While Dragging Our Hearts Behind Us: Cork, 1916-1923

Featured in The Year In Books: 2024 @ In The Hills. Praise for While Dragging Our Hearts Behind Us: Cork, 1916-1923 [icon name=”quote-left” prefix=”fas”] While Dragging Our Hearts Behind Us is a great story of hidden Irish history, just crying out to be told. Or, rather, a host of stories, some wildly incredible, some harrowing, some darkly funny – and all (mostly) true.There are at least three great historical thrillers that might be drawn from Boni Thompson’s reconstruction of mysterious exploits, treasonous events, and the creation of an Irish state. There is a dash of fiction, a dash of myth-making, and a solid, satisfying deal of good old Irish story-telling.A remarkable piece of historical research and recreation, it is the book that Cork and environs deserves in recognition of that area’s role in the struggle for independence. How the past becomes personal, and one man’s history and stories can become emblematic of the creation of the new nation.A hugely satisfying, informative, and gripping read.— John McRae