Give Them Unquiet Dreams

In 1976, fourteen-year-old Aiden wants to free his mother from McCall's, a psychiatric institute outside of Boston. He's certain she's not schizophrenic because he also sees ghosts. His grandpa, whose spirit visits at night, tells him he must rescue his mom from "that shower of savages" at the hospital. "Like you, she has second sight. Your grandmother's ma also had the gift. She was demonized, and we can't let that happen to your mother.” Aiden enlists the help of his nana's old-lady friends, his brother Martin, and a cat named Arthur. Aiden has the foresight to know that everything will turn out okay, even though bad things may happen. Nana's advice that life demands we "keep calm and carry on" propels him as he is challenged by tragedies, unexpected twists of fate, and the spirit world.

A Brilliant, Hauntingly Beautiful Story Rooted in Love, Loss, and Second Sight

I truly loved Give Them Unquiet Dreams by James Mulhern—a powerful, emotionally rich novel that weaves themes of coming-of-age, spirituality, and the unseen forces that quietly guide us through life. Set in a gritty blue-collar Boston neighborhood, this is more than just a story of one boy’s growth; it’s a poetic exploration of the Irish Catholic spirit, wrapped in both suffering and unwavering love.

At its center is Aiden, a young boy gifted (and burdened) with the “second sight,” who navigates life’s hardest truths with guidance from his grandfather’s spirit and the enduring wisdom of his beloved Nana—“keep calm and carry on.” Their voices echo through the book as Aiden grapples with mental illness, family pride, and the powerful ties that hold generations together. His brother Martin’s loyal reassurance, “I will always have your back, you remember that,” becomes a grounding force in a world teetering between tragedy and grace.

Mulhern captures the heart of a Boston Irish Catholic family with authenticity and reverence. There’s a profound beauty in how the novel explores the line between mental illness and mental brilliance, between dreams and reality. The Irish sensibility—at once morbid and mystical—shines through, revealing that perhaps this gift of “second sight” is simply the Irish way of seeing possibility in the impossible.

One of the most moving insights from Aiden’s grandfather sums it all up: “All time happens at once. No true division between past and future, rather a single existence.” It’s this timelessness that makes the novel feel sacred, as if we’re reading not just about Aiden’s life, but our own dreams and ancestors as well.

A remarkable story, Give Them Unquiet Dreams is a testament to faith, family, and the quiet resilience that keeps our roots strong, even in the face of sorrow. For anyone who has ever longed for deeper meaning in life—or for a message from beyond—this book offers both.

They never leave us - beautiful story of family, great love brings great loss. And they are only in the next room. Believe.

Loved the stories of each relationship, the ups and downs of life , the writer made you get to know each character with detail descriptions of every interactions. It will make you laugh , cry and wonder about the world beyond our physical life. Bring a sense of peace that we will meet our love ones again. The ending was so beautiful, I listen to twice. Great book!