Letterbox is strong, powerful, emotive. A harrowing novel about the 1996 Manchester IRA bombing – what a haunting tale and heartbreaking insight into the lives of those, responsible for the bombings and of those, who by their very being had no choice but to be implicated in it… their lives will never be the same…
At approximately 09.00 hrs on the 15th June 1996, an unassuming white lorry was parked on Corporation Street in the city centre of Manchester, England; It contained over 3000 pounds of high explosive.
At 11.15 hrs the same day, Manchester witnessed the detonation of the largest device on the British mainland since the Second World War … The Irish Republican Army claimed responsibility for the attack.
Based around actual events, LETTERBOX tells the story of Liam Connor, an ordinary boy brought up in Manchester by a seemingly ordinary family. He goes to the local school, loves football and has a best friend called Sean … an ordinary life.
Unbeknown to Liam, his father, Michael Connor, harbours a dark historic secret and follows a life less ordinary … as a furtive yet high ranking soldier within the IRA.
As a result of extraordinary circumstances, Liam’s innocent and carefree world is shattered when he is exposed to the truth about his family’s heritage and then learns about the tragic death of his father at the hands of the SAS.
Consumed with both hate and the need to seek retribution, Liam is taken to Ireland where he is intensively trained to become a highly skilled and efficient soldier within the Irish Republican Army … He is 16 years old.
Some years later, following the drug-induced death of his beloved sister, Liam is given the opportunity to exact his revenge on those he believed should truly be blamed for the tragedies in his life … The British Government.
Thus, on the 15th June 1996, it was Liam’s responsibility to drive the bomb-laden lorry into the unsuspecting city of Manchester and let the voice of the IRA be clearly heard … And listened to…
What Readers Say…
“Fabulously ‘real’ novel, strong characters brought to life and chillingly authentic as it weaves a story based on facts around the Manchester bombing – as a Mancunian, I found this particularly compelling.”
“I loved this book, it is a well-written story told from all angles, growing up in Manchester & being in the city on the day this book brought lots of t memories flooding back. I couldn’t put it down, now I’m desperate to know what happened to Liam.”
“A skilled storyteller who makes his novel to be read with enthusiasm. This book has a lot to understand the history and activity of the IRA. A combination of good writing, human values, a happy glimpse of childish memories and deep knowledge of history. You’ll keep eagerly turning the pages!”
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Published: Dec. 2011
Pages: 268
Publisher: MJD Publishing
ISBN: 978-0957263901 (paperback)
ASIN: B006PIW0AO (kindle)
Sample Chapters
Intrigued by ‘Letterbox’? Click here to read the first chapters
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