Clair Wills is Professor of Irish Literature at Queen Mary, University of London. Previous publications include That Neutral Island: A History of Ireland during the Second World War (2007) and Dublin 1916: The Siege of the GPO (2009).
'Sharp and illuminating ... [Wills'] study is deeply impressive in the scope of its learning and the range of its sympathies.' Sunday Business Post 'A fine study of an absorbing subject.' Irish Mail on Sunday '... Wills has written a thoughtful, open-minded and lucid book that shows that the 'great silence' which enveloped commentary on the Irish language in independent Ireland often characterized the emigrant experience too. One of the most moving and beautiful aspects of this compelling narrative is Wills's account of her own mother and of her attempts to negotiate for her family between two exacting cultures. She succeeded magnificently - and one outcome is this valuable and necessary book.' Breac