Silver's City (novel) facts for kids
2017 Turnpike Books edition
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| Author | Maurice Leitch |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Novel |
| Publisher | Secker & Warburg, London |
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Publication date
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1981 |
| Pages | 180 |
| Awards | Whitbread Novel of the Year Award |
| ISBN | 0-436-244136 |
| LC Class | PR6062.E46 S57 1995 |
| Preceded by | Stamping Ground |
| Followed by | Chinese Whispers |
Silver's City is a novel written by Maurice Leitch, an author from Northern Ireland. This book won the 1981 Whitbread Book Award for the best novel of the year. When it was re-released in 2017 by Turnpike Books, his publisher called it the start of "Northern noir." This style, also known as Ulster noir, is a type of crime fiction similar to the popular Scandinavian "Nordic noir" stories.
About the Book
Silver's City was published in September 1981. This was during a difficult time in Northern Ireland known as the Troubles. This period saw a lot of conflict and division. The book brought a new, real feeling to stories about Northern Ireland. It looked closely at the problems faced by people who wanted Northern Ireland to stay part of the United Kingdom, known as Ulster loyalists. The story takes place during a time of violence and bombings. It is seen as one of the most important fictional books about the Troubles.
When the book was re-released in 2017, Daniel Magennis wrote about it. He said Silver's City is a thrilling and well-written story. It explores how people feel disconnected from their own home. It also shows the damaging effects of violence that seems to happen for no clear reason. Magennis described the city in the book as a place where violence is a part of everything. It's like a sad stage for the pointless conflict that was a big part of the Troubles.
The Story
The story of Silver's City takes place in Belfast. The city is caught in a harsh, undeclared war. At the same time, two men are fighting their own bitter battle. Ned Galloway is a tough person who is paid to do dangerous jobs. He has taken 'Silver' Steele, a well-known Loyalist hero who is usually in jail. Steele is famous for firing the first shot of the Troubles.
Galloway's goal is to show who really has power in the city's war-torn streets. Galloway thinks his skills can give him a kind of freedom. But Steele, who has left his jail cell for what seems like freedom, finds he no longer understands the city he once fought for. As they move towards a final showdown, everyone who believes they are in control finds out they are dangerously wrong.
From Book to Radio
In 1995, a new paperback version of Silver's City was released. In the same year, Maurice Leitch turned his book into a play for BBC Radio 4. It was part of their "Monday Play" series, which featured more intense dramas. Brian Cox played the role of Silver Steele. The actor Freddie Boardley played Ned Gallagher. James Nesbitt was Billy Bonner, and Clare Cathcart played the main female character, Nan.
