Poolbeg Press (Hands On History series, 2014)
Paperback: ISBN 13 978-1781999738
Three countries – three revolutions – three children caught up in the struggle for freedom.
Boston 1770s: All Jack wants is to stay out of trouble – but when the fighting breaks out, he knows he’ll need to pick a side.
Paris 1790s: Catherine is thrilled by the Revolution and the promise of a better future for all. But terror will soon take over the city.
Wexford 1798: Robert’s brothers tell him he’s too young to take part in the Rising, but he’s determined to prove them wrong.
Liberty can be won – but there’s always a price to be paid.
"...a cleverly themed and structured work of historical fiction... In each [story] we are in the late 18th century, with geographical settings moving from Boston to Paris to Wexford. In these locations various young people find themselves embroiled in the revolutionary movements of the time, helping in the process to sow the seeds of a new age. Their participation in their respective conflicts is neither trivialised nor glamorised."(Robert Dunbar, The Irish Times)
"...chronicles three battles for independence in France, America and Ireland. Aimed mainly at the tourist and schools markets, these books will also interest children with a love of history or adventure."(Sarah Webb, Irish Independent)
"An exciting trilogy of historical uprisings, as told from the perspective of three young people. Relatable and deromanticizing, it certainly put me off staging a coup."(Cethan Leahy, blog review)
"Amongst tea parties, guillotines and uprisings, these brave young people discover what liberty really means and the price that must be paid. Claire Hennessy brings important events of the past to life in an exciting, frightening, and very moving way."(Brian McManus, CBI Recommended Reads 2014)
"Claire Hennessy is passionate about the eighteenth century, and it shows... The diary form lends itself to an economical writing style, but Hennessy manages to convey a wealth of information about events as they unfold, and also to immerse the reader in details about how people lived - the clothes they wore, the food they ate, how they were educated and the social expectations of different classes, ages and genders. Hennessy wears her learning lightly, and though historically informative these tales are above all story-driven. Seeds of Liberty... is highly recommended for the target audience of 9+, and would be extremely useful for any reader engaged in the Junior Cycle History curriculum."(Amanda Bell, Inis magazine)
"While this book has a lot of information about life in the eighteenth century, it also tells three very memorable and engaging stories.The protagonists (Jack, Catherine and Robert) are likeable and strong, and their curiosity about the turbulent times in which they live makes this historical period very accessible for readers. Their accounts capture the excitement and danger of the changes happening around them, while often being very moving. This is an educational and enjoyable read, one that makes history vivid for the reader. Derry Dillon’s illustration for the cover is bright and eye-catching, and highlights the dramatic events in the book. Highly recommended for history buffs aged 10+."(Jenny Duffy, The books, the art and me)