Published Books
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When Hugh succeeds Hugh ... the last Hugh shall be high king of all Ireland and drive all the foreigners out. This was the destiny prophesied for one of Ireland's greatest heroes: young Hugh Roe O'Donnell, known as 'Red Hugh' because of his fiery red hair. In 1587, a few weeks before his fifteenth birthday, Red Hugh was kidnapped by agents of the English government and held in Dublin Castle as hostage for his father, the chieftain of the powerful O'Donnell clan. It was over four years before he managed to escape ... www.obrien.ie First published 1998 by Thomas C. Lothian Pty Ltd REVIEWS Deborah Lisson first comes to the fore with her brilliant, semi-historical novel, The Devil's Own. The power of her writing and impeccable choice of words is evidenced again in Red Hugh. It is a gripping novel based on research which she carried out in Ireland with a grant from the Western Australian Department of the Arts. The book contains numerous maps, family trees and a comprehensive guide to Irish Pronunciation. Perhaps a glossary to meanings would help readers. The tale is set in the wilds of Ireland where Red Hugh is a potential danger to Queen Elizabeth's soldiers and the power of the occupying army. When Red is captured he is imprisoned in a dank, dismal Dublin Castle which is controlled by Elizabeth's Constable. Red's torment and torture is told in graphic detail. With the aid of friends he escapes but eventually is recaptured and imprisoned in more atrocious conditions. This is a story of escape told in stark language and with frightening detail. It is important to realise that much is based on Lisson's careful research. I do not intend to spoil the story by revealing the outcome of Red's horrific experiences. Although there are times when names and places may cause some difficulty, careful reading and reference to notes make this effort will worth while. Red Hugh is a brilliant historical novel. Laurie Copping for Reading Time: Volume 43 No.1. February 1999 |
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Winner
of the 1998 Western Australian Premier's Award for Young Adult Literature.
