Shadows on Our Skin
Shadows on Our Skin by Jennifer Johnston, published by Penguin Books in 1991, is a poignant exploration of youth and the impact of conflict. This reprint edition spans 191 pages and is presented in English. The narrative centers on young Joe Logan, who grapples with the pressures of his father’s diminished heroism while navigating the turbulent landscape of Derry, where the specter of violence looms large.
Readers will find a story that delves into Joe’s internal struggles as he yearns for a life free from fear and turmoil. His friendship with Kathleen, a teacher, offers a glimpse of hope and understanding amidst the chaos. However, the return of his older brother Brendan, armed with secrets and a gun, brings the harsh realities of war crashing into Joe’s world, shattering his dreams and forcing him to confront the brutality surrounding him. This work of fiction captures the complexities of growing up in a time of conflict, reflecting on themes of companionship and the loss of innocence.
Official synopsis Publisher
At home in Derry young Joe Logan is tormented by the demands of his father, once a hero, now a weak and wasted man. At school Joe dreams away the days, waiting for better times to come. Times when the bullets cease and the nights are free from fear.
Befriended by Kathleen, a teacher at a nearby school, he finds a new companionship and understanding. Then Brendan, Joe’s older brother, returns home from London with a gun and a pocketful of secrets, and the brutality and ugliness of war close in on Joe, destroying his dreams for ever.
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