Unbroken: Secrets, Lies and Enduring Love

by Mary Attenborough, Michael Gallagher

‘Our outside door came crashing in. Deafening thumps, steel banging on steel and shrill, piercing whistles filled the hallway. Faraway voices called out in the “Armed police.” Others, coming nearer, shouted “Get down on the floor.”’

On 28 October 1996 Glaswegian Michael Gallagher is arrested in an armed dawn raid on the London flat he shares with long-time partner, Mary Attenborough. Accused of playing a role in the IRA mortar attack on Heathrow Airport in March 1994, Michael proclaims his innocence. Mary meanwhile throws herself into the battle to free him and highlight what she sees as just another example of British ‘justice’ getting it wrong.

Told in the alternating voices of the two authors, the dramatic story unfolds with Michael struggling against the harsh conditions of incarceration, while Mary focuses on organising his legal defence, battling to stay positive in the face of soul-destroying setbacks and emotional hardships.

Yet behind it all lies a secret that could tear the couple apart. How can their love survive?

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2025

Reviews

[Roisin Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enthralling, propulsive narrative, which moves fluidly between shocking events and moments of tenderness, all punctuated by the authors' individual humor.
The dual narrative is incredibly effective, and in particular, I found the switch from past tense to present tense added to the urgency of Mary's narrative and the pensiveness of Michael's voice. This means the reader gets differing insights into their astounding story; the horrifying arrest, the government spies, the pressure it all puts on their relationship.
This book left me pondering the power of people's convictions, commitment and love, and I was so moved (and often amused!) by the authors' journey.

[Alanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbroken by Michael and Mary is a powerful true story that follows a man imprisoned for a terrorism act and the unwavering love of his partner who remains steadfast through his betrayal and incarceration. Told from both their perspectives, the narrative beautifully captures the complexity of love enduring the harshest trials.
The ending left me breathless, evoking shivers of hope and resilience. I highly recommend Unbroken to anyone seeking a profound and uplifting read about love's strength against all odds.

[Alex Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me by my lapels and carried me through. It is a real page turner and I couldn't put it down. The use of dual narrative alternating between the authors makes for a very compelling read. I really enjoyed reading Unbroken and would highly recommend it. This is a book that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page. An inspiring and captivating true story of love in the face of adversity.

[Jonathan Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Really enjoyed the book split to the two voices. Felt I understood them both. An interesting reflection on the times