A State of Emergency: The Story of Ireland's Covid Crisis

by Richard Chambers

The electrifying behind-the-scenes account of a year that brought Ireland to the brink and back - the inside story of Ireland’s struggle to contain Covid-19.

Based on a wealth of original research and over a hundred interviews with cabinet members, public health officials, frontline workers, and ordinary people on whom the crisis exacted a personal toll, A State of Emergency is the incendiary untold story of Ireland’s response to the biggest public health emergency of the past century.

Ranging from the halls of Government Buildings, where conflict between the new Cabinet and its public health advisors threatened to derail the official response, to the frontlines of the containment effort itself, where doctors, nurses, and the communities they served found themselves pushed to breaking point, A State of Emergency is a landmark work of journalism and a riveting insider account of the struggle to bring Ireland back from the brink.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Ireland, Irish Literature, History, Audiobook, Current Affairs

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2021

Reviews

[Kilian Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has changed the way I look back at the past two years of my life. It has contextualised the pandemic as both a local and global piece of history that I lived through. As a massive fan of reading history and having dived into the lives of many different eras, conflicts and global emergencies through the pages of history books, it was surreal reading a book that took me into the political chambers, the news rooms, the hospitals and the homes of Ireland during the storm that was the COVID-19 pandemic. It is very easy to remember this as a time in my life where I was restricted and my life changed for a period of time, but this book unmasks the pandemic for what it was, a crisis, a tragedy and a monumental piece of history. It details the pressure those on the front lines faced, the sadness those 5’556 families have felt losing a loved one, the uncertainty of the people and the journey from December 2019 when we first heard the word coronavirus all the way to today, when we will never forget it. This is a great read. I highly recommend it for any Irish person seeking to understand the last two years.

[Lindamac Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would not be my usual type of book but this is a very interesting , well written book . He could write a sequel too …. Pandemic far from over as we speak

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

People have been describing this as the definitive text on Ireland’s Covid crisis and I have to agree.

I was surprised by how well written this was, and also how healing it was to read. It had everything from heartbreaking stories of families who suffered devastation at the hands of the virus, to tales of community and togetherness that warmed the heart and an analysis of the many, many shortcomings of the Irish government when it came to the virus and doing right by the public.

This deserves all the clout it gets 👏

[Kate]

I almost wish this had been published a year or two later as to add more context, but that could always be the case I suppose. An interesting read, Chambers focuses on individual experiences at key junctures to not only give a list of facts, but how they affected the ordinary person. I found this an unexpectedly emotional read at times, and learned quite a bit at the same time. Chambers doesn't hold back (Stephen Donnelly in particular does not come out of this looking well) and the insight into the relationship between government and NPHET was particularly interesting to read about.

[Kelvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm pleasantly surprised and very impressed by A State of Emergency. Richard Chambers delivers a concise and harrowing recount of what Ireland has endured over the past two years from the perspectives of the Government and NPHET, and most importantly from Frontline workers and regular, everyday people who's lives were affected daily. An incredibly sad and often terrifying book, I highly recommend.

[Mosstin Powers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just grand. Chambers illuminates when it comes to behind the scenes tension between the various parties charged with handling Ireland's shambolic response to the virus. He hints at - and I wished he'd teased out more - tensions between the political figures involved. Donnelly comes across as badly in this as his embarrassing public pronouncements suggest - a man promoted above his station.

[Vicky Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t going to include this in my Goodreads as I didn’t read it but rather listened to it. However after 10 hours of listening and bringing me to tears on occasion how can I not count it. Taking you behind the scenes of our lived history there was politics, and personal stories, new facts and heartfelt anecdotes. Not everyone will want to look back on the past two years, remembering where they were and reliving those NPHET briefings, but this will stand the test of time and become a readable record of the pandemic in Ireland.

[Noam Boulanger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book to understand the impact of the COVID pandemic in Ireland. As a non-Irish citizen, it was very insightful and clear to understand. The interviews with the main protagonists help understanding their thoughts at the time and trace back the pandemic the way they saw it and not the way the author lived it. Also, this mix of political insights and ground level stories makes this book very interesting. Once you're hooked, you can't stop reading.

Pros :
- A very interesting tale of the political history of the crisis, got me reading more about Irish politics.
- High amount of interviews (nurses, doctors, politicians etc...).
- Mix between journalism and history.

Cons :
- Lots of characters and acronyms, sometimes confusing.
- The economic side of the pandemic is not ignored but I think the book could've benefited from a more in-depth analysis of this aspect.
- Maybe, by waiting one more year, this book could've encompassed more COVID history: the Delta variant, elections in Ireland, exiting the crisis fully... This way, "A State of Emergency" could've been seen as a complete reference in terms of Irish COVID history (if not already!).

[Ann Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so well written. I experienced many emotions reading through it.
I had forgotten some of the events that it details, and I had hidden myself from some, unable to hear them at the time, but was ready now. I'd love Richard to write a continuation on this one, and continue the story. I'm sure it will be on must read history curriculums in many secondary schools in years to come.

[Daryl Feehely · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important documentation of the key milestones and touchpoints in Ireland's COVID-19 pandemic journey, this book gives us behind the scenes and first-hand accounts of the crisis from those on the front lines, as well a look behind the political curtain at some of the decisions taken during this challenging period.

The book is well paced and structured, and while being easily digestible in terms of format, it sometimes makes for difficult reading in terms of content. Despite the sad nature of the events which left so many lives devastated, the cruel nature of a pandemic meant that many others were spared the worst, which makes this book, and the interviews and analysis within, so significant.

The book serves as a reminder that even though our prognosis as a society is much more optimistic in the post-vaccine era, we are still not free and clear of COVID. We all still have a responsibility to reduce the spread of infection in order to protect ourselves and others, and when the time is right, to mark the work and sacrifices made by so many.

[Ted Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a month to read this book, not because it was very long, nor because it was very dense, requiring careful slow reading. No, it took me a long time because it is very tough going. It is important to have such an excellent record of the first 18 months of the pandemic (who knows how many more lie ahead), but it tells a story of enormous dedication, and deeply depressing, of suffering and death. I’m glad I read it, but I certainly didn’t enjoy it.

[Shane Colton · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I seen this book first released, I thought who on earth wants to buy a book with a detailed account of the last 2 years....after seeing positive reviews the answer was me! Book is very well written and actually very cathartic. I was amazed how many of the twists and turns we as a nation went through in the last 2 years that I'd forgotten about. Book has just the right amount of detail, not too little to make it watery but not too much to make it monotonous. I can only imagine how challenging it was to get all the interviews and first hand accounts in the middle of all the action unfolding. The way things are going, I reckon there will be another book in the making📖📚

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some excellent segments about the medical crisis in various parts of the country, which were horrifying to read, really. The rest of the book is a detailed account of the political men (mostly) involved and their desire for reputation and job-clinging above all else. It's not that it was badly written - it was actually excellent, and Chambers got an amazing amount of information from all of them - but it wasn't what I wanted to read. I think it's important, but it wasn't at all enjoyable. It sickened me to read about some of their behaviours - FROM THEIR OWN MOUTHS - while people were scared and dying all over the place.

Highly recommended if you have an interest in the political manoeverings in Ireland during 2020-2021.

[David Brisbane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think for many of us during the pandemic we were stuck in our own wee worlds trying to avoid the realities of what was actually going on so we could cope. Trying hard not to look at news stories about the chaos in care homes and the hospital wards hell.

However this book has made me reevaluate the pandemic - it was much, much worse than we all probably thought it was. Despite being about Ireland, I imagine a lot of what was described in this book also occurred in the UK. This is a harrowing yet vital account of Ireland’s COVID crisis.

[JEileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a compelling read. It’s honest, heartbreaking & gripping all at the same time. Shows the inadequacies of the Irish government & the shocking consequences fir our most vulnerable & their heartbroken families. Behind everyone of those daily statistics was a family & it’s great these families stories are being documented.
Richard Chambers account is simply outstanding.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and tough to read at times, an excellent recollection of such a desperate time

[Aiden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book to better understand the behind-the-scenes activities of the Government, this NPHET, and the HSE during the first year of the pandemic. It gives useful insights into the power dynamics and relationships between all of the key players and their organizations.

I was unaware that half of this book also dealt with an oral history of the individual stories of patients, healthcare workers, nursing homes, funeral directors, and others. This thread demonstrated the human costs of the policy decisions that most often had to be made in the heat of the moment, with the (incomplete) information available at the time, and constrained by what was achievable at short notice.

I would be interested in reading a potential companion volume where he would address the subsequent year of the pandemic which is far from over.

I am sure that there shall be other books addressing the pandemic in Ireland, perhaps in a more rigorous manner. For now, this book is an informative initial draft of history.

—
I got this book from my library. Libraries are great. Support your local library.

[Aoife · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m still gobsmacked at how well written, poignant and touching this book was and how Richard Chambers dealt with every aspect of the Covid-19 emergency in Ireland from nursing homes, to people living in small villages dealing with such hard times in their communities from February 2020.

It felt surreal reading through all the lockdowns, restrictions and the hardest and heartbreaking of times for so many people through severe illness, ventilation and death of beloved family members all these months later. Especially now when Ireland is in such a different place now in February 2022, with thanks to vaccines and the hard work of so many across every walk of life from healthcare and beyond, with a less severe variant involved, to be in a place where we have nearly all emergency covid-19 restrictions lifted.

The full impact of covid-19 and all the restrictions, closures etc won’t be known for quite some time, but reading A State of Emergency made me see that we need to deal with these issues now, before they balloon into full scale issues that we can’t come back from, massively improving a Public Health Service aside. The ending gave real hope after a truly grave situation for a country and its people, who did and are doing all they can to protect so many.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think I timed this one perfectly. When the book released it felt like events were still too current and raw to be reading about, the distance of a few years allowing me a calmer head. I am slightly surprised at how much my mind has either forgotten or disposed of, I had a more than a few moments of “Christ remember that”.

Well paced & balanced telling of the Irish Covid story. I liked the glimpses into the behind the scenes dramas & battles of the decision makers in NPHET & government. For me, the book’s strength lay in showing how these decisions impacted upon the health service & to all corners of Irish society.

[Ally Keegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought I'd ever read anything written about the pandemic, but when I saw that Richard Chambers had written a book, I knew I had to. Obviously I'm pretty late to the game on this one, but this was a fantastic read. More than just laying out the facts, Chambers writes with the sensitivity needed when discussing such a raw and current collective tragedy and never loses sight of the human aspect amidst all the science included. If anyone wants to read a book on the pandemic, I'd recommend this one: it's tough, but it's very, very good.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great time capsule and relic of the COVID era in Ireland - this book chronicles the trials and stories both macro and micro of the last two years. It took me a while to finish due in part to personal circumstances but also my general exhaustion with COVID as the Irish restrictions have lifted almost completely.

I'd highly recommend the book to anyone interested in the last two monumental years, it's an eye-opening, tragic, enlightening but also hopeful look at how COVID has impacted us, and how we've come out of it as a nation together.

[Aoiffe Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that with the benefit of time, I'd be ready to read this book. Going through it highlighted and outlined just how much of an effect the pandemic has had on myself, individuals, the state, and the world as a whole.

I found the book to be well balanced between the details of policy and management and the personal stories that ultimately are what will be remembered in the years to come. Well researched and written, never forgetting the normal, human side of the global pandemic. This book will serve as a go-to in years to come.

[Barry Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important recounting of Ireland's first year with COVID. It tackles things from three main perspectives; healthcare workers, politicians, and man-on-the-street stories of families rocked by the disease. Obviously it's tough at times, but I realised while reading that it's good to not lose sight of the real horrors that came with the pandemic. It's very easy to think of life now as "post covid" and not properly contextualise just how bad it really was.

[myakomodo15 · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the few books that has made me become openly emotional.

There are so many untold horrors about the Covid crisis that many of us luckily are not and will not be privy to. And undoubtably for years to come, this period of time will be studied as a formative time of history.

A wonderfully informative book that shone a light into the lives of unsung heroes, pointed criticisms at those meant to have the populations best interests at heart, and delve into the lasting scars caused.

[Aine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastically written book, the inside look at what was happening was fascinating. We knew what we were told in the news but to see the behind the scenes stuff, what ministers really thought and how close we got to being like lombardy was incredible to read about. If you didnt know it was true it could have been a dystopian novel. Excellent read

[Chel O Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read. Its baffling to think we lived through those last 3 years. So well written with plenty of nuggets of information I didn't previously know. Quite upsetting too, I definitely cried a few times remembering the worst moments of the Irish covid crisis. Its not gone but thank god we're coming out on the other side.

[Norma Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't know if I was ready for an account of Covid in Ireland but devoured this in one sitting. Wow. The game-playing at the top compared to the struggles of ordinary people and healthcare workers. A really, really well-written book. I think it'll stay with me.

[Sinead · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I had Covid fatigue and would never read a book about Covid, however this book got some many good reviews from people I know that I had to read it. Overall a very engaging and well written book.

[Ciara H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, easy to read. I thought it might be a little too soon for this but the content is selected wisely. The content is also modest and compassionate, covering hospitals, small rural villages, and nursing homes. As the pandemic has progressed this is a good reminder of what has happened.

[Niall Hetherington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible Version. A great account of the machinations around Ireland’s handling of the Covid outbreak, unfortunately misses out on some of the more interesting elements and tapers off a bit towards the end.