Shadows on Our Skin cover art

Shadows on Our Skin

A Novel

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About this listen

Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize: In the midst of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, a young schoolboy struggles to escape the destruction storming around him

Inside his home in Derry, Joe Logan's life is ruled by his tormented father; outside, by the tension and violence of the Troubles. Sometimes his father makes him run errands despite the nearby reports of gunfire. Other times his mother, afraid to be alone with her volatile and war-wounded husband, confines Joe to the home. A bright and sensitive young man, Joe finds solace and freedom in writing - a pursuit encouraged by Kathleen Doherty, a young teacher at a nearby school whom he meets and befriends. In Kathleen, Joe has found a friend who understands him, makes him laugh, and allows him to forget his burdens for a time. But everything changes when his brother, Brendan, arrives home from London, newly energized to join the raging fray, and cavalierly bringing the war straight into their home.

©1977 Jennifer Johnston (P)2014 Audible Inc. Coming of Age Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction War
All stars
Most relevant
I remember the film way back in the 80s ...It had a massive impact on my life. I remember having so much sympathy for Kathleen, even though religion at the time taught me not to. Joe's betrayal was difficult but understandable given Brendans character....I loved it and it took me back to the dark times, where children's age found happiness the strangest places. Also lovely narration by John keating.

Memories from my school years

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Humanity warts, warmth and all. Unbelievable lucky to have this author included in Audible membership.

Wonderful 3/3 or 15/15

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Thought provoking as you wander through a world of hate and love through the eyes of a child.

Haunting

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Brilliant.
Binge listened in a day.
Brilliant narration.
A really must listen.
I was gripped from the very start to the end.
Love the accents.

A really beautiful audiobook. Outstanding. Long chapters but a great story. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟5 stars easy.

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Moving story great characters great narration. You get a real sense of family life at such a dark time in Ireland

Impactful

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