The Case of the Disappearing Double
This magical book is a step back in time in all the best possible ways. Dublin 1912 is meticulously researched with the life of the old city perfectly captured by the author and yet the story of young Tim, Joe and Deirdre is pacy and compelling.
The story begins with Deidre and Tim seeing an inexplicable vision of their friend Joe on a beach in Dublin. The problem is Joe should be in Limerick – it can’t possibly be him. From this start point the story rolls along and the mystery unfurls. The obvious research of the period is worn lightly, but authentically, in the text. Famous locations around Dublin such as Seapoint, Great Western Square, St Stephen’s Green and of course the Martello Tower are brought to life in all their Joycean glory (albeit set at a slightly later period).
But the book also explores darker subjects. Orphanages and a sadistic Christian Brother named Walsh, are a significant theme in the story, along with complex family dynamics for the period and financial corruption are also touched upon. However, the author also recognises that not all members of religious orders were bad and some were compassionate people. The story and dialogue whip along at a nice rate making for a lovely exciting narrative which is centred around friendship, family and children having to mature beyond their years set against the complicated social factors of the Ireland of 1912.
A very attractively produced work of fiction.
