Discovered in a Waterstones in St. Albans near London – I always make sure to score some great books whenever I’m in the UK since the collection on offer always surpasses English titles in Dutch bookstores. This paperback was screaming my name and I ended up EATING this book up. It was a scrumptious read.
So I love myself some well-written historical explorations and Say Nothing brought me into the world of the Troubles – the wild years in the 1960s of IRA-activity in Northern Ireland, something of which I have to admit I did not know a lot about. And that is exactly what I love most about a good, accurate history non-fiction novel: it takes me to places and times beyond our current reality and I can lose myself. Plus I also get to actually learn about a specific time, about customs or cultures I did not yet know too much about. Say Nothing is superbly written and draws you in with the mysterious 1972 dissapearance of Jean McConville in Belfast – a mother of 10. Jean is taken from her apartment to never be seen again.
After this thrilling hook you slowly get acquainted with (initially) regular Irish people who end up playing significant roles in the civil rights movement and/ or IRA in Northern Ireland. What starts as accessible and understandable actions, people passionate about their cause, slowly develops into bigger and more dangerous actions. We follow the stories of (among others) Dolours Price and Gerry Adams, two names who were very well-known during and after the Troubles and who showcase huge devotion to their cause. Since I did not know too much about all that went down during these times, I had regular OMG moments and the story read like absolute fiction at times. With prison sentences, bombings, hunger strikes and force feedings – it is no surprise a series was actually made out of this book.
Absolute 10/10. Must-read for anyone who loves historical (non-)fiction.
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