About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with the heavy emotional toll of a family member being far from home, whether due to military service, displacement, or personal choice. It is particularly resonant for those exploring their own family's history of immigration or for a child who feels like an outsider in their own community. Set in the Irish slums of Civil War-era Washington, D.C., the story follows Mairhe as she navigates poverty, the loss of her mother, and the terrifying uncertainty of her brother being away at war. The narrative is deeply lyrical and dreamlike, focusing more on Mairhe's internal landscape and her resilience than on battlefront action. While it addresses the harsh realities of historical poverty and the violence of war, it does so through a sophisticated, almost poetic lens. This makes it a powerful choice for sensitive readers aged 12 to 16 who prefer character-driven stories and are ready to discuss how national crises affect the intimate bonds of a family.
