Those Who Trespass Against UsToni O'Keeffe
4 1/2 stars (out of 5)
Legal systems often struggle to protect the masses at the cost of the individuals. While it is often very disturbing, Those Who Trespass Against Us, by Toni O'Keeffe, chronicles the life of one orphan at a time when the Irish government was essentially ignoring orphans. His life story, told through a very well written novel, will capture readers' hearts and minds from the very first page. Walter O'Keeffe, the author's father, and the main character of the novel, is hard not to fall in love with. The reader will feel an instant attachment to his childish speech and often crude behavior. For exactly this reason, the horrific conditions "Wattie" and his brothers are subjected to are particularly heart wrenching. Readers will want to keep reading simply to see if his life will ever improve. And it does. Slowly, through optimism and determination, Wattie struggles to improve his life, if only little by a little. It is this prevailing hope which makes the novel the touching memoir that it is. Those Who Trespass Against Us is an engaging but disturbing portrait of the life of Ireland's forgotten children. Toni O'Keeffe provides insight into what it means to be neglected and will enrich the perspectives of any reader.
1. Do you think Wattie's attitude was responsible for improving his life? How so?
2. Why do you think the Irish government chose to turn a blind eye to the treatment of children at residential schools such at Greenmont?
1. Do you think Wattie's attitude was responsible for improving his life? How so?
2. Why do you think the Irish government chose to turn a blind eye to the treatment of children at residential schools such at Greenmont?
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