Using two school boys in Glasgow who come from different backgrounds, different schools, different parts of the city and are being herded by their (extended) families into continuing the status quo to examine these issues is a great idea. Good for teaching, but uses characters as vessels for opinions/conversations which jar with the narrative. I cannot dislike the book, which keeps so precise and true descriptions and thoughts about my favourite game - football. But, they become good friends, although they have different world outlook, they believe in different things, support different teams. Often this is based on misconceptions and, frankly, pure laziness in those who accept the soundbites and the status quo and don't look under the headlines.

Divided City - Reviews Theresa Breslin - Divided City - Reviews

Breslin’s book will grab a few headlines, and if it gets people thinking, especially young people, but just as importantly, adults, then it’s done some good. Also it was an interesting explanation of the sectarianism here in Glasgow, based largely around football. At first, I thought that Graham's character was too common, but then I realized that if it wasn't, Graham's evolution wouldn't seem so broad.So begins a compulsive contemporary novel, exploring traditional tensions between Protestants and Catholic football supporters plus the plight of asylum seekers adrift in the city. Images Donate icon An illustration of a heart shape Donate Ellipses icon An illustration of text ellipses.

Glasgow boys | Books | The Guardian Glasgow boys | Books | The Guardian

It also made me aware of just how far Glasgow and Scotland have come in integration of different peoples over the last 20 years. This resource has been created by the Citizens Theatre and is designed to be used in conjunction with a novel study of Divided City by Theresa Breslin (ISBN 978-0-552-55188-5). The novel is written for teenagers and adults concerning the problems of sectarianism in Glasgow and racism against asylum seekers. The incidental illustration of the usual parental restrictions on adolescent comings and goings do not expand the scope.If he could get into one of the tenements and through to the other side, there might be a way out across the backs.