I read "Say Nothing" as well and couldn't put it down once I started. I grew up seeing and hearing news about the Troubles on TV and in the papers, but it wasn't as prevalent in my geopolitical awareness as, say, apartheid in South Africa and the fight to end it. While cognizant of the situation, I wasn't concerned enough about the Northern Ireland violence to stop me from taking a side trip to Belfast in July 1994, before the end of the conflict, while in the U.K. for a month-long road trip. Though stopped by cops while there, because they couldn't believe anyone would include Belfast as part of their vacation, I found the city to be a fascinating example of segregation: Protestant vs Catholic. If I had been more aware of what was happening in Belfast and Northern Ireland during the time I visited, I probably would not have gone. But I'm glad I did, as I had the opportunity to return to Belfast in 2011 for a work assignment, and it provided a great comparison. I'd love to return once more, this time with more knowledge of its history.
Thanks, Donna! I love that you visited Belfast in the 1990 and then had the chance to go back to compare the moments. What was the biggest change that you remember? As we've often discussed, I'd love to get over to Ireland one day.
In 1994, the city was eerily silent in many parts and seemed emptied out. There weren't many people on the streets, which is why I and my travel partner stood out to the cops. We visited a Protestant pub, in which hardly anyone was saying anything. If they talked, it was in whispers. There was no music. I remember paisley wallpaper. We then walked over to the Catholic side of town. One place had a crowd of people, music, laughter. We went in and had a great time meeting locals and sharing a few drinks. In 2011, the city was popping. New developments everywhere, the Titantic Museum was about to debut, new hotels were opening regularly, high-end restaurants were scattered about the city, lots of students filled the streets. There was a positive energy and vibe to the place. I even took a cooking class with one of the city's renowned chefs at the time. I had a private tour guide take me around the different neighborhoods, explaining the history and events highlighted in the book during the Troubles. It was sobering yet exciting: to hear of the fear and violence, but then see it being replaced with safety and opportunity for prosperity.
Excellent review! I grew up very aware of the troubles as my grandfather was from Belfast. I am not sure when he came to the US, but I think there was a feeling he had been involved. He was Roman Catholic and developed dementia when I was in my teens and would not talk about it. He hated England. My grandparents would go back to visit even during the troubles. Which in retrospect was so crazy and they were going to take me one time. I was 9 in 1970. I loved this book as it explained it all in so much detail. I remember thinking it was unsolvable when I was a kid. The Good Friday agreement seemed unfathomable. Thanks for your review!
Thanks so much for the kind words and for sharing your story, Kate! I really love how Keefe wove in tons of details, but didn't allow them to bog down the narrative. I think keeping the focus primarily on people and their lived experiences was key. I'm glad you enjoyed the review!
This book really made me think about the world now like you mentioned, and how it seems humans are addicted to violent conflict. Was it worth it is an excellent question
I read "Say Nothing" as well and couldn't put it down once I started. I grew up seeing and hearing news about the Troubles on TV and in the papers, but it wasn't as prevalent in my geopolitical awareness as, say, apartheid in South Africa and the fight to end it. While cognizant of the situation, I wasn't concerned enough about the Northern Ireland violence to stop me from taking a side trip to Belfast in July 1994, before the end of the conflict, while in the U.K. for a month-long road trip. Though stopped by cops while there, because they couldn't believe anyone would include Belfast as part of their vacation, I found the city to be a fascinating example of segregation: Protestant vs Catholic. If I had been more aware of what was happening in Belfast and Northern Ireland during the time I visited, I probably would not have gone. But I'm glad I did, as I had the opportunity to return to Belfast in 2011 for a work assignment, and it provided a great comparison. I'd love to return once more, this time with more knowledge of its history.
Thanks, Donna! I love that you visited Belfast in the 1990 and then had the chance to go back to compare the moments. What was the biggest change that you remember? As we've often discussed, I'd love to get over to Ireland one day.
In 1994, the city was eerily silent in many parts and seemed emptied out. There weren't many people on the streets, which is why I and my travel partner stood out to the cops. We visited a Protestant pub, in which hardly anyone was saying anything. If they talked, it was in whispers. There was no music. I remember paisley wallpaper. We then walked over to the Catholic side of town. One place had a crowd of people, music, laughter. We went in and had a great time meeting locals and sharing a few drinks. In 2011, the city was popping. New developments everywhere, the Titantic Museum was about to debut, new hotels were opening regularly, high-end restaurants were scattered about the city, lots of students filled the streets. There was a positive energy and vibe to the place. I even took a cooking class with one of the city's renowned chefs at the time. I had a private tour guide take me around the different neighborhoods, explaining the history and events highlighted in the book during the Troubles. It was sobering yet exciting: to hear of the fear and violence, but then see it being replaced with safety and opportunity for prosperity.
Excellent review! I grew up very aware of the troubles as my grandfather was from Belfast. I am not sure when he came to the US, but I think there was a feeling he had been involved. He was Roman Catholic and developed dementia when I was in my teens and would not talk about it. He hated England. My grandparents would go back to visit even during the troubles. Which in retrospect was so crazy and they were going to take me one time. I was 9 in 1970. I loved this book as it explained it all in so much detail. I remember thinking it was unsolvable when I was a kid. The Good Friday agreement seemed unfathomable. Thanks for your review!
Thanks so much for the kind words and for sharing your story, Kate! I really love how Keefe wove in tons of details, but didn't allow them to bog down the narrative. I think keeping the focus primarily on people and their lived experiences was key. I'm glad you enjoyed the review!
This book really made me think about the world now like you mentioned, and how it seems humans are addicted to violent conflict. Was it worth it is an excellent question
Thanks, Natalie! Glad you got a lot from the book as well.
I was waiting to watch the miniseries until I got to Ireland! Did not know it was a book.
I have heard good things about the show so I’m looking forward to watching it. Let me know your thoughts!