All the Walls of Belfast

by Sarah Carlson
All the Walls of Belfast cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Young Adult (YA)
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 9971
  • Added: 2026-01-05
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781684422548
  • Publisher: Turner Publishing Company
  • Published: 2019-03-12
  • Reviews: 3

Set against the backdrop of a divided Belfast, 'All the Walls of Belfast' tells the story of Fiona and Danny, two seventeen-year-olds from opposing communities. Fiona, who moved to the United States as a child, returns to her hometown and meets Danny, a local boy. Their shared love for music and dreams of a better future bring them together, but the shadows of their parents' pasts loom large. As they navigate their relationship, they must decide between their aspirations and the people they want to be. The novel explores themes of identity, reconciliation, and the enduring impact of conflict on young lives. /n/n The story is a powerful exploration of love and conflict, set in a city still grappling with its past. Fiona and Danny's journey is one of self-discovery and the struggle to break free from the chains of history. Their love story is intertwined with the broader narrative of Belfast's journey towards peace and unity. The novel's vivid setting and compelling characters make it a must-read for fans of contemporary young adult fiction.

Reviews
Utopia - State of Mind · 2020-02-28
intriguing 4.00

The dual perspectives of Fiona and Danny highlight both the differences and similarities in their family lives. The novel effectively captures the complexities of their experiences in Belfast.

This reviewer appreciated the dual POV structure, which allows readers to see how Fiona and Danny's lives intersect and diverge. The novel does a great job of showing the nuances of family dynamics in a divided city. They found the exploration of Belfast's political and social landscape particularly compelling, as it adds depth to the characters' personal stories. The book's ability to balance historical context with personal narratives makes it a rich and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    All the Walls of Belfast is a dual POV story and we are able to see how different, and similar, family is for both Fiona and Danny.

    Throughout the novel, the author does a great job of capturing the complexities of life in Belfast.

    The dynamics between the characters are well-developed and add layers to the story.

Schoolhouse Stories · 2019-07-18
thought-provoking 4.25

This book is a great choice for young adult and adult book clubs. The author's willingness to engage with readers adds value.

They thought this novel would be an excellent pick for book clubs, especially those interested in historical fiction and contemporary issues. The author's offer to Skype or meet with book clubs is a fantastic way to enhance the reading experience. They appreciated how the novel tackles complex themes like identity, family, and political conflict in a way that is accessible and thought-provoking. The reviewer found the characters' journeys both relatable and inspiring, making it a great discussion starter.

Quick quotes

    This is a great book for young adult and adult book clubs.

    Sarah is willing to Skype or meet with young adult and adult book clubs.

    The novel tackles complex themes like identity, family, and political conflict in a way that is accessible and thought-provoking.

Angie-Ville · 2019-03-15
moving 4.50

The novel's beauty lies in its unflinching details and meticulous storytelling. It offers a raw and authentic portrayal of Belfast.

This reviewer was struck by the novel's unvarnished portrayal of Belfast. They found the extreme beauty of the story hidden in the loving yet unflinching details. The meticulous storytelling and vivid descriptions of the city's culture and history add a layer of authenticity that makes the narrative compelling. They appreciated how the author balances the harsh realities of the Troubles with the personal stories of the characters, creating a powerful and moving read.

Quick quotes

    There is nothing glossy about this tale. Rather, its extreme beauty is tucked away in every loving, yet unflinching detail.

    This novel showed me a different side of this culture. There are still strong feelings about the Troubles.

    The meticulous storytelling and vivid descriptions of the city's culture and history add a layer of authenticity.

Appears in Lists