West Belfast: A Novel

by Danny Morrison

IRA member Raymond Massey has spent seven years in prison in Long Kesh. When he is released, he longs for a normal life but finds difficulty in reconciling his love for Roisin and her son with his continued commitment to Republican activism. His life whirls between an ordinary, everyday routine and a dark and brutal agenda of bombs and guns.
This dark and sinister tale infiltrates the activities of the IRA during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, exposing a complex and contradictory world of brutality and bravery, of loyalty and betrayal, a place of hatred and love.

Genres: Irish Literature

249 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1989

Reviews

[Mary Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is based on the lives of a number of families in West Belfast mainly in the 60s and 70s. It describes what life was like in working class areas just before and during the troubles. The author has a gift for sharing the reality of adolescence, the doubts, the excitement and the unexpected thrills and disappointments in relationships. The discussions amongst families, neighbours, friends and communities are the basis for understanding how people lived through a devastating time, attempted to make sense of the daily horror and still managed to be positive about the future in such uncertain circumstances.

[AJ Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tale of days in West Belfast at the start of the troubles. So much happened our country during these dark days and yet so much beauty came out of them also.

[Noel McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

a gay Catholic political activist in a dangerous part of Belfast. very good.