17 Martin Street

A web of secrets can risk lives …

When Hetty's family move to Martin Street near Portobello bridge in Dublin, they're not sure of their welcome. And next door, Ben's family are not sure about their new Jewish neighbours: it's The Emergency and they are suspicious of strangers.

But for Ben, the chance to earn a few pence is too great and secretly he does odd jobs for them. And there's a bigger secret: Renata, a World War Two refugee, is on the run in the city. Hetty is determined to rescue her.

The web of secrets begins to unravel and there are lives at risk. Can Hetty and Ben overcome their differences and save Renata, or are they just meddling in things they know too little about?



'The period detail and sense of place is lovingly recreated . . . utterly authentic'



'a brilliant addition to this award-winning author's study of the great Jewish catastrophe, the Holocaust, seen through the realities of life in Ireland'



'a thrilling read for kids aged 10-plus'



'Marilyn Taylor has made good use of her own Irish-Jewish insight producing a novel to make teenage readers stop and think about Irish attitudes towards the Holocaust, to Jews and to modern newcomers to this country.'



'Taylor deftly weaves a tale of misunderstandings, secrets, anxiety and mistaken identity . . .evokes the period with carefully chosen detail.'



'Unflinchingly honest but radiating a belief in basic human decency, [Marilyn Taylor's books] make for an illuminating read for adults and kids alike.'



'It is an engaging, historically accurate tale which is set only a few streets away from the Liberties.'



'will enhance any World War II historical fiction collection'



'historically accurate and moving story.'



'In its treatment of the threat of deportation and ethnic loyalty and prejudice, it touches in a gentle humane way on themes that are still very relevant today.'



'an interesting library book for sixth class … excellent historical notes’



'written with style and realism'



'definitely recommended for all History students'