Author John McCarthy examines what it means to be Irish in this unsentimentalzed picture of Irish people and the issues confronting them in the 21st century. A book about change and continuity, betrayal and loss, it is, above all, about commitment to community and a tribute to the strength of character of ordinary people.
Just an ok read. There was a lot here that was interesting but the details of places and names were too much for me. I have been spoiled in the past by biographies that give more anecdotes and personal memories of family and friends. The subject is obviously an interesting man, however for me, his story gets bogged down in the "statistics".
John McCarthy was a television journalist who was held captive in Beirut for 5 years from 1986- 1991. Upon his return, he journeys to County Kerry in Ireland to seek solace and find out about the land of his ancestors.