Fifty Years On: The Troubles and the Struggle for Change in Northern Ireland

by Malachi O'Doherty

Fifty years ago, an eruption of armed violence traumatized Northern Ireland and transformed a period of street protest over civil rights into decades of paramilitary warfare by republicans and loyalists.

In this evocative memoir, Malachi O'Doherty not only recounts his experiences of living through the Troubles, but also recalls a revolution in his lifetime. However, it wasn't the bloody revolution that was shown on TV but rather the slow reshaping of the culture of Northern Ireland - a real revolution that was entirely overshadowed by the conflict.

Incorporating interviews with political, professional and paramilitary figures, O'Doherty draws a profile of an era that produced real social change, comparing and contrasting it with today, and asks how frail is the current peace as Brexit approaches, protest is back on the streets and violence is simmering in both republican and loyalist camps.

Genres: History, Ireland

417 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2019

Reviews

[Dave Gilmour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a history of the troubles but it was the writer’s memoirs of the changes in Northern Ireland during the last 50 years. I finished the book with a greater understanding than an actual history would have done and a willingness to learn more.

[Thekirkiepirate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book as I thought it eould provide a personal narrative of living through the Troubles in Northern Irelsnd. The book certainly provides that, but more besides. I found the explanaton around the social changes very interesting. In particular, is the account of how much of the liberalisation has been driven by the Nationalist parties, in opposition to the Unionists. This is certanly something that was not anticipated in the late-1960's.

At times, I found the narrative a bit hard to follow due to the number of plyers introduced, but overall, this is a very good an enlightening account of a very troubled period.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is in my view an essential read to help understand life as a Nationalist-background civilian during the Troubles, and is also a good primer on some of the extant political issues of today. As a Brit I found this to be a valuable insight into a perspective that has always been distinctly parallel to my own. I have given four stars because at times I felt latter chapters meandered slightly.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book with the uphill climb I'd knowing very little about The Troubles, so it was at times murky (though well written) reading. After an opportunity to travel to Northern Ireland and talk with people who were there and to see some of the places, the sky began to clear and, as I picked up the book again, I began to appreciate O'Doherty's skill at weaving together history and his own experiences as a Catholic teen, young man, and adult through The Troubles. I recommend this book to those who want a personal point of view from someone who was there. (I also recommend a trip to Northern Ireland and the Republic for a deeper appreciation of what happened and what is happening still today.) These stories can also help serve as a warning sign to what could happen (and is happening) here in the USA if we are not intentional about our dialogues and conversations with those whom we perceive to be our enemies.

[Peter Colclasure · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first few chapters and the final few in their entirety, but skimmed most of material in between. The gist is that Northern Ireland has changed a lot in the last 50 years and the conditions which produced the Troubles no longer exist. The civil rights struggles has given way to a focus on human rights. The sectarian conflict has given way to a society that is largely secular. The battle over ethnic identity and one's relationship to the British state has given way to a battle over Brexit and one's relationship to the EU. The IRA and other Republican paramilitaries have given way to Sinn Fein, which has become a force for progressive values such as same-sex marriage and minority rights.

Interesting material. But not very well written. O'Doherty tends to meander and presumes a lot of knowledge of his audience. It sort of reads like a freshman term paper.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I picked up this book, I picked it up expecting a straightforward exploration of the Troubles. The reality is a bit looser than that. The book in question is more an exploration of the changes which have occurred in Northern Ireland, from gay rights to the IRA and even Brexit. With this in mind, I wonder what the current author thinks of the current impasse at Stormont...

My only criticism is that at times, the narrative feels disjointed.

[Mark Suffern · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, particularly liked learning that having a penis or not is Irrelevant to being a woman.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

DRY