Divided City

The opening scene could belong to any city, with a young man left bleeding on a pavement. The setting is Glasgow, though, in May, when the Orange Walks mark the start of the marching season and tensions rise across the city. Graham would rather stay out of it. His main concern is kicking a ball around with Joe, the friend he has only recently made. Then he sees a brutal act of violence, and suddenly both boys are pulled into the conflict.

The story brings them into contact with Catholics and Protestants alike, along with a young Muslim asylum seeker and his girlfriend. Old grudges and deep-rooted fears surface on every side. Graham and Joe must work out their own responses and decide what kind of future they want in a city split by religion, background and history.

The novel is written by Theresa Breslin, a Scottish author, and is aimed at teen readers.