On the Run
by William Shaw
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Pub Date May 22 2023 | Archive Date Sep 23 2023
Kilkenney Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles
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Description
Weeks after his father, Terence, is jailed in Maze Prison, Tim Connolly arrives in New York to stay with relatives. Bridget, his mother, believes her seventeen-year-old son will be safer with an ocean between him and the Troubles. Tim is not safe, however. Resented by his American uncle and bullied and beaten at school, he becomes sullen, withdrawn, and desperately homesick. But when a gym class exercise on the school track reveals his remarkable speed, the track coach recruits Tim for the team. Running becomes Tim’s obsession. With every success he gains confidence and courage. Tim’s success, however, infuriates his enemies, whose plots against him grow increasingly violent. Meanwhile, his father’s hunger strike, and his mother’s controversial women’s anti-H-Block crusade, weigh heavily on Tim. As he trains for the 1983 National AAU 800-Meter Championship, Tim is unprepared for the series of shocking events that will occur on race day.
A Note From the Publisher
eBook (ASIN: B0C5L223K8)
Advance Praise
"A Must Read: History Mixed with Great Storytelling." Nerdection Book Reviews
"On the Run combines the classic tropes of historical fiction with the ones we usually see in sports fiction. This combination is exhilarating and a very good combination that works quite well and adds drama, strong characterization, and a great understanding of what makes storytelling tick.
"First of all, the historical element of Ireland in the early 80s, with a strong political undertone, is a nice touch since it contrasts with the many different struggles that Tim has to deal with in the early stages of the book. A key element in storytelling is setting up the status quo and author William Shaw does a very solid job in that regard, giving us the readers a very good understanding of who our characters are and the place they are in.
"In that regard, it is easy to root for Tim Connolly as a protagonist. He is young and thrown into a lot of different circumstances that are not his fault, which constantly pushes him to struggle, endure, and find ways to survive, whether it's physically, mentally, or emotionally."
_______________________
"An absorbing work of historical fiction that satisfyingly educates, illuminates, and entertains."
- Kirkus Reviews
"Based on historical events, Shaw's novel presents an absorbing and unique narrative that explores familial struggles against a backdrop of violent political unrest. The author's prose is delicate and descriptive, and the story is leisurely paced and appealingly atmospheric, with sharply drawn characters readers will remember."
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"Gripping, historically immersive, engaging characters and tale."
--Barry Monahan
"This novel is rich in details that draw a fascinating world in which its story unfolds. It moves with a relentless engaging pace, as do its compelling characters who get caught in, or are motivated into, actions and eventualities with profound consequences. Its narrative spans generations of Irish and Irish-American relatives whose personal interactions and efforts play out against the wider political backdrop of Ireland's struggle for independence. It draws its world with a visual power that not only summons immediate images for those familiar with the Irish country and landscapes, but which also invokes those vistas with such clarity that I'd be amazed if this novel were not adapted for screen. The book will satisfy anyone with an interest in Ireland's history, characters, or politics, and it will confirm the depth of the Irishness of the soul of every reader! Confidently recommended!"
Marketing Plan
Goodreads and Amazon ads, bookstore signings, public readings.
Goodreads and Amazon ads, bookstore signings, public readings.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9798218168797 |
| PRICE | $10.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 266 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Laura F, Book Trade Professional
This was a fantastic read. It felt very well researched and somehow managed to be a rather hopeful tale despite the very dark and distressing subject matter such as torture/child abuse and terrorism.
Tim was a great character and very believable as a young lad trying to make the best out of an awful situation and I loved spunky Gina!
Would definitely recommend, especially to anyone with an interest in Irish history and the Troubles.
Reviewer 554257
On the Run by William Shaw has to be in the running for best drama this year.
The backdrop to this story is the history of the 'Troubles' in Northern Ireland, when families were torn apart and paramilitary groups were confronting British soldiers.
What follows is a great story of love, families, strong women, courageous fighters, Catholicism, and Maze Prison.
An independent review for NetGalley / Kilkenney Press
Gill K, Reviewer
What a rollercoaster of a read which spans over decades and country’s.
Very poignant around the 80’s and the hunger strike. Innocent men caught up in a horrendous time being out in jail with hard line prisoners who had committed such atrocities.
Then a son who was sent to America and the hatred he escaped from to a different kind of hatred.
Very well written
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