Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe (reviewed by Charles Glovsky)

A fascinating look at the “Troubles” from myriad perspectives. The author is a journalist who reported extensively on the subject so the book is chock full of details. The Esplanade Men’s Book Club found it rich in topics for discussion, including the history of the tension between Northern Ireland and England, the violent warfare between the religious factions and the British, kidnappings, hunger strikes, and bombings, all interwoven within the story of the disappearance of Jean McConville, single mother of 10, in 1972. The author actually discloses the probable identities of her kidnappers and murderer. Also prominent in the text is the recounting of the radicalization of the Price sisters, Dolours and Marian, as they are transformed from peaceful activists to violent members of the IRA.

Following the paths of the sectarian leaders Ian Paisley on the loyalist side and, especially, Gerry Adams on the republican side, on the road to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 provides interesting background material. Adams is a particularly intriguing figure as he emerges as a prominent political figure while dodging accountability for past actions. 

In addition to the above, there was the local connection to Boston College’s “Belfast Project”, an attempt to chronicle the conflict through oral histories, which the college ended up disavowing after a very embarrassing public legal battle. We disagreed on whether or not we thought the peace was permanent or could be upset by the actions of one of the parties involved. The still undefined final terms of Brexit remain a critical issue. All in all, an enjoyable, although disturbing, read.

 Charles Glovsky