These links show the original reading lists. Inclusion is not a guarantee of suitability for your child.
Sue Divin - Author
A relationship story becomes a way to examine how inherited political, religious and family divisions shape young people’s choices. The book presents reconciliation as fragile, requiring listening, risk and engagement rather than simple agreement.
Aidan and Iona’s relationship crosses Catholic/Irish/Republican and Protestant/British identities, while their families carry different connections to conflict.FavourableFavourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.Favourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.
How the book presents it: The book clearly presents listening, empathy and courageous engagement across difference as valuable possibilities, while describing reconciliation as fragile.
Talk about: Does the story allow both characters to retain meaningful identities while building trust, and what compromises does it ask them to consider?
The past in post-conflict life
Set in Derry in 2016, the novel follows characters whose parents’ histories and affiliations continue to affect their present choices.Exploratory / explanatoryExploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.Exploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.
How the book presents it: The story appears to explore how conflict continues to shape ordinary relationships after formal peace, rather than treating the past as finished.
Talk about: How does the book show the difference between remembering conflict and being defined by it?
Secrecy and trust
Aidan and Iona are attracted to one another while keeping significant family histories from each other.AmbiguousAmbiguous: the book leaves its position open to more than one reasonable reading.Ambiguous: the book leaves its position open to more than one reasonable reading.
How the book presents it: The book leaves its stance open to more than one reading.
Talk about: If the characters reveal their family histories, does the story suggest that honesty changes their understanding of one another?
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Why It May Be Worth Reading
It may prompt thoughtful discussion about identity, sectarianism and the lingering effects of conflict, while following two characters whose connection challenges assumptions about people on the other side of a divide.
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What Deserves Attention
The book includes a brutal sectarian attack, bereavement, absent or politically connected parents, guns in family histories, secrecy and a romance shaped by religious and national division. Consider whether these subjects suit your reader now.
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A Conversation Worth Having
How does the story distinguish personal responsibility from inherited identity? You might ask whether Aidan and Iona can understand one another without hiding difficult family histories, and what the ending suggests about hope.
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Reading Approach
Read alongside the young person rather than presenting reconciliation as easy. Pause after the attack and when family loyalties emerge; invite their interpretation, acknowledge uncertainty, and let them decide which issues need further conversation.
Confidence & Basis
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
What remains unconfirmed
Reconciliation across inherited divisions: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
The past in post-conflict life: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Secrecy and trust: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
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