Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published Sep 2008
336 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publication Information
Digging for peat in the mountain with his Uncle Tally, Fergus finds the body of a child, and it looks like she’s been murdered. As Fergus tries to make sense of the mad world around him—his brother on hunger-strike in prison, his growing feelings for Cora, his parents arguing over the Troubles, and him in it up to the neck, blackmailed into acting as courier to God knows what—a little voice comes to him in his dreams, and the mystery of the bog child unfurls.
Bog Child is an astonishing novel exploring the sacrifices made in the name of peace, and the unflinching strength of the human spirit.
"Starred Review. A sense of doom, perfectly captured, and images of sacrifice hang over the well-developed characters, making this a painful and moving read." - Kirkus Reviews.
"Starred Review. This compelling read is lyrically written and contains authentic dialogue and challenging and involving moral issues. It's a first, and a must-have purchase." - School Library Journal. Grades 9+.
"Starred Review. A strong story that is rich in language, setting, and theme." - Booklist.
"Starred Review. Dowd raises questions about moral choices within a compelling plot that is full of surprises." - Publishers Weekly.
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Photo © 2006 Geoff Morgan
Siobhan Dowd (pronouced Sh-vawn) was named one of the "top 100 Irish-Americans" for her global anti-censorship work with the writers' organization PEN America. Dowd also co-founded the English PEN's readers and writers program, which brings authors into underprivileged schools, prisons young offender institutions and community projects.
Her first book for young readers, A Swift Pure Cry, was shortlisted for the Guardian Fiction Prize and the BookTrust Teenage Prize. She is also the author of The London Eye Mystery (2007), and the Bog Child (2008).
Siobhan died on August 21, 2007, at the age of 47. She had been receiving treatment for advanced breast cancer for 3 years and, according to her website, "did not go gentle into that good night."
Before she died she set up the ...
... Full Biography
Link to Siobhan Dowd's Website
Name Pronunciation
Siobhan Dowd: Sh-vawn
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