Blanketmen: An Untold Story of the H-Block Hunger Strike

by Richard O'Rawe, Richard English (Foreword)

Richard O’Rawe was a senior IRA prisoner in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh Prison. One of the ‘Blanketmen’, he took part in the dirty protests that led to the hunger strikes of the early 1980s. In Blanketmen, O’Rawe gives his personal account of those turbulent times that saw British and Irish governments entering unprecedented negotiations with the IRA Army Council and the prisoners themselves. Passionate, disturbing and controversial, this remains a landmark book in the cruel history of Northern Ireland. After ten years, and the release of historical state and personal papers, Richard O’Rawe’s assertions in Blanketmen have been vindicated. He has been married to Bernadette for forty years, has three grown-up children, and still lives in west Belfast.

Genres: Ireland, History, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Irish Literature, Memoir, 20th Century

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2005

Reviews

[Thelma Gabbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having grown up in the 80s in Ireland I had heard and knew some of what was going on. But to read this story as an adult and having outlived some of these men it's a mixture of pride for what they did for their country but sadness that didn't leave to see peace and also what they could have achieved had they not died.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

A first-hand, very blunt telling of the behind the scenes and morally-fraught actions of the 1981 hunger strike in Long Kesh. O'Rawe is critical of IRA leadership as well as himself, and the deaths from the hunger strike and his role in them clearly still haunt him. The writing is pretty dry before the narrative on the hunger strike really begins and this made it hard for me to get started at first. I would have also appreciated a little more context/explanation around some events just to better understand what was happening. O'Rawe is speaking from his lived experience which I think makes him take some knowledge and understanding for granted that I did not necessarily have.

[Eoghan O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vivid and emotional first hand account of life in the H-Blocks on the blanket protest and during the hunger strikes. The narrative style is descriptive and well paced - keeping you engaged throughout.

The book has two dimensions putting it high on my list of recommended Irish history reads. The first is the graphic and lucid description of barely comprehensible prison conditions on the blanket/dirty protests. The second is O'Rawe placing you in his mind both in real time and with the benefit of hindsight as a defining era in the history of the troubles played out. O'Rawe successfully conveys the emotional turmoil he felt alongside a dispassionate account of his and others strategic thinking during the strikes. A must read memoir from a person who was at the core of the Trouble's most important pivot point.

[Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If McKeowns book was like a punch in the gut, this one feels like being kicked in the face

[Preston Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest and important history for anyone interested in a better understanding of The Troubles in Ireland. Gut wrenching in its discussion of the disconnect between leadership and their soldiers.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, personable and heart-wrenching story of the hunger strikes of the 80s. Not to be missed, especially for the human side of the story.

[Stuart Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author was a member of PIRA and convicted for his offences. He blames the Brits for everything that occurred during the troubles despite the fact the PIRA were a minority even among the Nationalists of the North and they were trying to impose their political aspirations on the majority by use of force.
The almost messiah like reverence with which he holds the likes of Bobby Sands comes across in the writing and is actually quite disturbing but then extremists always believe fervently that their view is the only correct one. He is however critical of the PIRA leadership of the time which considering Adams was on the Army Council at the time probably explains why they never took direct responsibilty or control of the hunger strikers. Adams has always denied membership of the PIRA despite multiple former Army Council members saying he was on it and other volunteers stating they took orders from him. Only volunteers can be members of the Army Council and it is laughable to think volunteers would take orders from someone who was not a member.
It is quite an emotional and stark read but the hardships and deaths the offenders went through were the outcomes of the choices they made and to blame others for them is to sidestep their responsibility for their own actions.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, written by a warrior fighting to unite Northern Ireland with Ireland is an account of his prison experience and the hunger strikes under taken by prisoners who, beginning with Bobby Sands, gave their lives to their cause in one of the most terrifying ways a soldier can give his life for his cause. Starvation, willful starvation, is a choice few, even the bravest combat soldiers, would opt to do. O'Rawe waited a very long time to tell his first-hand account of the hunger strike which ultimately cost the lives of six republican soldiers. O'Rawe's account is dark. It certainly adds context to that brutal conflict.

[Silvio111 · Rating 2 out of 5]

O'Rawe's account is very "cinema verite," complete with the F-word in every sentence. It has the tone of "We're all fesity lads here; aren't we cool?"

Even though I abandoned the book after the first 20 pages or so, I am aware that he endured horrific conditions for the Cause in prison and I know he was a brave and loyal brother of his IRA clan. I just did not particularly want to go along for the ride; I just could not agree to get down and dirty with him and his compatriots. No disrespect intended; just not my cup of tea.

He has written other books; I may explore a different one.

[HarryMc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed Richards account of the hunger strike in Long Kesh. Maybe enjoyed is not the best word given the subject matter but it was a thoroughly good read and a very different take on the usual narrative. Full of first hand insights into the relationship between the Hunger Strikers, the Leadership inside and the Army Council. As Nell McCafferty said in her review, "......remains in the mind long after the book is put away"
Read it alongside David Beresfords Ten Men Dead.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to get a feel for The Troubles time period. The IRA and the people who champion its causes fascinate me.

This story is raw and quite disgusting at times. O'Rawe doesn't mince his words describing he and his prison comrades' actions from refusing to wear the prison uniform to dumping their piss pots under the prison doors. It was tragic to read of the hunger strikes of 1981 and O'Rawe's difficult position in trying to support his friends and save them from dying from starvation.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Striking

[Michelene Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The absolute sadness is tragic

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important first hand information about the Blanketmen and Hunger Strikers of the H-Block. Confusing at times. It helps if you’re well read on the subject. Too many undefined acronyms.

[Kevin McMahon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read on a piece of history that I remember well.

[Tracy Hollen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[jim mullin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

This seems to be a book by a disgruntled man. Sad that after all these years he found it time to open old wounds. Not a book I would advise.

[Sean O'Boyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very emotional read especially as a young Irishman to see how men my age sacrificed their lives for a cause they believed in so strongly. They are all Irish heroes in my eyes.

Having said that, the book could have been written better as there were genuine sparks of emotional and quite beautiful prose around their deaths but most of it read almost like a history textbook.

[Visas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book for those looking for more information about the H-Blocks and the blanketmen hunger strike(s) during that time.

O'Rawe gives a fascinating insight into the happenings from within the prison, though it shows that this story is a personal report of someone who wanted to share his experiences, but isn't an author. The narration is often confusing because of unannounced time leaps and inconsistent usage of people's names and nicknames.

I wouldn't recommend this book to people with no prior knowledge. If you can deal with unreliable narration and are willing to keep up with the fragmentary storytelling, it is worth a shot.