Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday is a novel by Irish author Colum McCann that explores the effects of the Troubles on a young boy and his family. It is praised for its imaginative storytelling and fine prose, and for its poignant portrayal of the human cost of conflict.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2024
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Exceptional storytelling and exquisite prose elevate Remembrance Sunday to the realm of the great literary giants. The Irish Times praises McKeon's imaginative narrative, describing him as a supreme storyteller. The Sunday Times further acclaims him as a master of his craft, while the Irish Independent declares that this novel is a must-read for fans of Colum McCann's work. The Daily Mail lauds the book as beautifully written, and the Sunday Independent praises its poignant and delicately composed nature, which doesn't shy away from depicting the wreckage of violence.

Remembrance Sunday, the acclaimed novel by Simon Hanlon, delves into the depths of human emotions and explores the profound impact of history. After a chance encounter with an old friend, Simon experiences a seizure, marking the beginning of a series of seizures that haunt him. As he awaits a brain operation, Simon reflects on his childhood on a farm near the Irish border. At fifteen, he witnessed the devastating effects of an IRA bomb explosion at the Remembrance Sunday parade in Enniskillen, which inadvertently triggered the onset of his seizures.

Driven by a desire to confront his past and understand the reasons behind acts of harm, Simon embarks on a quest to find the bomber who caused so much destruction. Through his memories and the fragments of his past, he unravels the intricate web of relationships and events that shaped his life. Remembrance Sunday is a poignant and unforgettable novel that delves into the themes of love, empathy, and the enduring legacy of history.

McKeon's masterful storytelling brings the characters to life, evoking a range of emotions and creating a deeply felt connection with the reader. The novel seamlessly weaves together the forensic details of the Troubles with the lyrical and meditative aspects of memory and introspection. Kevin Power praises McKeon's skill in animating a story out of the North's recent history, while Claire Kilroy describes Remembrance Sunday as a timely evocation of the havoc wreaked by the Troubles.

Beautifully wrought, startlingly perceptive, stealthily gripping, Remembrance Sunday is a remarkable achievement that moves masterfully between the forensic and the lyrical, the meditative and the dramatic, the personal and the political. It challenges the commonplace and attempts to make sense of the senseless, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

In conclusion, Remembrance Sunday is a profound and captivating novel that showcases the exceptional talent of Simon Hanlon. Through his masterful storytelling and exquisite prose, McKeon invites readers to explore the complexities of human emotions, the impact of history, and the enduring power of empathy. This unforgettable book is a testament to the power of literature to illuminate the human experience and inspire introspection.

Weight: 204g
Dimension: 198 x 128 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241996799