When We Were Boys: A Novel (1890)

When We Were Boys: A Novel is a literary work by William O'Brien, published in 1890. The novel is a coming-of-age story that follows the lives of two young boys, Jack and Denis, as they grow up in Ireland during the late 1800s. The story is set against the backdrop of the Irish Land War, which was a period of conflict between Irish farmers and British landlords over land ownership and tenancy rights.The novel begins with Jack and Denis as young boys, living in a small village in rural Ireland. They spend their days playing together and dreaming of the adventures they will have when they grow up. As they get older, their lives become more complicated. Jack's family is struggling to make ends meet, while Denis's family is more affluent. Despite their differences, the two boys remain close friends.As the Irish Land War intensifies, the boys become more aware of the political and social issues that are affecting their community. Jack's family is evicted from their home, and Denis's family becomes embroiled in a dispute with their tenants. The boys begin to question the fairness of the system and the role of the British government in Ireland.As they enter adolescence, Jack and Denis begin to drift apart. Jack becomes involved in the Irish nationalist movement, while Denis becomes more interested in his own personal success. The novel follows their separate paths as they navigate the complexities of adulthood and the changing political landscape of Ireland.Overall, When We Were Boys: A Novel is a powerful exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the struggle for justice in a time of great upheaval. Through the eyes of two young boys, the novel provides a vivid and compelling portrait of a pivotal moment in Irish history.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.