Friend or Foe - 1916: Which side are you on?

by Brian Gallagher

It’s time to choose: friendship, family or loyalty to the cause. When Emer Davey saves her neighbour Jack Madigan from drowning, it seems that they will be friends forever. But eight months later, they find themselves on opposite sides in a life-or-death struggle, as Dublin is torn apart by the Easter Rising. Emer’s father is an officer in the Irish Volunteers who believes that armed rebellion is the only way to gain independence from Britain. His daughter has inherited his passion and is determined to help the rebels in any way she can. Jack’s dad is a sergeant in the Dublin Metropolitan Police. They share a deep respect for the law and are sure that Home Rule can be achieved through peaceful politics and helping with the war effort. These two young friends find their loyalties challenged as the terrifying reality of war sets in – and the Rising hits closer to home than either could have imagined.

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 2, 2015

About the author

Brian Gallagher is a full-time writer whose plays and short stories have been produced in Ireland, Britain and Canada. He has worked extensively in radio and television, writing many dramas and documentaries. He collaborated with composer Shaun Purcell on the musical, Larkin, for which he wrote the book and lyrics, and on Winds of Change for RTE’s Lyric FM.

His first book of historical fiction for young readers was Across the Divide, set in the 1913 Dublin Lockout, followed by Taking Sides, set against the background of the Civil War, and Secrets and Shadows, an exciting spy novel that begins with the North Strand bombings during World War II.

Brian lives with his family in Dublin.

Reviews

[Gill James]

Brian Gallagher addresses a difficult topic here: the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin. A group of young friends have parents on both sides of the struggle. Their friendships seems more important than the differing opinions that divide them a A difficult concept for the younger reader and the style is also quite adult. The characters are well-drawn and the text is engaging for the slightly older reader. Younger readers may struggle a little.

[Aoife ✨️]

I found this book to be very good and thought-provoking. I have quite strong political beliefs. However, this book made me consider points of view that I've never considered before.
I really enjoy O'Brien's Press' children's historical fiction. This is no exception. Gallagher makes excellent points for both sides of the situation and paints such glorious scenes of childhood and nature. It balances the naivety of children with the reality of life.

[Amber]

Owen - 6th grade read
thought provoking

[Iz]

Really fast paced and easy to read. Really interesting to not only see the rising form two different pov in political sense but how the children saw it. Would recommend and definitely will read again !

[Jolene Modd]

Easy reading, interesting storyline and well written.

[Squid McFinnigan]

Very enjoyable.