WINNER OF THE SCBWI SPARK AWARD 2017
She was willing to sacrifice everything for her country. He was willing to sacrifice everything for her.
‘Make a difference in the world,’ are the last words Maggie Gilligan’s father ever says to her. They form a legacy that she carries in her heart, years later when, at the age of fifteen, she tries to better the lives of Dublin’s largely forgotten poor.
‘Don’t go getting distracted, now,’ is what Daniel Healy’s father says to him after seeing him talking to the same Maggie Gilligan. Daniel is more than distracted. He is intrigued. Never has he met anyone as dismissive, argumentative… as downright infuriating.
A dare from Maggie is all it takes. Daniel volunteers at a food kitchen. There, his eyes are opened to the plight of the poor. It is 1913 and Dublin’s striking workers have been locked out of their jobs. Their families are going hungry. Daniel and Maggie do what they can. Soon, however, Maggie realises that the only way to make a difference is to take up arms.
The story of Maggie and Daniel is one of friendship, love, war and revolution, of two people who are prepared to sacrifice their lives: Maggie for her country, Daniel for Maggie. Their mutual sacrifices put them on opposite sides of a revolution. Can their love survive?
Reaction to Through the Barricades:
‘Gripping, heartfelt story set in the heart of Ireland’s most troubled time. Deegan takes us on a memorable adventure into the past. Beautifully imagined and skillfully written – a book to remember.’ (Kate Kerrigan, author of the New York Times bestseller, the Ellis Island trilogy.)
‘History comes vividly to life in this compelling love story set during turbulent times in revolutionary Ireland. In Maggie, Denise Deegan has created a strong female character caught between her ideals and her heart.’ (Martina Devlin, best-selling author of The House Where it Happened)
‘Denise Deegan captures all the emotion and drama of Ireland during the rebellion, and a world at war. In her characters, Maggie and Daniel, she authentically portrays the struggles and decisions faced by young men and women during this period of history. A thoroughly compelling book which I enjoyed immensely.’ (Hazel Gaynor, author of New York Times bestseller The Girl Who Came Home.)
‘Thought-provoking, heart-rending and uplifting, Through the Barricades takes a vivid look at the turmoil of events leading to 1916 through authentic and diverse eyes. It is not to be missed.’ (Ruth Frances Long, best-selling author of A Crack in Everything trilogy.)
‘Things I look for in a good book – character, plot and the author’s ability to make me care. Denise Deegan does this in spades in Through the Barricades. OK, the historical backdrop lends itself to a pacy narrative – Ireland from 1914 to 1916 – a tumultuous time in her history – but it takes a clever writer to weave the history and not let it get in the way of the plot. I fell in love with Maggie, Daniel and their friend Michael from their first introduction. I loved Maggie’s fire and Daniel’s devotion to her. I loved how their relationship developed and I enjoyed the almost Forrest Gump-ness of the book as Maggie interacted with important Irish figures. The pieces written about the trenches in the First World War were really moving as was the devotion Maggie’s family had to each other. Bravo Denise.’ (Martina Reilly, best-selling author of Proof)
‘THROUGH THE BARRICADES by Denise Deegan is by far my favourite book of 2016. It is a powerful, emotional story about love – love for one’s country, love for one’s family – and the need to stand up and make yourself heard, to make a difference. Something we all need to be aware of today. THROUGH THE BARRICADES is nothing short of stunning and I know it is a book I will re-read for many years to come. BOOK RATING – 5++++‘ (Linda Green, Books of All Kinds.)
Through the Barricades is available from: amazon.co.uk and amazon.com
Denise Deegan 