Redeem the Lines

“As a middle-aged man born and living in Ireland. I can attest that the story line, with fascinating detail about Nate and Patrick, almost mirrors in reverse the journey of many Irishmen to the USA. Mike Murphy tells a gripping story of underworld situations as well as life in rural and urban Ireland in the 1990s. Reading some of the sections took me back to bars and nightclubs I visited and historical family situations I experienced. The story is descriptive and superbly crafted and provides honest backdrops for a changing and historical period in transatlantic travel and the situations people faced to try build a better life and livelihood.”

—Niall Cull, CEO, DLR Leisure, Dublin, Ireland

“Redeem the Lines is an eye opening and inspiring read. The friendship of Patrick and Nate occurs during a time of troubled cultural lines in 1990s Boston. Through Patrick and Nate’s differences, their souls bond and show how human relationships can grow through conflict resolution and open minds.”

—Chenoa Maxwell, founder, Live Limitlessly

“Michael Murphy has expanded the saga of Patrick and Nate from the neighborhoods of Boston to the far reaches of Connemara, Ireland. Their exploits are at times bleak, often darkly humorous, and always compelling. Redemption comes in different ways, and Murphy weaves a complex tale of old loyalties challenged in a more modern world.”

—Christopher Murray, Boston Attorney

“Redeem the Lines is an engaging sequel to Neighborhood Lines, the story of Nate and Patrick, two young men coming of age in a city with strong racial and economic boundaries. As they transition into adulthood, the excitement doesn’t slow down on this thrilling ride through the inner city of Boston.”

—Cornell Mills, Boston, Massachusetts

“Redeem the Lines is a compelling story and a must-read. It tells the story of two young men from working class backgrounds whose lives intertwine over the years. The battle to overcome their inner demons is a war against themselves. Reading Murphy’s book has left me reflecting about my own existence and about Dublin in the 80s.”

—Colm Pierce, photographer, Dublin, Ireland

“Nate and Patrick, the lead characters in this story, have pushed me to think about what I truly stand for, as well as what I have come to tolerate in my world. Michael Patrick Murphy couldn’t have written such an insightful tale had it not been for his own personal transformation. Growing up Irish Catholic, I recall Father Sean Walsh as the only clergy member who didn’t threaten me with damnation for my sins. He told me that redemption was a power to change for the better that I could find inside myself. After reading Redeem the Lines, it dawned on me that the more things change, they do not have to stay the same. As such, I have befriended the characters in this story, and they inspire me to be the change that I truly want to see in the world. The colorful people and riveting events make this book hard to put down. Pick it up—there may very well be something inside of this story that is meant for you.”

—James McPartland, founder, Access Performance International

“I am part of a family that participated in the METCO program, and I can attest that this is a riveting story that reveals that friendships can be forged despite being from different neighborhoods during the desegregated 1990s Boston. Murphy perfectly captures Patrick and Nate’s challenges in their respective worlds as they both struggle to do what’s right for their city, their families, and themselves.”

—Fred Forsgard, thespian, Boston, Massachusetts