A Star Called Henry (Roddy Doyle)

If you believe soldiers fight for their country, or for the vision of their leaders, this is the book to challenge your assumptions. Set in the revolutionary times in early 20th century Ireland, this book charts the rise of Henry Smart from son of a one-legged whore's messenger to a leader in the republican army. The occasional heroism of Henry and his comrades is contrasted with the cynicism and power-grabbing of leaders who are determined the new state will transfer power from the English to them. Henry's pragmatic approach is self-serving and brutal, but he demands sympathy - his life was destined to turn out this way. This book challenges British and Irish views on the Uprising and the subsequent battles. History is written by the victors - perhaps some history must be invented by the authors.