Illegal alien romance?

[valarltd]

Am currently working on a piece between a computer programmer and an aging IRA explosives expert. Our Fenian is in the US illegally, working and making a life. He has killed, including innocents caught in the explosions, and feels little remorse. It was 20 years ago and more, in another life and a different country.

Is there going to be a problem making him sympathetic?

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Comments

[vashtan.livejournal.com]

If you're talking Britons (non-Irish), then even making a bomber who feels remorse sympathetic is going to be pretty much impossible. I have it on good authority that Fiona of "Burn Notice" was widely loathed in the UK (ex-Ireland), and she wouldn't kill children - ever.

Imagine the response if you replaced IRA with a-Qaida and that's pretty much the British perspective.

I'm not saying it's immoral, I'm just saying this requires a shitload of skill and a very balanced and real view on how things were, and you are touching collective memories and nightmares - which an author touches at his/her own peril. After a quick poll of some Brits I know, they basically would simply not read it because those cultural memories run deep.

[valarltd.livejournal.com]

Writers always poke the sore spots. And none of my stuff is for everyone.

I'll do my best on the balance, but it is from Joe's point of view and he stands by the idea he was fighting for his homeland.