Her book Prisoner of the Inquisition (2010) was shortlisted for another Carnegie Medal.
Breslin has received numerous accolades, including the Scottish Book Trust's Outstanding Achievement Award and an Honorary Fellowship from the Association for Scottish Literary Studies. In 2019, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to literature.
Her works often explore historical and social themes, as seen in Divided City (2005), which addresses sectarianism in Glasgow, and The Medici Seal (2006), a historical novel featuring Leonardo da Vinci. Her book Prisoner of the Inquisition (2010) was shortlisted for another Carnegie Medal.
Breslin has received numerous accolades, including the Scottish Book Trust's Outstanding Achievement Award and an Honorary Fellowship from the Association for Scottish Literary Studies. In 2019, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
May 28, 2017
I'm sure this book has salient points to deliver about football, hooliganism, hatred of the unknown - whether it be religion, culture, or anything else -, the background of the Orange Order, and I'm sure that this would make an interesting read for a football fan in their early teens. At least, I guess there may be a way to connect to the football aspect of it - even if the footie talk is mostly limited to the two Glaswegian teams in the early 2000s.
I'm glad I read this, but I am feeling rather "meh" about it. At least, I can now delete it from my kindle (not that I know how it got there in the first place...).
I'm glad I read this, but I am feeling rather "meh" about it. At least, I can now delete it from my kindle (not that I know how it got there in the first place...).
December 16, 2012
I cannot dislike the book, which keeps so precise and true descriptions and thoughts about my favourite game - football. The dialogs about it are brilliand, because they are very logical and they are written very competent, even though the author is a woman. It doesn`t prevent me from comprehension, that one of the tasks of penetration of this theme into the book is to make it attractive for such readers-fans as I and to focus through the football theme on other themes, opened in this book.
The thing that amazed me most is plenty and diversity of motifs, touched in this book, based on religious division. The definitions between Catholics and Protestants are considered in many spheres of the life, from the football tastes up to demonstrations and city sights.
First I rated it with four stars, but now I changed my opinion. After reading, I thought that the ending is too sweet, the conflict is solved a bit unreal. But when I`ve followed the evolution of the main hero (a one more theme, fully considered in the book from psychological view) I decided that the ending is like an award for this evolution. It continues to be a little bit hard to belive, but it is very honest and fair. And you want to belive in this final game.
The thing that amazed me most is plenty and diversity of motifs, touched in this book, based on religious division. The definitions between Catholics and Protestants are considered in many spheres of the life, from the football tastes up to demonstrations and city sights.
First I rated it with four stars, but now I changed my opinion. After reading, I thought that the ending is too sweet, the conflict is solved a bit unreal. But when I`ve followed the evolution of the main hero (a one more theme, fully considered in the book from psychological view) I decided that the ending is like an award for this evolution. It continues to be a little bit hard to belive, but it is very honest and fair. And you want to belive in this final game.
December 17, 2012
When I finished this book, I was a bit puzzled. I still couldn't understand, that the whole city is divided into two parts, having different religions, different traditions, different football teams... If there are so many differences, what connected these groups? Why there are living together?
Nevertheless, I was so deeply impressed by this book, because it was written brilliantly. Of course, I admired the football match descriptions and the teenagers' dreams of them playing in the World Cup final. Of course, I was nearly interested in asylum seekers problem, because this is urgent problem nowadays.
At first, I thought that Graham's character was too common, but then I realized that if it wasn't, Graham's evolution wouldn't seem so broad. However, I still think that such a marvelous book deserves better final. It is too simple and predictable. To my mind, it is so because this book is written for teenagers and in the end everybody should be happy.
Anyway, I loved this book and have no regrets of reading it.
Nevertheless, I was so deeply impressed by this book, because it was written brilliantly. Of course, I admired the football match descriptions and the teenagers' dreams of them playing in the World Cup final. Of course, I was nearly interested in asylum seekers problem, because this is urgent problem nowadays.
At first, I thought that Graham's character was too common, but then I realized that if it wasn't, Graham's evolution wouldn't seem so broad. However, I still think that such a marvelous book deserves better final. It is too simple and predictable. To my mind, it is so because this book is written for teenagers and in the end everybody should be happy.
Anyway, I loved this book and have no regrets of reading it.
October 24, 2017
Devided city, written by Theresa Breslin.
Devided city is a really nice book and the book is easy to read. the book is really likable if you like footbal and when you like the Scottish competition. I knew a lot of the Scottisch competition before is started to read this book, but when I started to read this book I realized how many hate their was between the supporters. before you start to read this book I advise to read something about the Old Firm, when you know something about the Old Firm it will help you to understand the book. the most importent thing about this book is the friendship between the two guys despite they are for two differents football clubs.
the main characters (Joe and Graham) are two young boys who love football. they both play football and they are the two best football players of the team.
Devided city isn't the most easy book i have ever learned because sometimes it was really difficult to understand what happened. the things who were difficult to understand were only details, but dispite this it was a really nice book and Im really happy that I have chosen this book.
Devided city is a really nice book and the book is easy to read. the book is really likable if you like footbal and when you like the Scottish competition. I knew a lot of the Scottisch competition before is started to read this book, but when I started to read this book I realized how many hate their was between the supporters. before you start to read this book I advise to read something about the Old Firm, when you know something about the Old Firm it will help you to understand the book. the most importent thing about this book is the friendship between the two guys despite they are for two differents football clubs.
the main characters (Joe and Graham) are two young boys who love football. they both play football and they are the two best football players of the team.
Devided city isn't the most easy book i have ever learned because sometimes it was really difficult to understand what happened. the things who were difficult to understand were only details, but dispite this it was a really nice book and Im really happy that I have chosen this book.
April 14, 2023
There’s so much to understand about Glasgow, the city I love. Well written to describe the thoughts of Glaswegians’ religion and football problems from teenagers life. The author has also spilled horror story of an asylum seeker in the city. The story is interconnected with the problems that these teenagers face. Overall, I really liked the book and I would strongly suggest reading it.
July 31, 2022
absolutely piss
December 6, 2024
Starts very promising good story, then just ends with a handshake, not a propper resolution
October 13, 2025
Growing up near Glasgow i’ve always heard about the differences between a Catholic and a Protestant and the teams surrounding it, i loved this book. It really went into detail and prespective. Highly underrated.
December 16, 2012
I mostly liked this book. It describes the story of two boys, who belong to different religions. Also they support different football teams.
It seems that one has to treat another just like another stranger and best be on his way out. Atmosphere in which live each of them should have big influence on them. But, they become good friends, although they have different world outlook, they believe in different things, support different teams.
Graham is the main character of this book. He changes with the development of the plot. At the beginning he was a bit selfish, but then he starts to respect other people and take care of his parents. He becomes more adult. Joe, the second boy, by this time has already succeeded in some of these aspects. You can compare, how Joe speaks to his father and how Graham locked in his room. Their attitude to their parents is my favourite part of book, because this is problem, which you can see everywhere. I also cannot brag about my good behaviour, but I try to correct the situation. I believe, that I have reached some succes in this part of my life. And some my friends speaks to their parents as though they are servants. In my mind, it is unfair behaviour. Very unfair.
For me football was the background. Also I expected more sweety final, where painted in detail the fate of the main characters at least ten years ahead. Bur the final was quite epic. I do not know, it is good or not for me.
I think that Theresa Breslin described the way that every teenager must pass to become a responsible adult man. Graham's problems are in common with many children in his age.
It seems that one has to treat another just like another stranger and best be on his way out. Atmosphere in which live each of them should have big influence on them. But, they become good friends, although they have different world outlook, they believe in different things, support different teams.
Graham is the main character of this book. He changes with the development of the plot. At the beginning he was a bit selfish, but then he starts to respect other people and take care of his parents. He becomes more adult. Joe, the second boy, by this time has already succeeded in some of these aspects. You can compare, how Joe speaks to his father and how Graham locked in his room. Their attitude to their parents is my favourite part of book, because this is problem, which you can see everywhere. I also cannot brag about my good behaviour, but I try to correct the situation. I believe, that I have reached some succes in this part of my life. And some my friends speaks to their parents as though they are servants. In my mind, it is unfair behaviour. Very unfair.
For me football was the background. Also I expected more sweety final, where painted in detail the fate of the main characters at least ten years ahead. Bur the final was quite epic. I do not know, it is good or not for me.
I think that Theresa Breslin described the way that every teenager must pass to become a responsible adult man. Graham's problems are in common with many children in his age.
February 19, 2018
I read this book because my daughter read it in school as part of a project on sectarianism and I was curious (in a Glasgow school so very relevant) and I have to admit the book hits the nail on the head. Being a teenager in Glasgow in the early ninety's (ok a bit before this is set) I've seen old firm day violence, been in the city centre on dreaded orange walk days and remember what it was like when asylum seekers first arrived in the city and the author caught all aspects of that albeit a lighter side since the book is aimed at kids. Well worth a read 😊
May 30, 2017
One night Graham (surname never specified) is taking a short cut - against which his parents have repeatedly warned him – on his way home from football training when he witnesses a gang chasing and stabbing a young lad whom they call “asylum scum”. Graham comforts the wounded boy, Kyoul, uses the mobile phone Kyoul has dropped to call an ambulance and accompanies him to the hospital then slips away but not before Kyoul asks him to take a message, and the phone, to his girlfriend Leanne. This leads to Graham almost by accident involving another boy from training, Joe Flaherty (who is of course from across the sectarian divide to which the book’s title mainly refers) in finding Leanne’s house. She is grateful but has kept her relationship with Kyoul from her own parents and so asks them to visit Kyoul for her. This strand of the book where they find common purpose off the training pitch is intertwined with the background of both footballers.
Graham’s Granda Reid is a proud Orangeman who wants Graham to march in the big Orange Walk which is coming up. Graham’s parents have always resisted pressure to make him take part when he was younger saying he should make his own mind up when he is old enough. However, this is the year he must do so. Joe’s family members are equally committed to upholding their Catholic traditions.
But this is where Divided City is too diagrammatic. Nearly every domestic conversation in the book centres on sectarianism and how the “others” mistreat “our” side.
There were other infelicities. The football training is for a youth team to be known as Glasgow City which is about to take part in an inter-cities youth competition. Here credulity becomes strained. If both boys were as good at football as the novel tells us they’d most likely already be attached to a club and probably not allowed to play for anyone else. Another unconvincing aspect is that Leanne is said to be “not yet sixteen” but she met Kyoul who had wandered in off the street at one of Glasgow University’s school open days and both ended up looking at a stand where they were each wondering what courses they would choose and struck up a conversation. Fifteen is rather young for such a trip. Also, the first time home ground of Rangers is mentioned it’s by a supporter, who calls it “Ibrox Park.” A fan would just say “Ibrox”. Similarly we get “the Celtic Parkhead stadium”. Then there is the description of an Old Firm game where the phrase “unleashed a stinging right kick” is used. It’s called a shot, not a kick. Later one fan is enjoined to ‘Watch the play’. It would be ‘Watch the game’.
Granted the dilemma of an asylum seeker from a ‘White List’ country, deemed to be safe but which isn’t, may need elucidating to a wider audience, yet while the novel is even-handed enough as between Protestant and Catholic viewpoints I struggled to see for what audience this could have been written, whom it was intended to educate. The book’s cover is emblazoned with the phrase “Carnegie Medal winning author” implying it’s for young adults. But young adults in Glasgow will know about sectarianism, those elsewhere likely not care (Northern Ireland excepted.) The incidental illustration of the usual parental restrictions on adolescent comings and goings do not expand the scope. Divided City’s earlier chapters reminded me of a certain kind of not very good Science Fiction which doesn’t trust its reader to make the connections, so too much is spelled out. And there is an overuse of exclamation marks. I would submit that YA readers deserve better.
There is a good novel about sectarianism - and/or football - in Glasgow out there. This isn’t it.
Graham’s Granda Reid is a proud Orangeman who wants Graham to march in the big Orange Walk which is coming up. Graham’s parents have always resisted pressure to make him take part when he was younger saying he should make his own mind up when he is old enough. However, this is the year he must do so. Joe’s family members are equally committed to upholding their Catholic traditions.
But this is where Divided City is too diagrammatic. Nearly every domestic conversation in the book centres on sectarianism and how the “others” mistreat “our” side.
There were other infelicities. The football training is for a youth team to be known as Glasgow City which is about to take part in an inter-cities youth competition. Here credulity becomes strained. If both boys were as good at football as the novel tells us they’d most likely already be attached to a club and probably not allowed to play for anyone else. Another unconvincing aspect is that Leanne is said to be “not yet sixteen” but she met Kyoul who had wandered in off the street at one of Glasgow University’s school open days and both ended up looking at a stand where they were each wondering what courses they would choose and struck up a conversation. Fifteen is rather young for such a trip. Also, the first time home ground of Rangers is mentioned it’s by a supporter, who calls it “Ibrox Park.” A fan would just say “Ibrox”. Similarly we get “the Celtic Parkhead stadium”. Then there is the description of an Old Firm game where the phrase “unleashed a stinging right kick” is used. It’s called a shot, not a kick. Later one fan is enjoined to ‘Watch the play’. It would be ‘Watch the game’.
Granted the dilemma of an asylum seeker from a ‘White List’ country, deemed to be safe but which isn’t, may need elucidating to a wider audience, yet while the novel is even-handed enough as between Protestant and Catholic viewpoints I struggled to see for what audience this could have been written, whom it was intended to educate. The book’s cover is emblazoned with the phrase “Carnegie Medal winning author” implying it’s for young adults. But young adults in Glasgow will know about sectarianism, those elsewhere likely not care (Northern Ireland excepted.) The incidental illustration of the usual parental restrictions on adolescent comings and goings do not expand the scope. Divided City’s earlier chapters reminded me of a certain kind of not very good Science Fiction which doesn’t trust its reader to make the connections, so too much is spelled out. And there is an overuse of exclamation marks. I would submit that YA readers deserve better.
There is a good novel about sectarianism - and/or football - in Glasgow out there. This isn’t it.
August 22, 2019
In our modern world there is way too much bigotry and discrimination based on the fact that we are not all alike. Often this is based on misconceptions and, frankly, pure laziness in those who accept the soundbites and the status quo and don't look under the headlines. Using two school boys in Glasgow who come from different backgrounds, different schools, different parts of the city and are being herded by their (extended) families into continuing the status quo to examine these issues is a great idea. And introducing a touch of immigration into the story provides even more resonance.
That we can accept each other for who we are and that we can be allowed to have different views and opinions is very important. But to realise that we can we work together and be greater than the sum of us as individuals for all that is even more.
I found this a page turner that I didn't really want to put down. It also made me aware of just how far Glasgow and Scotland have come in integration of different peoples over the last 20 years.
That we can accept each other for who we are and that we can be allowed to have different views and opinions is very important. But to realise that we can we work together and be greater than the sum of us as individuals for all that is even more.
I found this a page turner that I didn't really want to put down. It also made me aware of just how far Glasgow and Scotland have come in integration of different peoples over the last 20 years.
April 4, 2018
This book is based on a realistic problem. The most beautiful meaning is that two religious ways can come together by an adventure or a common sport. The story goes about two boys: Graham (protestant) and Joe (Catholic) Graham has really strict parents who don't want to know something about catholic people. Joe lives with his father because his mom died. Joe has to take care of his father. They are having an adventure to help Kyoul the asylum seeker finding a girl. While they are busy with helping him, they became best friend and accepted each other for how they are. Glasglow has two sides of life, protestant or catholic and football, you have the Celtic and the Rangers, Graham and Joe are having a different opinion about football but when they are playing football they come together. They are sharing a same love. The story is really special to read because it has a lovely meaning. I should definitely read it!
November 20, 2018
I would recommend this book for young adults who want to read about cultural misunderstandings, outsiders, and nationalism/tribalism. It's easy to pretend that we are all unbiased and fair, but reading books like this one help to show that there is a side to every story, including yours.
Also, as an American living in Edinburgh, I loved that the story is set in Glasgow. The dialogue, places, and characters were interesting and familiar to me.
Also, as an American living in Edinburgh, I loved that the story is set in Glasgow. The dialogue, places, and characters were interesting and familiar to me.
August 1, 2019
A neutral view of the madness that is the old firm!
Told through the eyes of young boys, this book delves deep into the preconceived ideas of what it is to be Celtic/Rangers supporters in Glasgow in the modern day, alongside the hardships faced by refugees in scotland. Most suited for preteens, as a teacher I can see this being used as a wonderful teaching aid to discuss the need for kindness and compassion throughout all of lives interactions. I'm glad to have read this.
Told through the eyes of young boys, this book delves deep into the preconceived ideas of what it is to be Celtic/Rangers supporters in Glasgow in the modern day, alongside the hardships faced by refugees in scotland. Most suited for preteens, as a teacher I can see this being used as a wonderful teaching aid to discuss the need for kindness and compassion throughout all of lives interactions. I'm glad to have read this.
January 4, 2025
4 ⭐
A book written for teens about the divided city of Glasgow, and the Glaswegians way of life regarding religion and their football.
Easy to read but focus is definitely on the boys and their football.
I enjoyed this as my Dad is a fan of Celtic (even though we are Protestant) and I have 4 children all of which play football so I resonated with the storyline.
Theresa touches upon the problems faced while living in Glasgow.
This will appeal to a younger audience but would recommend 💕
A book written for teens about the divided city of Glasgow, and the Glaswegians way of life regarding religion and their football.
Easy to read but focus is definitely on the boys and their football.
I enjoyed this as my Dad is a fan of Celtic (even though we are Protestant) and I have 4 children all of which play football so I resonated with the storyline.
Theresa touches upon the problems faced while living in Glasgow.
This will appeal to a younger audience but would recommend 💕
July 5, 2025
Read this book as part of a Year 5/6 novel study. The children loved the dark and gritty tone of the book. There was also lots of deep discussion to be had regarding the themes of sectarianism, prejudice and asylum seekers.
I found that the book started very climatic and tense but then the pace slowly declined for the rest of the book. It could have benefitted from some action during the Orange Walk at the end of the book or a reunion between Kyoul and Leanne.
I found that the book started very climatic and tense but then the pace slowly declined for the rest of the book. It could have benefitted from some action during the Orange Walk at the end of the book or a reunion between Kyoul and Leanne.
April 27, 2022
It would be a three for story and writing, but I think the aim of this book was to put across a message to a demographic which I am not part of, and that it does very well so I bump it up to a four.
Also it was an interesting explanation of the sectarianism here in Glasgow, based largely around football.
Also it was an interesting explanation of the sectarianism here in Glasgow, based largely around football.
August 9, 2017
Good for teaching, but uses characters as vessels for opinions/conversations which jar with the narrative. Really good discussion on refugees, but delivered by a mum to her teenage son in a way that just seems weirdly forced.
September 24, 2017
Football is not my thing but the way it handles sectarianism is perfect for young teens. If parent are worried at the language don't be, yes there is some words that got my heckles up but they will hear worse on the street.
Three stars for theme but as I said I hate football.
Three stars for theme but as I said I hate football.
January 29, 2019
This is the start of me trying to read more fiction aimed at young people. A well-loved book amongst Glasgow's younguns apparently and I can see why. Good stuff. Good friend book. Interesting history. Would like to make a map of the city with the story on/in it.
May 12, 2017
i think i9t was quite a good story but some parts were not vas fun overall it was good
May 12, 2017
It is a very controversial topic
June 9, 2017
this book was quite boring it was too long and didn't seem like i want to read on
June 9, 2017
it was a very spell binding book with very intense moments it was a very short book with some boring moments as well i would recommend this book with people who like slow paced books.
September 15, 2017
it was ok
February 27, 2019
It was worth reading
Good book would recommend it to people that enjoy football. It has relatable things in it as well as the negative aspects of people's behaviour
Good book would recommend it to people that enjoy football. It has relatable things in it as well as the negative aspects of people's behaviour
Want to read
June 5, 2019Good
January 15, 2020
YA read
Read as it interested me. Shame the plot wasn’t in too much depth by would be loved by 10-13 year olds who live in the city.
Read as it interested me. Shame the plot wasn’t in too much depth by would be loved by 10-13 year olds who live in the city.
Read
November 12, 2020(Read for a class)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews