The O’Brien Press

New edition of the well-loved children's book by Sam McBratney. A young boy fostered with a remote Irish tribe 1500 years ago becomes involved with local feuds, with the ideas of the wandering Christian missionary, and with his beloved Frann - the Chieftain's daughter. A strong story told in simple language which brings you back to Irish tribal times.

Sam McBratney sums up his post-war childhood as short trousers, Fair Isle jumper, the 11 plus and grammar school. He taught at a secondary school himself for a while and was a primary school teacher.

Sam wrote many books for children and young adults, published internationally, and is probably best-known for Guess How Much I Love You. In 1993 he won a BISTO Award for Put a Saddle on the Pig, published by Methuen, and also received the Bass Ireland Arts Prize. He died in 2020.

Powerful ... subtly conveyed sense of time and place

Robert Dunbar

One of the best and most perceptive writers for young people

The Guardian

A complex and moving story

The Irish Times

The characters are so real that even when you put the book down, you find yourself still living in the fifth century.

Woman's Way

Sam McBratney brings the fifth century vividly and startlingly to life.

The School Librarian

One of the 'Top ten Irish books from cradle to college, recommended by Celia Keenan

Sunday Business Post