Great Hatred, Little Room: Making Peace in Northern Ireland
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Review
The ultimate insider's account. --The Sunday Telegraph
Students of government will find Powell's book a treasure trove. --The Sunday Times
Fascinating and fast-moving... an extraordinary book. --The Observer
Students of government will find Powell's book a treasure trove. --The Sunday Times
Fascinating and fast-moving... an extraordinary book. --The Observer
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
As someone who bought this book to learn more about the diplomacy behind the northern ireland agreement, I found it both comprehensive and easy to understand. Jonathan Powell delievers a very unbiased account, with some interesting insights into what a massive uphill struggle conflict resolution is. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in british or irish politics, whether you are an academic or a layman like me!!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a very interesting book containing insider information about the laborious and complex negotiations that brought peace and stability to Northern Ireland after years of conflict. Written by Jonathon Powell, Tony Blair's Chief of Staff throughout his period as Prime Minister, the author had a pivotal role within the peace negotiations and saw and heard things that few others will have witnessed. The book is written in an engaging and interesting style, and Powell clearly has cordial and constructive relations with some controversial figures, particularly Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness. The friendly camaraderie often evident in his exchanges with Sinn Fein leaders in particular has caused some concern to unionist commentators in particular. Powell however always emphasises the even-handed approach of the British government, even if the rival sides did not always see it that way. Powell has used his role to provide some previously unknown information such as the existence of a secret channel of communication between the ostensibly hostile groups, Sinn Fein and the DUP. This book is a vital read to any serious student of modern political history and of the Northern Ireland problem.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a very simple book, a narrative history from 1997 to 2007 of the Peace Process in Northern Ireland as seen from the perspective of the British goverment and specifically Powell as Blair's Chief of Staff and chief organiser. The book rattles along covering events more or less as they occur. It's full of last minute meetings, late night telephone calls and exasperation at the changing demands of the parties.
The one problem is that it is so close to the events there is not enough chance for measured reflection. Most of the participants are still involved in politics and I sense that Powell is careful in his comments about people, never daring to be too critical. Infact there is all too little reflection generally, with Powell just narrating events as they happen. It misses periodic pauses to reflect and assess progress and issues. Although he touches on parallels with other conflicts it would have been interesting to develop this more and it would have been interesting to discuss whether the peace process has finally been concluded or whether there are still potential pitfalls to come.
Despite these drawbacks it's an interesting read, and Powell keeps up the pace nicely. He gives a great sense of what these negoiations are and what an exhausting and frustrating process it is. It's well worth a read.
The one problem is that it is so close to the events there is not enough chance for measured reflection. Most of the participants are still involved in politics and I sense that Powell is careful in his comments about people, never daring to be too critical. Infact there is all too little reflection generally, with Powell just narrating events as they happen. It misses periodic pauses to reflect and assess progress and issues. Although he touches on parallels with other conflicts it would have been interesting to develop this more and it would have been interesting to discuss whether the peace process has finally been concluded or whether there are still potential pitfalls to come.
Despite these drawbacks it's an interesting read, and Powell keeps up the pace nicely. He gives a great sense of what these negoiations are and what an exhausting and frustrating process it is. It's well worth a read.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
achieving the impossible
Jonathan Powell was Tony Blair's Chief of Staff and chief negotiator during the period from 1997 to 2007, and was heavily involved in the negotiations which inch by inch led to... Read more
Published 1 month ago by markr
Unenlightening and dull
I'm prompted to write this review having been staggered at the other reviews. I was so disappointed reading this book. Read more
Published on 3 April 2009 by H. S. Lee
Lightweight review of the Irish Peace Process 1997-2007.
Jonathan Powell was an advisor to Tony Blair, working particularly on Northern Ireland.
He is a younger brother of Charles Powell, who was an advisor to Margaret Thatcher. Read more
He is a younger brother of Charles Powell, who was an advisor to Margaret Thatcher. Read more
Published on 3 Aug 2008 by Hugh Claffey
Clear and present diplomacy
I don't think I would have bought this book but when it was given to me as a present (!) I peeked into it, thinking I'd probably take as long to read it as did the eventual outcome... Read more
Published on 16 May 2008 by Michael Watson
Behind the Curtain
The settlement of Northern Ireland's grinding conflict owes a lot to demographics; the old protagonists on both sides were tired and looking for a way out before the new generation... Read more
Published on 7 May 2008 by Robert Horn
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