Winner of the SCBWI SPARK Award 2017 - Through The Barricades

2016 is the 100th year anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin so it’s a subject that is very topical in Ireland at this time. And it’s also the subject of Through the Barricades by Denise Deegan. What I loved in particular about this book is that it brought history to life in a meaningful way that reminds you yet again how nothing is ever black and white.

First Line of Through the Barricades by Denise Deegan

“Maggie woke coughing.”

My Thoughts on Through the Barricades by Denise Deegan:

I was addicted to this book when I was reading it. It transported me back to a troubled Dublin and gave me a 360 degree view of the various thoughts of it’s citizens. Those that wanted a rebellion in order to gain freedom from England, those that wanted Home Rule (a lesser freedom where Ireland would have it’s own parliament) and those who were content with the status quo.

But as much history as I absorbed, the main focus of this book is on the main characters. Their lives, their hopes, their dreams all held me enthralled as I read.

• Maggie who wants to make a difference and is willing to sacrifice all for her country
• Daniel who loves Maggie and is willing to sacrifice himself for her. Thought not in a way that Maggie would ever approve of.

I took both of these characters into my heart. I felt the pain and conflicted feelings that each of them went through. We see Maggie’s heart break while she tries to fulfil what she thinks is her destiny in helping Ireland become a republic. We experience the horrendous conditions of World War 1, as Daniel enlists in the British Army, and has to endure endless misery in the trenches.

Both characters face adversity with bravery, but are also both troubled with doubts and I loved the realistic angle that this added. I had no clue what way the book would end, so I read with trepidation, hoping and praying that love would somehow conquer all.

Overall I loved this one and couldn’t read it fast enough. And it will be a long time before I forget Maggie and Daniel’s story.

Who should read Through the Barricades by Denise Deegan?

I recommend this to you if you love history (especially Irish history or World War 1 settings), strong characters, an epic romance and a book that will make you feel all the emotions. Fans of books such as The Girl from The Savoy by Hazel Gaynor and Conspiracy of Blood and Smoke by Anne Blankman should also enjoy.

Extensive research allied to the writer's gift for storytelling make this book a fascinating read.

Chapter one is set in Dublin in 1913 and the story takes us through the civil unrest at the time and right up to the 1916 rising. With the promise of Home Rule some Irish men fought alongside the British abroad in World War 1 and the credible descriptions of fighting in Gallipoli lay bare the chaos of war. The 1916 rebellion in Ireland is brought to life with many historical people like James Connolly and Countess Markievicz convincingly real.

Maggie our feisty heroine is a wonderful character and Daniel is captivated from the beginning by her idealism and passion for life. As their story unfolds both Maggie and Daniel have to grow up fast in a dangerous world.

Set in Ireland during the First World War, this incredibly well-researched novel follows the lives of Danny and Maggie after a chance meeting changes their lives forever. Maggie opens Danny's eyes to the poverty, deprivation and inequality that exists in the Dublin of 1913. She is determined to fight for change and Danny is determined to protect her at all costs. Each chooses their own path to achieve these goals and through their eyes we see the tragic loss of life in the ill fated Gallipoli campaign and the Easter Uprising of 1916. Even though I kept looking things up to supplement my pathetic lack of knowledge on these events, I still read the book in two days.
The characters are so richly woven that you can't help but get caught up in their story and it has been a real education for me.
My thanks to TBConFB for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.

Through The Barricades is an Irish based historical fiction.

The prologue opens in 1906, a house fire. Maggie Gilligan's father gets her to safety out of a bedroom window. His last words to her are "Make a difference in the world, Maggie".

Chapter one begins in 1913, Dublin. It is seven years after her father's death. Maggie meets Daniel and Michael, two boys who help her with a flat bicycle tyre. They talk of trouble in the city, strikers are causing riots, Maggie fiercely defends them to the surprise of the boys.

Daniel is intrigued by Maggie, his privileged upbringing has sheltered him from the plight of the poor. He is determined to see Maggie again and learn more. Maggie challenges Daniel to help her at a food kitchen and her determination to help those in need and fight for their rights opens his eyes to so much more.

They become friends, joining the Na Fianna, a scouts youth group, but one of many rebel groups within Ireland wanting equality and an end to British rule. Daniel realises that all his education has been about British history, he hears of the 1695 Penal laws used to suppress the Irish. As his love for Maggie grows, so does her determination to fight for Ireland. Desperate to protect her he believes that when WW1 breaks out if he signs up and fights for the British army they will allow home rule for the Irish once the war is over.

The war for Daniel and Michael is terrible, they are sent to Gallipoli and the reality is devastating. Back home Maggie cannot rest, she takes on dangerous work for the rebels which culminates in the Easter Rising of 1916.

I really enjoyed this book, I read it all in one afternoon and evening as I was so engrossed in the storyline, the passion of the characters, the historical detail and the experience I came away with from reading this. Like Daniel I learnt about the background to the Easter Rising, and I learnt about what it was probably like fighting in Gallipoli. Truly horrific on both accounts.

Recommended for those who like a good detailed historical fiction, yes it is laced with a romantic theme, but it was subtle enough to be part of the passion of the book.

THROUGH THE BARRICADES by Denise Deegan is by far my favourite book of 2016. Through the hypnotic characters of Maggie Gilligan and Danny Healy, not only do we get to see an important moment in Irish history come alive in front of our eyes, we also get to understand the harrowing life that so many lived back then, and the undeniable strength and spirit of those that changed the face of Ireland forever. But this is not just a history lesson. This is a story about love and friendship. I fell in love with Danny and Maggie's relationship as it evolved, with Maggie's fierce determination to make a difference and improve life for all those she encounters, while Danny literally places his life on the line to protect the woman he loves like no other. We follow them along their dangerous journey as they make new friendships and try to make a change for everyone's future, and we also get to see the effect this has on their families, watching on the sidelines. THROUGH THE BARRICADES by Denise Deegan does not shy away from the harrowing impact of war or death, and it certainly made me emotional at times, but it was the moments of pure love in this tale that really brought a tear to my eye. THROUGH THE BARRICADES by Denise Deegan 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 by Denise Deegan is nothing short of stunning and I know it is a book I will re-read for many years to come.

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author

"Through the Barricades" by author Denise Deegan is a terrific book of romantic historical fiction and I truly loved it!
I was grabbed from the very first page of this very powerful, emotional and gripping book. Set in Ireland between 1913-1916 and focusing on the Irish Revolution and the Easter Rising, the attention by the author to historical detail was second to none. The harrowing descriptions of life for the men on the beaches of Gallipoli and the violent deaths many men suffered had tears in my eyes.
The characters are are so strong willed and determined I could easily imagine the emotions and drive of the real life people they represented fighting for freedom in Ireland. I learnt a lot through the story about the troubles in Ireland during this time and thoroughly enjoyed how it was portrayed in the book whilst interweaving a lovely romantic story through it. It was a pleasure to read this book although emotional and harrowing at times and I will definitely one day re-read it.
I would happily recommend "Through the Barricades" and will be looking out by more books by this very accomplished writer!

Set against the turmoil of Irish life from 1913-1916, the Lockout, the First World War and the Easter Rising, Through the Barricades follows Maggie and Daniel as their sense of duty and honour threaten to tear them apart. This is a gorgeous romance, but also an insight into a complex time. Deegan captures the different viewpoints, a country divided, classes pitted against each other, with a careful and light hand. Each character brings their own opinions and views. Both fictional and historical figures leap off the page. It is refreshing to see 1916 portrayed through the eyes of ordinary Dubliners as well as the rebels.

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. A love story grounded in real history.

Denise Deegan is one of my favourite authors, one of those rare writers whose books I always look forward to. No-one writes characters as well as she does; her characters are warm, well-rounded, thoroughly researched and relatable. Through The Barricades is no different. Set at a time of great global upheaval, as well as a time of revolution in Ireland, her characters are strong, and conflicted, and ambitious, and as determined to find a way to be together as a reader would ever want them to be. Several weeks after reading it, Maggie and Daniel keep walking back into my mind. If you don't fall completely in love with both of them, as well as their families and friends, you had better get Maggie to check your pulse because you're probably dead.

I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review; and if I don't like a book, I won't review it.

Through the barricades by Denise Deegan.
Through the barricades is a stunningly written novel set in Ireland between 1913-1916 and it propels the reader into the Lockout and in later stages the Easter Rising. The story introduces us to a young lady named Maggie who is hoping to use her life to make a difference as her Father told her to do so before he died in a house fire after heroically saving all his family. Maggie is everything a young heroine should be independent, feisty and lippy though she too has a heart of gold and a talent for making up spiels! One day by chance Maggie meets a young fella Daniel and his pal Michael and though Maggie plants Michael with a punch Daniel is instantly stunned by her passion and energy.
Daniel makes it his business to seek her out and when he finally tracks the young lass down she challenges him to work at the soup kitchens with her believing that he will only last a few minutes. From there on begins a friendship like no other and Daniel though from an affluent family excels at everything Maggie throws at him! Daniels Father warns him not to become distracted but for Daniel it is too late for that as he is rather taken with the passionate and beautiful Maggie.
However, Maggie isn’t one to sit on her laurels and watch her country burn as she is determined to fight and Daniel wants to protect her. They both (together and separately) begin a journey of self-discovery, love and war when everything they hold dear is threatened. Not only are Maggie and Daniel paramount to this novel but the supporting characters are just as charming and relatable. You are reminded of the love and care neighbours had for one another and the true meaning of loyalty. Not wanting to give too much away the book is enthralling, riveting and heart wrenching at times.
Beautifully told giving you a real insight into the historical events of 1916 and with a true heart running through the novel it is one spectacular piece of writing. Reminding you of the sacrifices people made and how it affected our ancestors this is a book that will leave you with a new-found respect for the people of Ireland during the rising. I loved it and I have already asked Denise for a follow up and soon please!

History, historical fiction, romance, ... what a lively, lovely story. A page-Turner, a tear-jerked. I couldn't put it down. The main characters are Maggie, a passionate, poor Irish lass, with a heart of gold, and a will of iron; and Daniel Healy, from an upper class family, and no real knowledge of the outside world. Together they travel through Dublin, learning and growing. To say any more, would risk spoilers.
An excellent read.

Denise Deegan has been one of my favourite authors for a long time, having enjoyed all her young adult books as well as her commercial fiction ones.Whether you're a fan of historical books or just love a good story, Through the Barricades is a really brilliant read - one of her best, in my opinion. Powerful and emotional - you won't be able to put it down.

Irish and British history prevailed throughout the book. I could not stop reading. Minute to minute spellbinding action hooked me & I had to know what happened next. Great book that I was totally lost in; the best kind!

Through the Barricades had me captivated from the first chapter. I fell in love with the characters Maggie and Daniel and for what they both believed in. As a Dubliner, I loved being able to picture the streets and buildings around old Dublin and surrounding areas. I would highly recommend this book for anyone from young adults upwards. Another great book from Denise xxx

Despite the characters are not the most complex, this is a good written story about how the war, no matter if it seems fair, is not the right path, and how love can survive and change everything. I liked it and I recommend its reading

A completely gripping, heart-wrenching story set during Ireland's 1916 Rising. The characters (and of course the love story) had me bouncing up and down on my seat in apprehension and excitement. I felt what the characters felt, saw what the characters saw. Denise's storytelling abilities are phenomenal- I couldn't possibly find a bad word to say about the book.
Thank you for another fantastic story, Denise!