This detailed and wonderfully written historical novel by Joe Murphy is based on the momentous events of the 1798 rebellion, a key period in Ireland's tumultuous past. Capturing both the personal and national stories unravelling during the summer of 1798, this novel is an ode to the heroism and tragedy of that time.
The summer of 1798. Against all odds, against all hope, a tiny county fights the British Empire to a standstill. Two brothers, Dan and Tom Banville, find their comfortable rural existence ravaged as Ireland tips inevitably towards war. As the whispers and nods in the pubs and fields explode into all-out Rebellion, the Banville brothers find themselves thrust to the forefront of the revolution. Even as they fight the might of the British empire, more sinister battles must be fought within their own ranks as they struggle against the bigotry and indecision that will challenge the very foundations of the Rebellion. As Loyalists and United Irishmen drift ever further apart, Dan and Tom must fight to free Ireland and themselves - or lose everything.
Tomorrow The Barrow We'll Cross is an epic, swashbuckling tale of the romance and hatred, heroism and barbarity of those tragic weeks in the summer of 1798. But over the roar of battle, this is a story about love. Love of family. Love of place. Love of people.
About the author: Joe Murphy was born in 1979 in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, where he lived for nineteen years before dying. Then he got better. He was educated in Enniscorthy VEC from where he went on to study English in UCD. After undertaking a Masters in Early Modern Drama, he went on to qualify as a secondary school teacher. His job is teaching. You wouldn't believe the stories. He has had poetry published in an anthology of Enniscorthy writers. 1798 is his first novel.
ISBN: 9781907593260
Product Reviews
annieO
February 22, 2012, 12:43 pm
Great read.I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it gives a real sense of the tense atmosphere of the time. Recommended if you like historical fiction.
4babies
February 22, 2012, 12:42 pm
Good read. Bought this for my son for Christmas and although he is not much of a reader, he is really enjoying it.
Drogheda Independent
February 22, 2012, 12:41 pm
'1798 - Tomorrow The Barrow We'll Cross by Joe Murphy proved a big Christmas hit...'
Wexford Echo
February 22, 2012, 12:32 pm
'The immediate reaction is: This man must be listened to. This huge creation for a first novel is the author’s own painstaking work. In the avalanche of literature on the 1790’s it is unprecedented.'
Beginners Pluck - Irish Examiner
February 22, 2012, 12:29 pm
The Verdict: This novel brings alive an important part of Ireland’s past.
Lisad, goodreads.com
February 22, 2012, 12:29 pm
'This is an enthralling and page turning novel from author Joe Murphy which will both entertain and inform. Brilliantly researched and movingly written it is the story of two Wexford brothers; Dan and Tom Banville who despite their different political views become involved with the United Irishmen and the rebellion of 1798. The book shines with historically accurate description and authentic dialogue but the real strength of the novel is in the careful crafting of a gut wrenching and page turning story filled with characters that you will come to love. The story is told from a number of viewpoints; the idealistic Dan, the realistic Tom and the courageous Elizabeth and it also examines the impact of the rebellion on all levels of society. At 423 pages it is not a light read but it is unputdownable, whether you have an interest in history or simply enjoy a good tale well told.'
Wexford People
February 22, 2012, 12:23 pm
'...a cracking good read...the fiction is carefully and consistently overlaid upon a base of facts...'
Books Ireland
February 22, 2012, 12:20 pm
'Although rich in period detail and sticking close to actual events, the novel is first and foremost an adventure story with romance, betrayal and tragedy the key ingredients.'
Chris Burke
December 22, 2011, 19:41 pm
From the moment I picked up the book to read I could not put it down one of the very best historical novels I have ever had the pleasure to read and I am a big fan of C.J. Sansom.
