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Here’s the Story: A Memoir
The groundbreaking two-term President of Ireland tells the stories of her lifeWhen a young Mary McAleese told a priest that she planned to become a lawyer, the priest dismissed the she knew no one in the law, and she was female. The reality of what she went on to achieve - despite those obstacles, and despite a sectarian attack that forced her family to flee their home - is even more improbable.In this luminous memoir, Mary McAleese traces that astonishing from the tight streets of north Belfast, to a professorship in Dublin while still in her twenties, behind-the-scenes work on the peace process, and two triumphant terms as President of Ireland. She writes of her encounters with prime ministers, popes and royalty with the same easy candour and intimacy with which she describes her childhood. And her account of the latest act in her remarkable career - quietly pursuing a doctorate, and loudly opposing the misogyny of the Catholic Church - is inspiring.Here's the Story is warm, witty, often surprising and relentlessly an extraordinarily intimate memoir by one of the most remarkable public figures of our time._______________'A fascinating story and well worth the read' Irish Times'Riveting ... A fiercely urgent reminder to the world - and the Government - that peace must never be sacrificed for politics' Telegraph 'Excellent' Matt Cooper, Irish Daily Mail'I was enthralled and absorbed by this memoir' Sunday Independent'What an incredible life lived by an outstanding role model. I ate this book up' Sinéad Moriarty'Full of conviction and isn't afraid of plain speaking ... Priests, popes, paramilitaries and Ian Paisley are all held to account' Herald Scotland '[A] chatty, provocative and embraceable biography' RTÉ Guide
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 3, 2021
A real insight into growing up during the Troubles. She really had it tough - her deaf brother tortured and the perpetrator never convicted, close friends killed on her wedding day.
Very attached to her Roscommon roots. Some anecdotes interesting but it could have done with a good editor. Too folksy in parts.
Very attached to her Roscommon roots. Some anecdotes interesting but it could have done with a good editor. Too folksy in parts.
February 25, 2025
Interesting read. She's a great story teller and has had a very interesting life apart from her presidency. Growing up in Belfast was very enlightening. The stories about Rome, the church and her gutsy approach in calling them out on abuses and homophobic behaviour were my favourite.
December 18, 2020
What an amazing story to tell! I did find parts of the book slow for some reason. That could have been down to the fact that there was so much to absorb, it often made you stop and think.
November 13, 2024
President McAleese could be said to have had the strands of three main vocations running through her life, and this book, her memoir, captures those in vivid detail and technicolour.
The first is family, and President McAleese outlines so many details about her family, from the multiple places her direct family lived in Ardoyne, to what each sibling did, to a giant family quilt and how each patch represents a family member, to the extended family, to roots and a return to the patriarchal (as in father)‘s original home of Roscommon. Her love for her family and key role in it are highlighted beautifully. It also amazes me when you think of Martin McAleese, and how a marriage can really open a world of adventure. Not just him in marrying her, but also for her in her marriage to him. It is a marriage that is a partnership, with Martin working as tirelessly for their shared goals and beliefs as Mary.
The second is her dedication to the peace process in Northern Ireland. This is so much so that the Presidency of Ireland was, for her, a means to an end in that it could help Build Bridges and end sectarian violence in the North. And it’s fascinating to read about a President for whom the presidency was not the pinnacle of her career. I’m blown away by how she left the Áras and went to be a student, in a small single bedded room, in Rome straight after. A woman of rare humility. Going from President of a nation to three months later washing communal dishes. Amazing.
The third and final vocation is her relationship to the Roman Catholic Church. She, unlike many who have positions in that organization, is a forward thinker; having been involved in the movement to end the criminalization of homosexuality in the 80s with Mary Robinson (the President just before her, who also held a position in Law in Trinity College Dublin just before her as well, the symmetry of which is astounding and beautiful) and Senator David Norris. And what a “such a time as this” coincidence that a woman so deeply involved, learned in, and respected in Catholic Ireland would be the President of Ireland at a time when the scandals of the church and their abuse of minors would explode into the public consciousness. And that college she went to as soon as she was done being President was to learn Canon Law to help further end that abuse against children in Catholicism all over the world.
President McAleese is a hero, an inspiration, and an example to us all as the world seems to follow another President, an American one whose name needs to come with a trigger warning, one who lacks the virtues and drive and tenacity shown by Mary McAleese.
The first is family, and President McAleese outlines so many details about her family, from the multiple places her direct family lived in Ardoyne, to what each sibling did, to a giant family quilt and how each patch represents a family member, to the extended family, to roots and a return to the patriarchal (as in father)‘s original home of Roscommon. Her love for her family and key role in it are highlighted beautifully. It also amazes me when you think of Martin McAleese, and how a marriage can really open a world of adventure. Not just him in marrying her, but also for her in her marriage to him. It is a marriage that is a partnership, with Martin working as tirelessly for their shared goals and beliefs as Mary.
The second is her dedication to the peace process in Northern Ireland. This is so much so that the Presidency of Ireland was, for her, a means to an end in that it could help Build Bridges and end sectarian violence in the North. And it’s fascinating to read about a President for whom the presidency was not the pinnacle of her career. I’m blown away by how she left the Áras and went to be a student, in a small single bedded room, in Rome straight after. A woman of rare humility. Going from President of a nation to three months later washing communal dishes. Amazing.
The third and final vocation is her relationship to the Roman Catholic Church. She, unlike many who have positions in that organization, is a forward thinker; having been involved in the movement to end the criminalization of homosexuality in the 80s with Mary Robinson (the President just before her, who also held a position in Law in Trinity College Dublin just before her as well, the symmetry of which is astounding and beautiful) and Senator David Norris. And what a “such a time as this” coincidence that a woman so deeply involved, learned in, and respected in Catholic Ireland would be the President of Ireland at a time when the scandals of the church and their abuse of minors would explode into the public consciousness. And that college she went to as soon as she was done being President was to learn Canon Law to help further end that abuse against children in Catholicism all over the world.
President McAleese is a hero, an inspiration, and an example to us all as the world seems to follow another President, an American one whose name needs to come with a trigger warning, one who lacks the virtues and drive and tenacity shown by Mary McAleese.
January 24, 2021
I didn't realise when I started this book how much of impact it would have. Much of its first 10 chapters is spent detailing in close, personal terms, the impact of growing up and living in the throws of the Troubles was like for President McAleese and her family. The chapters about her childhood are full of warm stories of family friends and people who moulded her world view and are punctuated by harrowing insights into the daily loss of life endured day after day.
She writes about some of the most brutal and some of the most important moments in recent Irish history so gently, and anecdotally, you would easlity fly through 200 pages in one day (which I did) and not notice the time go by. The chapters about her time as the 8th President of Ireland provide so much detail about the inner workings of the role, and the mammoth effort by her and her husband to help deliver peace in Northern Ireland form the seat of constitutional power in the South.
It was a joyous read about a truly unique, and important, Irish life. I have recommended it to almost everyone I know since reading it.
She writes about some of the most brutal and some of the most important moments in recent Irish history so gently, and anecdotally, you would easlity fly through 200 pages in one day (which I did) and not notice the time go by. The chapters about her time as the 8th President of Ireland provide so much detail about the inner workings of the role, and the mammoth effort by her and her husband to help deliver peace in Northern Ireland form the seat of constitutional power in the South.
It was a joyous read about a truly unique, and important, Irish life. I have recommended it to almost everyone I know since reading it.
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February 23, 2021I was captivated by her description of her early family life in Northern Ireland, the land of by birth too. Mine was a different upbringing "on the other side" as it were. Her honesty and integrity shone through all stages of her life. Her compassion and passion to achieve peace and understanding throughout the island of Ireland was inspirational.
Although I am a Humanist her writing about her religion laced with her own integrity left me admiring her loyalty. I was also heartened by her ability to recognise weakness and wrong headedness in some of its its leaders and her courage in calling them out.
Her determination and perseverance to build bridges was described in such a modest way whilst her efforts and those of her husband were truly ground breaking.
Her self deprecation and modesty were highlighted for me in a throwaway remark she made. I was already in awe of her achievements and accomplishments when she just happened to mention something about 'when I was learning to fly'. Where did she find the time and energy to make such a positive difference to so many lives?
Although I am a Humanist her writing about her religion laced with her own integrity left me admiring her loyalty. I was also heartened by her ability to recognise weakness and wrong headedness in some of its its leaders and her courage in calling them out.
Her determination and perseverance to build bridges was described in such a modest way whilst her efforts and those of her husband were truly ground breaking.
Her self deprecation and modesty were highlighted for me in a throwaway remark she made. I was already in awe of her achievements and accomplishments when she just happened to mention something about 'when I was learning to fly'. Where did she find the time and energy to make such a positive difference to so many lives?
August 27, 2021
Mary McAleese is a truly talented individual with a down to earth approach. This book is well worth a read and very well written. I think anyone will have a fuller understanding of sectarianism from reading this. A sad account was given of her time working in RTE and how Northern Catholics are treated. There is a lot of negativity regarding her heritage with the presidential campaign.
I would have liked more information on the Royal visit. She does seem to suffer from Colonial cringe with her fawning over British Royalty. Building bridges is a great ambition and she has largely achieved this. Would it have been too much to look for an apology from the Queen for Bloody Sunday in Croke park as they were led around ?
She has no such reticence of her criticism of the Catholic Church. An institution she is still a member and receives much consolation.
Interesting read.
Gerry
I would have liked more information on the Royal visit. She does seem to suffer from Colonial cringe with her fawning over British Royalty. Building bridges is a great ambition and she has largely achieved this. Would it have been too much to look for an apology from the Queen for Bloody Sunday in Croke park as they were led around ?
She has no such reticence of her criticism of the Catholic Church. An institution she is still a member and receives much consolation.
Interesting read.
Gerry
January 12, 2021
I started this book with the only knowledge about Mary was that she was the President of Ireland for 14 years.I presumed she was from the republic so when I picked up this book, I was amazed to find out that she is from the North and experienced the Troubles first hand. It is truly astonishing the amount she has achieved for peace on the island of Ireland.
Recommend it to anybody who wishes to know more about the troubles, how the peace process was started and stories involving the Catholic church (or if you want to know more about her life, obviously 😁). Be warned, very descriptive writing so can be quite difficult to read at times.
If your looking for an easy or quick read, this isn't the book for you.
Recommend it to anybody who wishes to know more about the troubles, how the peace process was started and stories involving the Catholic church (or if you want to know more about her life, obviously 😁). Be warned, very descriptive writing so can be quite difficult to read at times.
If your looking for an easy or quick read, this isn't the book for you.
January 14, 2021
Took me longer than usual to finish a book, but this one couldn’t be read quickly, there is so much to take in. The account of the daily lived experience of The Troubles is harrowing and is told with the condemnation the perpetrators on all sides deserve. Mary McAleese’s devotion to family and friends shines through, as does her courage in tackling head-on the prejudices of church and state. The progress made by Mary M and many others, through dogged determination to get old enemies talking, helped bring about the Good Friday Agreement, along with the genuine participation of politicians such as John Major, Tony Blair, Bill Clinton and Mo Mowlam, to name but a few. Heaven forbid that this Agreement should ever be threatened.
August 13, 2021
I had heard McAleese reading extracts from this book on Radio 4 a few months ago, which encouraged me to buy it when it came up in a Bookbub deal. I was in for much more of a treat than I expected. I had been living abroad when she was elected President of Ireland, and I hadn't known that she came from Belfast and had such a close experience of the Troubles. She also manages to write most of it with a light touch, which makes the unjoky parts all the more powerful.
It's worth full price, too, and I am buying a paper copy as well!
It's worth full price, too, and I am buying a paper copy as well!
February 15, 2022
Ahead of reading this autobiography I read the Mary Robinson book I had had for years and I am very pleased for the contrast they offered. Mary Robinson ever the diplomat was Irosh president on the way to other things. Mar McAleese pulls no punches through her life and as Irish president at a crucial time in the peace process. A clearly deeply religious woman uncomfortable with the male dominated authoritarian Catholic Church used to absolving itself of its own sins with little in the way of penance. Uncomfortable in it's honesty for some, for me it was a superb read.
February 19, 2023
How did I miss noting this as read and reviewing? A really amazing memoir. Shocking to see some of the things McAleese and her family went through even being well acquainted with the Troubles. She has a great writing style, include great tributes to all her family, and I was amused by her occasional teasing of her spouse in the text. Not to mention one of the best anecdotes of QEII's humor I've heard.
Altogether, highly recommended reading on contemporary Ireland. It's also inspired me to read a memoir or biography of all Ireland's presidents, though McAleese sets a high bar.
Altogether, highly recommended reading on contemporary Ireland. It's also inspired me to read a memoir or biography of all Ireland's presidents, though McAleese sets a high bar.
October 10, 2020
A very enjoyable read. Such a difficult start to life for Mary and he family living in Northern Ireland being a catholic during the troubles. All the amazing work she and her husband did while in office. A remarkable woman and president of our country. The best Best thing I can say about Mary McAleese while she was president of Ireland was she always had compassion and would genuinely cry alone with the best of us . A great book
December 1, 2020
An amazing woman
Mary MacAleese is an exceptional woman! I thoroughly enjoyed her wonderful autobiography and was left awestruck at her lifelong commitment to building bridges between the two communities in Northern Ireland. I equally admired how she continually upbraided the Catholic hierarchy for their lack of humanity in woman’s rights, child abuse and recognition of LGBT rights despite her dedication to her faith. What an amazing woman!!!
Mary MacAleese is an exceptional woman! I thoroughly enjoyed her wonderful autobiography and was left awestruck at her lifelong commitment to building bridges between the two communities in Northern Ireland. I equally admired how she continually upbraided the Catholic hierarchy for their lack of humanity in woman’s rights, child abuse and recognition of LGBT rights despite her dedication to her faith. What an amazing woman!!!
January 7, 2022
A wonderful memoir from an amazing woman
I had the fortune to hold a senior position in Ireland during Mary’s Presidency. Her enlightened vision and energetic pursuit of inclusivity comes over brilliantly in this inspirational and thoroughly readable memoir. She tells it as it is and will go down in history to show those with fine words but no action how to overcome massive barriers to achieve the seemingly impossible.
I had the fortune to hold a senior position in Ireland during Mary’s Presidency. Her enlightened vision and energetic pursuit of inclusivity comes over brilliantly in this inspirational and thoroughly readable memoir. She tells it as it is and will go down in history to show those with fine words but no action how to overcome massive barriers to achieve the seemingly impossible.
July 16, 2024
This book was a challenge to read as timelines jump all over the place, everyone Mary McAleese seems to have known is named in this book, and the details of every little thing feel endless for a good portion of the book, and yet, I am glad to have read it. Despite the challenge in reading this book, and the time it took to get through it, I learned a lot about Northern Ireland and Mary McAlesse’s presidency, contributions, and insights.
December 8, 2020
This is an interesting and eye-opening read, from the first hand account of growing up during the troubles in Belfast to the monumentous work done by Mary & Martin during the peace process. An inspiring example of how imagination, vision and hard work can bring about previously thought impossible outcomes. Also full of empowering examples of speaking truth to power.
December 5, 2025
Mary McAleese is truly remarkable. I find her book to be a wonderful, personal conversation with her, and I cherish that she shares so openly about her experiences during the Troubles, her presidency, and her connection with the Catholic Church. Ireland should be incredibly proud of her 14 years as president.
November 11, 2020
Born off the Falls Rd with first hand experiences on poverty, discrimination, violence, abuse.......
I could not put this down; hopefully there is more to come sooner rather than later. Love the passion behind the beliefs.
Has challenged me to rethink some of my own beliefs on several topics.
I could not put this down; hopefully there is more to come sooner rather than later. Love the passion behind the beliefs.
Has challenged me to rethink some of my own beliefs on several topics.
January 17, 2021
A fascinating and moving account of growing up in Northern Ireland during the troubles, which really provides a lot of insight to what shaped her life and career, including her 14 years as president. Really impressive overall and her humour, wit and passion really shine through.
May 21, 2021
Probably made me realise our collective trauma during the troubles. I found parts of this book very upsetting. It’s no doubt that she did and continues to do amazing things but I guess I didn’t find her particularly likeable in her writing style!!! Which is crazy because she has done so much.
July 19, 2021
Fabulous book.
Desperately sad, totally inspiring, what an amazing lady and a wonderful story. If I didn't know half of it was true, I wouldn't have believed any of it. Highly recommended.
Desperately sad, totally inspiring, what an amazing lady and a wonderful story. If I didn't know half of it was true, I wouldn't have believed any of it. Highly recommended.
September 1, 2021
Mary McAleese
A thorough and informative book with personal and private memories. Enjoyable, thoughtful and insightful. I highly recommend this for any of those interested in recent Irish political history.
A thorough and informative book with personal and private memories. Enjoyable, thoughtful and insightful. I highly recommend this for any of those interested in recent Irish political history.
January 2, 2022
An incredible woman and story teller. She has authentically lived and breathed her values and morals since childhood. A frequently moving read of her recounting of the atrocities during the Troubles, but tempered by humour and profound hope.
March 23, 2025
What a life she has led, thank you Mary McAleese for your role in the peace process. I knew little of her background and the impact both she and her husband made in Northern Ireland. Told with humility and hope, insight and humour.
November 30, 2025
What a life! Her writing made me laugh out loud at times, but it’s really pretty amazing to learn where she came from and everything she encountered along the way. Memoirs are often self-aggrandizing, but her humor kept my eye rolls mostly in check
January 9, 2021
Thisemoir gave me a new found admiration for a lady who did so much for church and country and her recollections of a Northern Irish childhood make me proud to remember where I also came from.
March 13, 2021
She is an amazing person and her accounts of the Troubles and Catholic Church are incredible.
May 9, 2021
Fascinating journey
This was so easy to read, so interesting, and I’d recommend this to all girls and women. Mary McAleese journey is inspirational
This was so easy to read, so interesting, and I’d recommend this to all girls and women. Mary McAleese journey is inspirational
May 29, 2021
To me an important context told from a personal viewpoint, maybe not the most thrilling of tellings but worth the effort to see the contemporary Irish situations lived through and altered.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews