Download PDFTaking Sides by Brian Gallagher is a thought-provoking novel exploring a nation being torn apart. The story, set in Dublin, is captured around Annie Reilly, a passionate young lady who has working-class origins. Reilly appears in the top performers’ list to win a scholarship to go to Eccles Street School to study.
Although nervous to start at the new school, Annie has support from her loving Ma and Da. They both are very happy with their daughter’s brilliance and made it a priority to support her with all of her school needs. They would also support her in her dreams of being a teacher one day. Because of that, Da had to work extra hours for the government as a driver for ministers.
I must talk about Peter Scanlon, a 14-year-old rugby player from Belvedere College, Dublin. Their paths intersect through their mutual friends Susie and her twin brother, Tommy. The twin brother is part of the rugby team with Peter at Belvedere College.
The novel explores themes and elements such as social division, betrayal and wars. The war, also known as the Anglo-Irish War, takes part between the Irish and the British. The war happened because Ireland wanted freedom from British rule.
Peter was very much interested in the war and wanted independence. He kept it a secret from his family and friends, asking his teacher to be a messenger for the rebels. They were a group of people who wanted and fought for independence from Britain, believing that Ireland should have self-determination and manage its affairs.
Peter asks Annie to lie and give him an alibi by saying they were together when the police ask about his whereabouts. The police suspect he might be someone who fights against the government, and Annie does indeed lie to cover him, risking her life and scholarship opportunities. Things get worse when Annie is kidnapped by the rebels who try to force her father to work against the government, siding with the rebels.
Peter is horrified to find out about Annie being kidnapped and must decide whether to prioritise his views about the war and being with the rebels – who were also involved in kidnapping his friend or loyalty in taking Annie out of the situation. Annie must save her father from being killed.
The story is about making tough choices during a time of war, loyalty, friendship, and family support.
This article is an opinion piece submitted on 07 February 2025. The views expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect those of Karibu! Online or Khanya College. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
