Books Like...
'Ten Men Dead' by David Beresford is a gripping account of the 1981 Irish Republican Army hunger strike in Long Kesh prison. The book delves into the lives of the ten hunger strikers who sacrificed themselves for the cause, shedding light on the horrendous conditions they endured and the deterioration of their health over weeks. Through special access to secret documents and detailed profiles of the participants, Beresford paints a vivid picture of the human cost of the hunger strike and the political turmoil surrounding it. The writing style is described as fluid, entertaining, and fast-moving, keeping readers engaged as it explores the complexities of social protest and the consequences of radical tactics.
If you liked Ten Men Dead, here are the top 16 books to read next:
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...- #2
Save:'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... '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...- #4
Save:'The Price of my Soul' by Bernadette Devlin McAliskey is a memoir that delves into the author's experiences during the 'Troubles' in Ulster, offering a firsthand account of the political and social unrest in Northern Ireland. Through vivid recollections, Devlin captures the atmosphere of change and the struggle for civil rights, particularly focusing on the events of Bloody Sunday. The writing style is described as capturing the personal courage of the author and providing insights into the political, social, and religious dynamics of the UK, especially Northern Ireland.
- #5
Save:'Belfast Diary: War as a Way of Life' by John Conroy is a memoir that provides a vivid narrative of the author's experiences covering the conflict in Northern Ireland in the early 1980s. Through his personal narrative and interactions with the residents of Clonard and Belfast, Conroy offers readers a deep insight into the Troubles in Northern Ireland. captures the volatile political climate, the struggles faced by the people, and the major developments during that period, making it an engaging and informative read for those interested in understanding the conflict.
- #6
Save:Set in post-WWI Ireland during the Irish uprising, 'Troubles' by J.G. Farrell follows Major Brendan Archer as he arrives at the decrepit Majestic hotel to unravel the mystery of his engagement to Angela Spencer. As the political unrest in Ireland escalates, the hotel mirrors the crumbling British Empire, with a cast of eccentric characters navigating through dark humor and poignant symbolism. The decaying hotel serves as a metaphor for the societal collapse happening both inside and outside its walls, creating a compelling backdrop for the unfolding story.
In those days the Majestic was still standing in Kilnalough at the very end of a slim peninsula covered with dead pines leaning here and there at odd angles. At that time there were probably yachts th... - #7
Save:Collins takes the reader far away from the safety of home hearth, and drops him her into the vicious jaws of the IRA and then, deeper into the dark abyss of his own tortured guilt-ridden soul. In this book, the writer explains why he joined the IRA, how he devoted almost 7 years of his life to the cause and why he finally decided to quit. Killing Rage by Eamon Collins quickly becomes one of those rare books you can't put down. Throughout the book, the author insistently tries to convince himself and the reader that the decisions he chose to make were correct. Despite his confessed acts of criminality, conspiracy to murder, terrorism, and deceit, he makes a good and almost convincing defense for his actions and misguided devotions. The cover should tell you right away Killing Rage is not for the faint of heart. Eamon Collins gives a detailed account of his time with the Irish Republican Army, but his book stands out from any other book on the Troubles I've ever read.
'Armed Struggle: The History of the IRA' by Richard English provides a detailed and comprehensive account of the Irish Republican Army's history, from its inception to the Peace Agreement. The author delves into the complexities of the IRA's evolution, tactics, and motivations, offering a balanced and insightful analysis of the organization's role in the Troubles in Northern Ireland. English covers significant periods of the IRA's history, including the Civil Rights movement, the prison war, and the peace process, shedding light on the internal disagreements and external factors that shaped the group's actions.
Richard English's writing style in 'Armed Struggle' is praised for being clear, insightful, and highly readable. Readers appreciate the author's non-biased approach, detailed research, and thoughtful analysis, which place the IRA's actions within the context of local and international events. not only explores the IRA's armed struggle but also examines the historical precursors of the conflict in Northern Ireland, making it a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of the Troubles.
2. See, for example, the excellent work of P. Hart, The IRA and Its Enemies: Violence and Community in Cork 1916–1923 (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998), or of M. Hopkinson, Green Against Green: ...- #9
Save:'The Twelfth Day of July' in the series 'Kevin and Sadie' by Joan Lingard is a story set in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, focusing on the unlikely friendship between a Catholic boy, Kevin, and a Protestant girl, Sadie. The plot revolves around the children from both sides of the divide, their families, and their neighborhoods, highlighting the tensions and interactions during a few days leading up to a controversial date in the Irish calendar. The writing style of Joan Lingard is described as authentic, evocative, and insightful, offering a glimpse into the lives of the characters and the historical backdrop of Belfast.
The narrative of the book showcases the characters of Sadie and Kevin, along with their siblings, engaging in neighborhood activities, mischief, and conflicts that escalate into unexpected situations. The interactions between the characters, the development of relationships, and the underlying themes of understanding and humanity are portrayed realistically and believably by the author. captures the essence of growing up in Belfast during a tumultuous period, providing readers with a heartfelt and educational journey through the eyes of the young protagonists.
Their father was in a good mood. He had started his two weeks’ holiday, and he had just come in from the pub. He sat in his chair with the evening paper folded on his knee, smiling at his children. He... 'We Don't Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland' by Fintan O'Toole provides a bracingly honest portrayal of 50 dynamic and turbulent years of Irish history, showing a country caught between maintaining a false image and the reality of Irish society. The writing style is described as luxurious, with both descriptive and lyrical prose, while delving deep into the historical events and transformations that Ireland has experienced since the late 1950s.
The book explores the transformation of Ireland, the dominance of the Catholic Church, the cultural shifts, and the clash of opposing cultures amidst tremendous cultural and economic changes. Fintan O'Toole's personal reflections from his own life within the context of modern Irish history give the book a richer meaning, seamlessly weaving together historical narrative and personal experiences to present a comprehensive view of Ireland's journey into the Twenty First Century.
