Three Irish boys. Three very different backgrounds. A bond that will be tested beyond all reason.USA Today Bestselling Author Jean Grainger is taking you to Ireland…For Liam, Patrick, and Hugo, life in 1960’s Ireland proves to be both idyllic and flawed. Leading vastly different lives, an unexpected friendship blooms between the teenagers when they all attend a private Catholic boarding school, … when they all attend a private Catholic boarding school, a bond that seems unbreakable.
But, in a world where the Catholic Church is a pervasive presence, and life is both simple and complicated, can their friendship survive as they navigate love and loyalty, secrets and lies? Are they close enough to weather the gale, or will their separate struggles tear them apart?
In Under Heaven’s Shining Stars, author Jean Grainger is reminiscent of the late Maeve Binchy as she brings to life the struggles and simplicity that often go hand-in-hand with growing up. Experience it all with Liam, Patrick, and Hugo as they face the beauty, turmoil, and endless possibilities of life under the turbulent Irish sky.
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A great peek into Irish working class, Catholic family life in the latter half of the 20th century. Vivid descriptions of both the environment and the folks living there. One of the better reads this year.
The characters were fairly well developed and believable. The historical context was informative and unique, I had never heard of some of the customs before. This is not a “good times” book, but true to life. Book kept my interest and I read it quickly.
It is years since I stayed up past midnight reading a book, but UNDER HEAVEN’S SHINING STARS was that book. I could not turn the pages fast enough. When finished I did not want to say goodbye to the characters, so I read it a second time.
Although the story is set in a country not my own, the characters and situations are familiar and approachable. Very enjoyable.
I am enjoying reading it . I have not finished it yet.
I love the voice of the major character. I also enjoy seeing into his thought processes. He seems like a really neat kid.
I recommend it.
A coming of age story of three unlikely friends from very different backgrounds, Under Heaven’s Shining Stars will grab you from the first page and never let you go, You will become immersed in these boys’ lives and never turn your back on them. You will want to jump in and remove Patrick from his abusive father, and comfort Hugo in his trials of discovering and accepting his homosexuality. You will want to throw a protective arm around the three of them as they struggle to find the meaning in their life. Their struggles may help you find the meaning in your own life, A great book.
I love Jean Grainger’s books and this was no exception!
Great story. Loved it.