As a writer, Dowd appears to be incapable of a jarring phrase or a lazy metaphor. Her sentences sing, each note resonates with an urgent humanity of the sort that cannot be faked

The work of an outstanding writer

A captivating first love affair, a hilarious red herring and profound truths about politics and family add up to a novel set to win awards in the coming year

An unflinchingly honest and brave novel

Only two months in, and I may have already found my favourite book of the year. Siobhan Dowd's Bog Child is an astonishing read and the kind of book that holds you in a trance

Dowd creates a complex world of death, morality, fear, the longong for a united republic, for freedom

A harrowing story of choice and obligation, peace and politics

5 out of 5 stars

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.