Contemporary
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Dublin, 1970s and 80s.
Lizzy and Rocky are in their late teens and live in Dublin’s inner city. Both possessing superb musical talent, they've at last formed an emerging rock band in their mother's memory. It was their mother, after all, who drove their musical ambition as she was a professional entertainer. Unfortunately, they lost her, at a crucial time, through breast cancer. They're determined to make it musically in part due to her.
Their newly bereaved father doesn't agree. An obstinate military man, Pipe Sergeant Jim Rockingham suddenly dictates the break-up of the band and the immediate enlistment of the boys in the army. While they think he is being cold and callous for its own sake, he is in fact under enormous pressure to repay years of insidious patronage provided by a dangerous local politician who now has ideas for Rocky. Ideas that involve using Rocky as a spy to infiltrate the local VIP Military - Diplomatic Bar & Restaurant. However, when Piper Jim is provided with the name of a young officer for 'elimination', he panics and tries to wash his hands of his involvement. Easier said than done for the heavily compromised Pipe Sergeant. Rocky, having innocently befriended the targeted young officer, overhears the elimination plot. His father pleads with him to keep the plot to himself in case they both become potential targets.
But what is the true price of an abject failure to help a friend and military colleague in danger?
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
Exciting book that has a great Dublin inner city atmosphere. Great memories of the 70's Rock and Roll scene. The brotheres face a traumatic period in their life due to the actions of a corrupt father who seems determined to wreck their succesful Band. What is wrong with him? The story takes us to war torn South Lebanon, Israel and Cadiz in Spain. Very enjoyable and action packed. The musical backdrop brought back many happy memories of bands like Think Lizzy and Fleetwood Mac.
As as 1960 army brat myself this book triggered childhood memories of Athlone, the Army, the great music of the 70's and 80's, and the "phone in the hall. Yet Liam also gives us a strong matriarchal mother in the character of Maria, a modern styled mixed race family, love interest and a terrifying sub-plot of "sleveenism and begrudgery which exposes an ugly and dangerous political underbelly. Maria's boys, two dubs, Rocky and Lizzy, are the central characters and are lovingly and sympathetically styled by the author to produced a wonderfully enjoyable read while treating us to trips to Lebanon, Spain and London leaving the reader with a feeling of hope and courage. Exciting page turner.
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