Red Hugh: The Kidnap of Hugh O'Donnell

Hugh O'Donnell is only fifteen years old when he is taken hostage by agents of the English government. He is held for over four years in Dublin Castle before making a daring escape. In Red Hugh, Deborah Lisson has written an enthralling tale told against the backdrop of Irish-English relations during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. It is a true adventure story about a real character, known as 'Red Hugh' because of his fiery red hair. In 1587, Red Hugh was kidnapped and held as a hostage for his father, the chieftain of the powerful O'Donnell clan. After an amazing escape, he was recaptured, but in spite of being tortured he refused to divulge the whereabouts of his fellow escapees. After another daring escape, Hugh returned home to face his destiny - as the prophesied 'High King of all Ireland'. Deborah Lisson's fascinating account of a tumultuous period in Irish history is still relevant today.