Rainbows of the Moon

Impending tragedy and a sad waste pervades this very tense and very masculine read about two boys from opposing sides of the troubles in Ireland, both squabbling over their religious and idealogical differences as they dispute the ownership of a model boat they found simultaneously by a lake. Unbeknown to them, the adults are also playing games; British soldiers and the IRA are similarly battling for possession, but they're more interested in its top secret cargo. The complex situation in Ireland refuses simplification so McCaughren's exploration deserves high commendation for its intelligence, compassion and even-handedness.