Say Nothing: The True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe was an incredible book which told the story of the Troubles through the stories of four main characters: Dolours Price, Gerry Adams, Brendan Hughes, and Jean McConville, and the people they knew and worked with along the way.
The Troubles were an extremely tumultuous time, mostly for Belfast, in Northern Ireland. The Troubles primarily affected the working class city people of Belfast- not even the adjacent suburbs nor London, until the bombs were brought to London (Loc 2080). The Troubles bore on for nearly three decades before a peace agreement was reached, which still did not satisfy many.
I found the book relevant to impending political strife here: "It was indicative of Adams's continued status as a political outcast that none of his fellow members of British Parliament issued any expressions of sympathy or condemnation following this assassination attempt," (Loc 3081). The sacrifices made by those who fought and killed for a united Ireland were justified by that cause; when a united Ireland didn't come about, many felt betrayed, (loc 3467). Though the US is not at this point, the assassination attempts against Trump in July were certainly a litmus test of sorts.
The Troubles were not formally considered a war, but the UK seems to have treated it this way: there were double agents, bombings, special units, internment and political prisoners, and other crimes committed by all parties which reflect those seen in wartime. In the justification of their moves, this quote applied: "You start out running numbers in your head, and pretty soon you are sanctioning mass murder," (Loc 4019).
This book was a gripping story; I knew nothing about this time period prior to reading.
There is a lot more I could say but if you read this blog, know that you should read this book! 10/10!
Thanks to Ed, Eleni, Arjun, Josh, and Casey. 5 different people recommended this book so I am glad I picked it up!
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