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Books matching: northern ireland conflict

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  1. #1

    Making Sense Of The Troubles by David McKittrick
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    'Making Sense Of The Troubles' by David McKittrick is a comprehensive and unbiased narrative of the conflict in Northern Ireland. The book delves into the history, players, larger issues, and timelines of the Troubles, providing a thorough understanding of the complexities involved. The writing style is described as well-structured, precise, and informative, making it an essential reference for those looking to grasp the nuances of the conflict.

    The book covers over 30 years of history related to the conflict, offering a broad overview rather than a deep dive into specific events or personalities. Despite the vast amount of information, the authors manage to present it in an easy-to-follow and engaging manner, making it accessible even to those new to the topic. Readers appreciate the balanced and unbiased approach taken by the author, as well as the inclusion of a historic timeline and supportive tables that enhance the understanding of the Troubles.

    The Orange Order, a Protestant organisation viewed by Catholics as bigoted and anti-Catholic but regarded by most Protestants as an important guardian of their heritage, held an important place in pol...

  2. The Troubles: Ireland's Ordeal 1966-1996 and the Search for Peace by Tim Pat Coogan is a detailed examination of the Northern Ireland conflict, covering its origins, major events, and the quest for peace culminating in the Good Friday Agreement. The book doesn't shy away from the painful realities of the violence, with Coogan drawing on primary sources and personal testimonies to illustrate the deep divisions between the nationalist Catholic and unionist Protestant communities.

    Coogan's writing style is journalistic yet thorough, combining his expansive knowledge of Irish history with a candid perspective on the conflict. He openly acknowledges his nationalist inclinations, aiming to present a balanced view while providing intricate details about the various factions involved. Some readers may find the depth of detail challenging, but his clear narrative helps to track the progression of events and offers insights into the complexities of the Troubles.

    This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or th...

  3. "Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland" by Patrick Radden Keefe delves into the complexities of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, focusing on the abduction and murder of Jean McConville, a mother of ten, by the IRA. Through personal histories and oral accounts, the book weaves a narrative of violence, betrayal, and trauma, shedding light on the impact of the conflict on both victims and perpetrators. Keefe's writing style is described as engaging, immersive, and well-researched, providing a comprehensive overview of the Troubles and the key figures involved, such as Gerry Adams, Dolours Price, and Brendan Hughes.

    Jean McConville was thirty-eight when she disappeared, and she had spent nearly half her life either pregnant or recovering from childbirth. She brought fourteen children to term and lost four of them...

  4. #4

    Rebel Hearts: Journeys Within the IRA's Soul by Kevin Toolis
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    'Rebel Hearts: Journeys Within the IRA's Soul' by Kevin Toolis is a well-written and fast-paced exploration of the Republican movement during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. The book delves into the motivations of IRA members, the historical context of the conflict, and the personal stories of individuals involved. Toolis combines storytelling, interviews, and historical accounts to provide a comprehensive look at the human side of the conflict, shedding light on the suffering, motivations, and actions of those involved.

    The book is structured around chapters dedicated to different aspects of the Republican movement, such as Defenders, Brothers, Informers, and Martyrs. Toolis weaves together narratives of key events with analysis of their causes and effects on the individuals involved. Through personal anecdotes, historical insights, and interviews with IRA members and their families, the author paints a vivid picture of the complex and emotional landscape of The Troubles.

    It was an overcast Sunday morning in January and the Irish Republican Army was waiting at the end of the lane. The victim, a man in his fifties, left noon Mass a few minutes early to avoid the crowd o...

  5. #5

    Voices From The Grave by Ed Moloney
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    'Voices From The Grave' by Ed Moloney delves deep into the personal experiences of two key figures, Brendan Hughes and David Ervine, who were actively involved in the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Through a series of interviews conducted at Boston College, the book offers a unique oral history perspective on the conflict, shedding light on the motivations, decisions, and actions of those who were on the front lines during a tumultuous period. Moloney's writing style effectively weaves together the interviews with historical background information, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics at play.

    Brendan Hughes was there at the very beginning, at one of the places where the Provisional IRA first saw the light of day. Republican mythology has it that there was only one birthplace, Bombay Street...

  6. #6

    Trespasses: A Novel by Louise Kennedy
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    Trespasses by Louise Kennedy is a hauntingly beautiful yet brutal story set in Northern Ireland during the Troubles in the 1970s. The plot follows Cushla Lavery, a Catholic teacher, as she navigates complex relationships, forbidden love, and societal tensions in a deeply divided town near Belfast. Through the vivid writing style, readers are immersed in a world of violence, fear, and love, where characters grapple with personal struggles amidst the backdrop of historical conflict.

    Kennedy's writing skillfully blends Irish political and social stresses with a steamy love affair, creating a narrative that explores the flaws and strengths of the main characters. The novel delves into the complexities of religious tensions, familial relationships, and societal expectations, offering a poignant portrayal of life during a turbulent period in Northern Ireland's history.


  7. #7

    Provos: The IRA & Sinn Fein by Peter Taylor
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    Peter Taylor's book 'Provos: The IRA & Sinn Fein' is a comprehensive and impartial account of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, focusing on the Provisional IRA and Sinn Fein. The book delves into the complex and bloody history of the conflict, providing readers with shocking details of appalling incidents from a republican perspective. Taylor's writing style is journalistic, near unbiased, and well-researched, offering readers a deep understanding of the events that unfolded during this turbulent time.

    The book is praised for its in-depth exploration of the origins of the Provisional IRA and Sinn Fein, tracing their evolution up to the Good Friday agreements. Taylor's work is described as essential reading for anyone interested in the Northern Irish conflict or political violence, providing a fair and even-handed review of the groups involved. The narrative is compelling and well-presented, with a focus on understanding the motivations and actions of the individuals involved in the conflict.


  8. #8

    Return to Killybegs by Sorj Chalandon
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    'Return to Killybegs' is a poignant and insightful narrative that delves into the complexities of the Irish conflict, particularly through the eyes of Tyrone Meehan, a character whose life mirrors the tumultuous events of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The story intertwines elements of both thriller and memoir, offering readers a gripping exploration of betrayal, loyalty, and the human experience during a time of war. The author, Sorj Chalandon, crafts a deeply emotional tale that captures the harrowing realities faced by individuals on both sides of the conflict, providing a profound understanding of their struggles and the societal impacts of violence and division.

    Chalandon's writing style is characterized by its emotional depth and rich historical context, drawing readers into the fabric of life in Ireland from the 60s to the 90s. The narrative is not just a recounting of events but a complex reflection on the motivations and consequences of choices made during this chaotic period. Through characters that are fictional yet based on real people, the author reveals the burdens of guilt and the search for redemption, while also shedding light on the unwavering spirit of those who fought for their beliefs, making the novel both thought-provoking and educational.

    As a child, my mother used to send me to fetch him home from the pub. It would be dark out. I’d be too afraid to go in so I’d wander back and forth in front of the pub’s frosted door and its windows w...

  9. #9

    The Rebels of Ireland - The Dublin Saga by Edward Rutherfurd
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    'The Rebels of Ireland' in the series 'The Dublin Saga' by Edward Rutherfurd is a historical fiction novel that delves into the intricate history of Ireland, spanning from 1597 to the early 1900s. Through the lives of several fictional and fictionalized families, the story unravels the complex dynamics between Irish, English, Catholic, Protestant, and Presbyterian communities. Readers follow the families through generations as they navigate through religious and governmental power struggles, major historical events like the Easter Rising in 1916, and the journey towards Irish independence from England. Rutherfurd brings Irish history to life by intertwining tales of families whose destinies ebb and flow with each passing generation.

    Doctor Simeon Pincher was a tall, thin, balding man, still in his twenties, with a sallow complexion and stern black eyes that belonged in a pulpit. He was a learned man, a graduate and fellow of Emma...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Dublin Saga )

  10. #10

    The Cold Cold Ground - Detective Sean Duffy by Adrian McKinty
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    Set in Belfast during the troubled early 1980s, "The Cold Cold Ground" follows Detective Sean Duffy, a Catholic sergeant in the predominantly Protestant RUC, as he investigates what seems to be a homosexual killing with potential deeper sectarian motives at play. The story is enriched by vivid descriptions of Northern Ireland's unrest and the challenges faced by the police force, along with witty dialogue and strongly drawn characters that provide an authentic portrayal of the times and places depicted.

    The plot unfolds against the backdrop of hunger strikes, riots, and political tensions, with Duffy navigating through a complex murder investigation that leads him to the top of the IRA, unveiling dark secrets and challenging societal norms. The book captures the essence of Belfast in the 1980s, blending elements of mystery, historical events, and political intrigue to create a compelling narrative that immerses readers in the turbulent atmosphere of the era.

    The riot had taken on a beauty of its own now. Arcs of gasoline fire under the crescent moon. Crimson tracer in mystical parabolas. Phosphorescence from the barrels of plastic bullet guns. A distant y...

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