All the Past We Leave Behind

Inspired by the true story of an Irish immigrant, a violent past, a lost love, and the American Dream . . .

This poignant and poetic novel retells the journey of a young man, John “Whitey” O’Brien, who is forced to flee his homeland of Ireland after his involvement in a bloody confrontation between Irish revolutionary forces and the English military.

Inspired by family legacy, James O’Brien explores in rich detail one person’s pursuit of the American Dream during the early 20th century. This simple yet challenging tale traces Whitey’s struggles with faith and fate as well as love and violence as he attempts to reconcile his past with his future.

Whitey must choose between two paths, each with the promise of a new life. But can he leave his past behind? Or will it forever haunt him and determine his future?