Movingly written, this is a sad but not a dismal story, given Shell's resilient personality and the support she gets from a generous-hearted priest. This debut novel is a fine and memorable achievement: it never sells its characters short and always stays close to what was thought to have happened at the time

In a densely woven tapestry of poetic language, sensations, and childhood experience, Dowd's characters stumble through life, bewildered and bereaved, reviving feelings and emotions that are most usually pushed into the back recesses of the mind

It's a beautifully written, lyrical story

This story is told with the innocence and naivety of a young girl and leaves the reader to feel the true emotion behind it. This story will have you hooked; you will go through the usual emotions a well-written book should stir up - laughter, sadness, anger, and compassion

A superb first novel, beautifully written, deeply moving and full of heartbreak. Siobhan Dowd writes without judgement but with enormous sympathy and understanding

A compelling story, well told . . . It is compulsive reading

A very human account to make readers weep yet also rejoice at the support she gains from her younger brother and sister

It heaves with memories of another lifetime, like a family album. This is, above all, an affectionate novel . . . it should be read by anyone who is or ever was a teenager

A dramatic and poignant tale from a sadly missed talent

Bog Child is a beautiful novel offering a unique insight in to Irish history

Fergus is an appealling hero, and the entwined secrecy of borders, soldiers, volunteers, smugglers, and families are interestingly used

With plenty of humour, surprising twists and almost audible dialogue, Dowd uggles expertly and sensitively with this compelling, entertaining book, which is a recommended read for teenage and adult readers

Dowd's lightness of touch allows humour and poignancy to shine through

This is a wonderful book

It is a book we would all do well to read, teenager and adult alike

Despite it's heavy themes it's a book brimming with passion, humour and hope

Bog Child is beautifully written, with rarely a word written out of place . . . A fascinating read for older teens and adults alike

Often funny, sometimes shocking; just as you think you can guess what's coming next the plot unfurls more surprises. This book spills over with compassion and hope

With plenty of humour and surprising twists it's a compelling, entertaining book for teens and adults

New and challenging book full of mystery and shadows . . . Both terrifying and fascinating from the start, Bog Child is a must-read

Clegg is committed to unravelling the complexities of human nature.

Through distinctive and instantly recognisable characters, this novel finds beauty in pain, grief and regret.

A true beauty of a novel.

Clegg writes with warmth and a deep understanding of grief.

Wonderful narrative of chance, grief, and the ways we feed on and nourish each other.

Fabulous.

Told its heart-breaking tale with tenderness and verve.

A work full of secrets, shame and scandal.

A story of what can be found when so much has been snatched away.

A meditation on enduring the unendurable… This is a wonderful and deeply moving novel.

A beautiful, heart-rending novel of quiet, understated tragedy… Sensitive and insightful, heart-breaking and hopeful… [A] tender, wise and hopeful novel.