[.ca] Exit Unicorns (ISBN 075966661X)

Powerful and visceral - the panultimate historical novel:
Cindy Brandner's "Exit Unicorns" is one of very few books I care to read a second time -- in this case, over and over again. Her characters are precisely drawn -- strong, decisive, passionate -- and through their very strength and passion, used as pawns by those for whom Ireland's "troubles" are a smokescreen for another agenda. The magnificently contrasting language -- rich and colorful for the wealthy Jamie, stark and spare for the renegade Casey -- is the first indicator of endless clashes, clashes of values, desires, ambitions, responsibilities. Visceral and provocative, Brandner's story plumbs the depths of anger, despair and loss. Dark shadows of political intrigue blur the lines between friend and foe, turn a blind eye to murder and rape. Even romance can be used to further "the cause." Written from the poverty-stricken Catholic side of the conflict, the "other than official" version of history is placed in our grasp. The thousand year long machinations of a cruel, stubborn and stupid British governmental policy in regard to Ireland is clearly revealed as the real reason behind the bloodshed. This is an important book, as a novel, as history, and as a much-needed means of shaping the world's conscience in relation to Ireland.

Enter "Exit Unicorns" and You'll Never Want to Leave:
I read Exit Unicorns and as each page turned I knew I was that much closer to the end, but I hoped that somehow it wouldn't end. Thankfully the author has continued the story and I anxiously await the second book 'Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears." I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation of the history of Ireland and the cause of the Irish people through the eyes of the characters. I enjoyed this type of 'history lesson' rather than reading ad nauseam a book of facts and details of a cause or historical event. The author brought the events to life with such vivid description of the characters actions and reactions, their emotions and their thoughts along with descriptions of the towns and homes. I could picture myself there with Jamie in his mansion, or with Casey, Pat and Pamela in the tiny house, or in the streets or pubs of Ireland. In my opinion, the mark of a great writer is one who creates a story that as I read I forget my surroundings, the time and noises. I suppose I got lost inside the pages of the book and found myself in the lives of the characters. Their lives were filled with love, storytelling, adventure, change and pain and there was nowhere else I wanted to be. Exit Unicorns is worthy of many readings and there are details to discover and love on a re-read. I think these details, little gems that I missed before, make the book new again and more exciting when I want to be with the characters again. I hope others enjoy it as much and as thoroughly as I have and I eagerly await the continuation of the story.

An Historical Romance for the Intelligent Reader:
A gift from a friend, I found myself reading "Exit Unicorns" more and more slowly to make it last. An excellent novel recounting the background of the civil strife in Northern Ireland, it brings the reality of the hatred and discord home to the 1960's in the person of Casey Riordan, a young Catholic man whose forebears have died for Ireland one after another, generation after generation. Casey expects to die himself, soon, as a young man, another freedom fighter burnt on the pyre of Republicanism. How love and odd friendships shape his path make for a fascinating, epic book. I hope that "Exit Unicorns" is the beginning of a great series.

A fantastic surprise for me.:
I acquired this book almost by accident, and have thanked my lucky shamrock for that fortunate chance ever since! Ms. Brandner has written a book that deserves reading - and re-reading. I was not altogether aware of the situation in Ireland and had little to base any opinion on. This wonderful book opens the eyes of the reader while educating as well. Not only does it introduce one to well defined, unforgettable characters, but it also leaves me thinking and wondering about the past, present, and future of the Emerald Isle. Here is the readers' chance to be entertained and enlightened at the same time. Review the situation in mid-century Ireland while following the tour-guides of believable characters. The book deserves much more attention.

A deftly woven novel of human growth and change:
Cindy Brandner's Exit Unicorns is a complex novel set in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1968. Pamela, Jamie, and Casey are three people from very different backgrounds, but each is touched by personal tragedy and the violent times of the "troubles" that scarred Belfast. Three lives destined to collide, two men and a woman who each share different attachments to home and to country. Exit Unicorns is a dramatic and deftly woven novel of human growth and change, and of the soul of Ireland itself. Here is a riveting read filled with the politics of conflict, the drama of the human condition, the depth of character, and the story of mid-twentieth century Northern Ireland struggling from freedom and peace amidst the rubble of armed conflict and the politics of terrorism and suppression.