Childrens Books

First published in Irish under the title GAFA, this novel was a 1996 National Oireachtas Literary Award winner. This English language version, translated by the writer, was published by him in 1999.

As the title suggests the book is a stark, uncompromising picture of the descent of seventeen-year-old teenager, Alan, into the world of hard drugs and gang warfare. He moves stupidly and smugly through a miasma of clubs and night spots, cut off from his family and self-destructing in the company of his friend, Cillian, who is an even greater victim.

Alan's family's reactions are woven into the narrative in a masterly way. Sandra, his mother, is a particularly moving figure. Through her eyes we get a heart- rending description of the self-deception that envelopes herself and Brendan, her husband, until she is obliged to face up to the vicious cynicism of the world in which her son is trapped. Her courage reaps its own reward and she finds a degree of hope for the future. Depressing to think that not many parents can make similar claims as they bury their ruined children.

This is a book that both parents and teenagers should read and discuss, especially parents who are not all that sure about what their offspring are up to when they say that they are just "going out to meet their mates".

Age group: 16

By Ré Ó'Laighléis.

Móinín, €7.81  

Tony Hickey