We Play Here

We Play Here is a verse novel that explores the political turmoil of North Belfast in the late 80s through the perspectives of four female friends. It depicts an eerie, elemental landscape of normalized violence, poverty, and neglect and offers a radical approach to girlhood and girl-friendships.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2023
Publisher: Granta Publications Ltd

In the late 1980s, four female friends navigate the tumultuous political landscape of North Belfast in this extraordinary and evocative verse novel. We Play Here is a compilation of four poem-stories set in an underdeveloped area of Protestant North Belfast in the summer of 1988, amidst the backdrop of political unrest during the Troubles. Crafted from the perspectives of four female friends in the months bridging primary school and high school, the girls inhabit an eerie, elemental landscape characterized by normalized violence, poverty, and neglect. This is a lyrical and graceful portrayal of working-class childhood, as well as a radical exploration of girlhood and girl-friendships, in the years preceding the stark manifestations of gender identity.

The girls, aged 10 to 11, are the main characters in the story. They live in a deprived area of North Belfast and are surrounded by poverty, violence, and neglect. Despite the difficult circumstances, the girls are determined to make the most of their lives and have a strong sense of camaraderie and support for each other.

One of the key themes of the novel is the impact of political violence on the lives of the characters. The girls witness firsthand the effects of paramilitary groups and the British Army on their community, and the violence and trauma that it causes. The girls also struggle with their own personal demons and fears, including the fear of being abandoned or rejected by their friends or family.

Despite the challenges they face, the girls are determined to stay positive and hopeful for the future. They find solace in each other's company and in their love of music, poetry, and art. They also have a strong sense of community and pride in their heritage and culture, which helps them to overcome the obstacles they face.

The novel is written in a poetic and evocative style, using vivid imagery and sensory details to bring the characters and their experiences to life. The language is simple and accessible, making it easy for readers to connect with the characters and their struggles.

Overall, We Play Here is a powerful and moving novel that offers a unique perspective on the lives of young girls growing up in a troubled community. It is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit and the power of friendship and community to overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

Weight: 144g
Dimension: 197 x 130 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915051066