Publisher Description

I want to be part of it, thought Michael. I want to be part of the song, part of the story.Listening to tales of old Ireland on a West Cork farm and fighting his corner in the school playground, a little fella with a fierce sense of injustice and an equally fierce temper vows to fight for Irish independence.'I'd rather have a living brother than a brother who goes down in the history books as a hero, a dead hero!' says Hannie Collins. But headstrong as ever, young Michael leaves his job in London and returns to Ireland to fight in the 1916 Rising. Later, he creates a spy ring of ordinary people, in a Dublin where nothing is quite what it seems.This is the story of Michael Collins – brave hero and determined leader, loyal friend and dangerous enemy. He loved life. In the summer of1922 he was full of plans for his own future and for that of his country. But history had other plans for Michael.

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I want to be part of it, thought Michael. I want to be part of the song, part of the story. Listening to tales of old Ireland on a West Cork farm and fighting his corner in the school playground, a little fella with a fierce sense of injustice and an equally fierce temper vows to fight for Irish independence. 'I'd rather have a living brother than a brother who goes down in the history books as a hero, a dead hero!' says Hannie Collins. But headstrong as ever, young Michael leaves his job in London and returns to Ireland to fight in the 1916 Rising. Later, he creates a spy ring of ordinary people, in a Dublin where nothing is quite what it seems. This is the story of Michael Collins - brave hero and determined leader, loyal friend and dangerous enemy. He loved life. In the summer of1922 he was full of plans for his own future and for that of his country. But history had other plans for Michael.

Author Biography

Eithne Massey has had a lifelong attachment to the legends and traditions of her native Ireland. Her best-selling books of Irish myths and legends for children include what is fast becoming a classic picture book, Best-Loved Irish Legends, and of a number of novels for young readers, among them the award-winning Blood Brother, Swan Sister, with its backdrop of the Battle of Clontarf, and the skilful story of the man behind the rebel leader in Michael Collins: Hero and Rebel. Her other books include Legendary Ireland: Myths and Legends of Ireland and The Turning of the Year.

Review

rewarding … the narrative and the dialogue especially gives us unfettered access to the mind of one of our greatest heroes  -- Irish Examiner
action-packed reading … Massey treads a careful line between opposing political views. While not overcomplicating the narrative, she succeeds in presenting a personal portrait of a charismatic leader, without glorifying his military triumphs or making a martyr of him in death  -- Evening Echo
Written with the fluid, flowing style of a strong storyteller and well-grounded in historical fact, this is the story of Michael Collins. Beyond the concepts we carry of him as a brave, loyal and determined leader, friend and freedom-fighter, he is presented as a real person. There is a sense of his personality; the way he thinks and feels; who he really was underneath the hero status he has gained over the years since his life and death. The times which he lived through are presented with unerring accuracy and detail, giving a texture and reality to the story and grabs the reader, flinging them into history … Expertly crafted, thoroughly fascinating and incisively genuine -- Fallen Star Stories
From a boisterous Cork childhood to radicalisation, rebellion, becoming part of a new establishment and the assassination that rocked the country, Michael Collins lived a fascinating and challenging life. It's tricky to provide interiority to fictionalised versions of real people, but Massey skillfully weaves known details about Collins's personal life into the sweeping historical narrative, helping to humanise and contextualise his strong beliefs and dynamic relationships. A deft, entertaining and accessible retelling of the life of one of Ireland's most dominant figures. * Children's Books Ireland *
From schooldays to his assassination, the life of one of Cork's most famous figures in the struggle for independence is chronicled in Eithne Massey's new children's biography… Painting a personal picture of Collins' schooldays in West Cork and the influences that led him to get involved in the Easter Rising and War of Independence, Massey leads young readers through the complex events surrounding truce and treaty, culminating in the Civil War and Collins' death * The Holly Bough *
Eithne Massey's latest novel invites you to explore one of the most pivotal periods in Irish history and one of its most significant figures. Michael Collins - Hero and Rebel is a historical fiction novel which focuses on the life of the 'Big Fella' himself. From his early childhood in Cork, we see how Michael is driven to fight against unfairness and the injustices he witnesses. We as readers get to explore the key moments that shaped Michael Collins' life: from becoming a freedom fighter and politician, to commander-in-chief of the Free State Army. The timeline of the story covers The Easter Rising, The War of Independence and The Irish Civil War from Michael's perspective. We also get a glimpse of other important historical events and figures throughout the story. Michael Collins - Hero and Rebel would be a perfect novel to accompany the teaching of these topics in Irish history, especially in senior classes. Recommended for readers ages 10+ * InTouch Magazine, Gary Troy *
For any burgeoning history buffs * Sunday Independent *
The adventures of the Cork hero are brought to vivid life in this lively tale for younger readers. From listening to tales of old Ireland on a West Cork farm and fighting his corner in the school playground, the little boy with a fierce sense of injustice and an equally fierce temper grows up to lead the fight for Irish independence * Irish Examiner *

Review Quote

rewarding ... the narrative and the dialogue especially gives us unfettered access to the mind of one of our greatest heroes

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