In the 1970s, Belfast saw some of the darkest days of the Troubles, and many families throughout the North became desperate to escape the worsening violence and political situation. Inspired by the travels of their merchant seaman father, Colin O'Carroll's family hatched an escape plan. Leaving behind family and friends, they caught the GBP10 boat to Australia in search of a better life. "Belfast Boomerang" is the story of Colin and his family, from their remarkable journey to the other side of the world - complete with crazed sailors, whale sightings, and gangs of kids rampaging around the decks - to the dramatic culture shock of arriving in Australia and their gradual adjustment to a life of crocodiles, snakes and surf. But the O'Carrolls never forgot their Irish roots and stirred by a growing homesickness and his mother's stories of family back in Ireland, Colin dreams of going back. When he does, he finds that coming 'home' is not as easy as he had imagined.
Funny, evocative and thoughtful, "Belfast Boomerang" is a memoir that celebrates adventure, love and family, a bittersweet story that follows one family's journey to the other side of the world - and back again - as it tries to answer the question, 'Where do I belong?'
- ISBN10 0856408379
- ISBN13 9780856408373
- Publish Date January 2010
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Colourpoint Creative Ltd
- Imprint Blackstaff Press Ltd
- Format Paperback
- Pages 304
- Language English