Terence De Vere White (1912–1994)

Entertaining and competently written novel featuring a precocious nine-year-old, Brian of well off family, who finds himself led astray in his perception of the world because of the tendency of his elders not to speak openly of events in his hearing. Hence, "prenez garde de l'enfant", and a reversion to French if family and elders want to speak outside the range of the nevertheless inquisitive and spirited Brian.
The action takes place over a few months leading up to the 22 November 1920 outbreak of shootings and killing in the Irish Insurrection in Dublin. Despite the censoring of the boy by his elders, the fearful atmosphere is too great and poor Brian succumbs to terror of Black and Tan raiders,and remorse at his innocent actions while all the while treasuring a romantic crush on his fabulous governess, Miss Morris.
This is a witty funny personal re-creation of perilous times by a talented writer, Well worth the reading.… (more)