Days Without End by Sebastian Barry presents and promotes the adult theme of the love relationship between a male homosexual couple against the backdrop of the Civil War in America. Sebastian Barry is a good writer but I do not feel that my child’s English class is the place to be promoting particular sexual agendas..Days Without End also highlights and actively promotes the theme of Cross Dressing and Trans-Genderism and makes constant reference to lust and sexual longings. It also contains a good deal of offensive language and extreme descriptions of gore and cruelty, with no obvious redeeming theme.
Verdict: This is an adult book and is NOT suitable reading material for our kids who are still teenagers. I feel that there are many more themes which could be taught and explored in English class. Sexual themes are everywhere already -the media is saturated with this. Our young people need to think about more than just sex!
(James S. Co.Monaghan),Father of 2 teenage sons,1 daughter.)
Verdict: Sebastian Barry’s Days Without End is not a suitable text for secondary school. While I am not against informing our young people about homosexuality, cross-dressing etc, I do not want it to be promoted to my child in English class.
(John M. Co.Dublin)