Andrew
Like millions of Americans, I have some Irish ancestry, but it never expressed itself outside of being raised nominally Catholic and having strong opinions on the right way to pour a Guinness. I had heard of The Troubles, certainly, but couldn't tell you a thing about them.
This is an incredibly readable history of the Provisional IRA and their 30 year campaign against the British in Northern Ireland. It compares and contrasts their idealistic goals with the brutal reality of their methods, questions what happens to the revolutionaries after the revolution ends, and clearly illustrates the scars that violence leaves on both the victims and the perpetrators. It is a fascinating and important book not just for those interested in this particular period of Irish history, but for any marginalized community pushed beyond the brink.
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1680 x 1264
My Rating Scale
5 stars - An all-time classic, a book that fundamentally changed or enriched my life. Would recommend to any and all readers.
4 stars - An excellent book that stands out in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in the genre or subject matter.
3 stars - A perfectly serviceable book that may be entertaining or informative but does not push the envelope or linger long in the memory. Would recommend to pre-existing fans of the genre or author.
2 stars - A book that falls short in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would only recommend with reservations or would not recommend at all.
1 star - A book that has nothing to say, or says it so poorly it isn't worth reading. Would not recommend and would actively warn away from.
Like millions of Americans, I have some Irish ancestry, but it never expressed itself outside of being raised nominally Catholic and having strong opinions on the right way to pour a Guinness. I had heard of The Troubles, certainly, but couldn't tell you a thing about them.
This is an incredibly readable history of the Provisional IRA and their 30 year campaign against the British in Northern Ireland. It compares and contrasts their idealistic goals with the brutal reality of their methods, questions what happens to the revolutionaries after the revolution ends, and clearly illustrates the scars that violence leaves on both the victims and the perpetrators. It is a fascinating and important book not just for those interested in this particular period of Irish history, but for any marginalized community pushed beyond the brink.
_____
1680 x 1264
My Rating Scale
5 stars - An all-time classic, a book that fundamentally changed or enriched my life. Would recommend to any and all readers.
4 stars - An excellent book that stands out in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in the genre or subject matter.
3 stars - A perfectly serviceable book that may be entertaining or informative but does not push the envelope or linger long in the memory. Would recommend to pre-existing fans of the genre or author.
2 stars - A book that falls short in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would only recommend with reservations or would not recommend at all.
1 star - A book that has nothing to say, or says it so poorly it isn't worth reading. Would not recommend and would actively warn away from.
