Labeba Salameh
asked:
As a Palestinian I know how history book distort facts.. I would like to know if there any Irish here would recommend this one? If you insert a reviews for Irish people that will be helpful.
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Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland,
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David Livingston
Ilm first generation Irish with a bunch of aunts, uncles and cousins in the Republic of Ireland. That said I grew up steeped in the history of Ireland and subsequently the Troubles in the north of Ireland. I would recommend this book both for it's truth and it's look into the complexity of violence to achieve a goal. I would also recommend a piece of fiction call Milkman by Anna Burns that will help you understand the psyche of people living during the troubles. Finally if you haven't read it already I would recommend you read Apeirogon by Colm McCann.
Jaime
I am Irish, and grew up in Belfast itself in the 90s-00s (and studied history at university, choosing to focus on both Palestinian and Irish histories for that reason because the parallels are impossible not to see, so I get what you're worried about) and I can say both as a historian and an Irish person that this book is very fair in its portrayals of events. A lot of it comes first person recountings, so you do have to keep in mind what people's relationships are to organisations and people they're talking about, but that's true no matter what you're reading. The authors have put a lot of effort into making sure sources are verified, while still allowing space for narrative from people who took part in the Troubles who are saying things that run counter to the "official" version of events.
Fionnuala
I understand this is a late response, but as all the responses are from people who aren't Irish or who are removed from the situation, I thought I'd throw in a response. I am Irish, and I grew up in the North. In terms of facts, this book is very solid. At least to my understanding, the facts are presented clearly and without bias, and nothing I read stood out as being suspicious or unlikely.
Dennis Raymond
My wife and I have Catholic friends in Northern Ireland, whom we met in 1980. They lived through the troubles, and have guided us through areas mentioned in this book, verifying this information. As a Catholic working in a Protestant-owned company in Belfast, the husband's life was threatened, and he was advised to move his family out of the city. They left their home. "Say Nothing" is based on notes, memoirs and diaries of people who suffered through the Troubles.
Natalie
I am not Irish, but I found this review by the Irish journalist who provided a lot of the source material for Say Nothing very helpful:
https://www.counterpunch.org/2019/05/...
https://www.counterpunch.org/2019/05/...
Kathy
I'm not Irish, but having had the opportunity to have a several hour Black Taxi tour in Belfast, this book rang true as I said in my review.
Sloane
Couldn't you have just asked your question seeking authentic reviews without alluding to your own anti semitic bias?
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