A long long way

INNOCENCE AND ORDEAL IN WORLD WAR I, WRITTEN WITH POETIC GRACE. Against the backdrop of one of the most important and painful chapters in human history, World War I, Barry created a stark novel about human maturation through death, hunger, cold, and, above all, fear of the unknown. The combatants portrayed in the book, like millions of others, knew virtually nothing about the conflict. The protagonist, Willie Dune, for example, knew nothing. Unlike most works on the subject, A Long, Long Way offers the unique perspective of the Irish, who were fighting for their independence—if they helped England, they would be free. As one of the captains described it: "You are fighting to obtain a sure and indisputable certificate of Ireland's freedom and of her existence as an independent, proud, and loyal nation." Written in Sebastian Barry's beautiful, characteristic prose, A Long Long Way evokes the camaraderie and humor of Willie and his regiment, the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, but also the cruelty and sadness of war, and the divided loyalties many Irish soldiers felt. "A deeply moving story of courage and fidelity." (J.M. Coetzee)