John Hume: The Persuader

by Stephen Walker

Peacemaker, politician, Nobel John Hume was a titan of Irish political history and a key architect of the Good Friday Agreement, bringing peace to Northern Ireland after decades of conflict.

But who was the real John Hume? What motivated the former history teacher to reach beyond political lines? What sustained him during the bloody years of violence and how did he convince the IRA to end its long-running campaign? How did he persuade presidents and prime ministers to take risks and back his vision for Northern Ireland? How should John Hume be remembered?

Stephen Walker combines over 100 interviews with many of Hume’s colleagues, critics and family members, with never-before-published interviews with Hume himself to present a comprehensive portrait of one of the most significant political figures in Northern Ireland and around the world.

Genres: Ireland, History, Nonfiction

416 pages, Hardcover

Published December 21, 2023

Reviews

[Conor Dooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the good guys. Crowning achievement a toss up between the Nobel Peace Prize and bringing Ronaldinho to the Brandywell.

[John O'Donoghue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for anyone who wants further insight into the contribution John Hume has had on the island of Ireland!

[Marie Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Do you hear that Pat? I’m Irelands Greatest!”…”Sure we knew that, John” :’)

[Anna McCrory · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book for anyone who wants to learn more about John Hume. The only criticism I have is that the font size is a bit small.

[John Duddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a five star book about the five star character, John Hume, well deserved winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Warts and all. John Hume gave his life to bring peace to Derry and Northern Ireland. Stephen Walker has given us a book that will help the Hume legacy endure for history. Back in the nineteen fifties Hume, then called Johnny Hume stood out as a future leader when he was a student at St. Columb's College, Derry. From there John Hume went on to enrol world leaders to help bring peace where the people had endured oppression for generations. Well done The Persuader.

[Ben Hegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smashing! Most of the events described in this fine book happened before I was born. Since I was born in the city of John Hume and my Dad's family have roots in the area, I could relate a lot to the things described here. I've always found Hume a fascinating character but he was a forerunner to the current crop of politicians so largely before my time. I've also appreciated Stephen Walker's superb analysis and gentle manner for a long time so when this book came out it was hard to resist. I went to an event about it in Limavady with Mark Carruthers interviewing the author, which was excellent. I loved the book. Stephen Walker shows his deep knowledge of the Irish political landscape and indeed beyond the island in this tremendous book. The final chapter analyses some critique of John Hume in a fair and balanced way. Whilst I'm from a different background culturally and politically to Hume, I greatly appreciate him because without him I doubt I'd be living in a peaceful Northern Ireland today. It's that stark. Stephen Walker was written an insightful and thorough biography of Hume. Whilst sympathetic it's also balanced in mentioning the critique of Hume in some detail at the end but now and again throughout. It was a delightful read. Often fast paced as events happened but a joy also! This book has increased my admiration for Hume and the hope I have for the future of our little province, indeed the island of Ireland as a whole. I will no doubt read this again in the future. Highly recommended!

[Senioreuge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Undoubtably, as the author sets out in this book, Hume was a major influence in the peace process that began to emerge in Northern Ireland in the last 2 decades of the last century, he took a considered and courageous series of steps that helped to lead to a cessation of violence from the various paramilitary groups in NI. And he paid a big personal cost for so doing. Yet even in reading this book its hard look beyond others who similarly took the same path; particularly David Trimble and Gerry Adams but paramount among the heroes on display is surely Alex Reid who actually set in motion the dialogue between Hume and Adams, perhaps he also deserved the Nobel prize.

[Peter Thew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good biography of a remarkable Northern Irish politician. Originally from a modest background in Derry, he rose through the ranks of local politicians always promoting the conviction that peace was achievable without resort to arms. His consistency in this belief led to clashes with many inside the NI political arena, but his stubborn conviction eventually bore fruit in the signing of the Good Friday agreement. Walker details Hume's life with significant emphasis on his ability to bring in voices from outside the province - from Jimmy Carter to Bill Clinton and beyond. Recommended.

[Lea Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just excellent! Haven’t read a long biography in a long time if ever and wasn’t sure how I would get on. It was genuinely gripping at times and written in a way to keep you reading. It was so well researched and written by Stephen Walker - thorough and viewpoints included from all sides. Learnt a lot and really feel I understand more about John Hume and how he was as a person more than I ever did before. The family input was also excellent and added a real personal and emotional touch.

[Lorraine FitzGerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent biography of a great man. Learned a lot about the life of John Hume and the behind the scenes details of the various negotiations I’d grown up hearing about. A lot of great contributors which told you a lot about the esteem with which he is held. It was balanced too, and the author wasn’t afraid to explore his mistakes. My one criticism is that at times it would have benefited from tighter editing to reduce some repetition & add a little more sophistication to the writing.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that the author continually included how important his wife and kids and community were to his basic functioning and achievements and i adore how when he had dementia the people of derry would always be offering him rides home so he couldn’t wander far and his wife said “derry is a very dementia friendly city”

I don’t have anything profound to say about all the political parts of this because I’m just learning after my trip catapulted me into an Irish history obsession

[Mark Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully researched and written by renowned former BBC NI journalist Stephen Walker.

Stephen combines a deep knowledge of NI political history and obvious respect for John Hume.

Reading each chapter locates us in the complicated political landscape that John Hume grew up in and inhabited.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Brian Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peace over party politics- brave man and very documented by the author - fantastic read

[Rory Conway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone under 40 from NI.

[Rosie Darragh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and well sourced book showing the historical, social and personality of an incredible man and leader.

[Judethmc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent biography and history of Northern Ireland. Ireland's Greatest.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent look at the politics of peace