Voices from the Grave: Two Men's War in Ireland [Paperback]

There's been a lot of press coverage and corresponding expectations connected to this book. I read a bit in both the Irish News and Belfast Telegraph and Tim Pat Coogan's review in the latter paper and what nobody seems to have done is write an expectation-free account of what the reader actually gets, so I'll try to do that here.
The first half of the book is devoted to material from interviews with the late IRA member Brendan Hughes and the second part to similar material from interviews with the late UVF member and later PUP politician David Ervine, both against a backdrop of Maloney's commentary which to his credit effectively gives the historical background without detracting from the voice of either protagonist.
Hughes' account provides graphic memories of growing up in sectarian inner-city Belfast with an abundance of telling detail. He provides wonderful details of the early provisionals in Belfast and detailed accounts of his own paramilitary activity. His accounts of Adams' involvement in the IRA confirm what everybody in N.Ireland already knows (and which Adams apparently doesn't admit for "legal" reasons). There are fascinating revelations on the people "disappeared" by the IRA where the story of Jean McConville is somehow outdone in terms of poignancy by that of Patrick Crawford: abandoned by his mother as a newborn, brought up in care and probably subjected to abuse, and then killed in prison at 22 by the IRA in a death dressed up as suicide. This section includes allegations of Adams having his own "personal squad" (Moloney) or "flying column" (Hughes). Hughes' narrative also gives a fascinating account of his escape from jail, inside details of divisions within the IRA and in-depth accounts of the hunger strikes and all that led up to them.
Hughes' narrative overshadows that of Ervine and this is at least partly due to Ervine's refusal to talk about his own paramilitary activity. What he does talk about is what led him into the UVF and he provides a fascinating account of growing up in East Belfast with a conformist mother and an intellectually curious father without formal education (but with the strength of character to tell a patronising Paisley where to get off). Ervine's critical exploration of the complexities and contradictions of Irish history should serve as a shining example to people of all persuasions to go beyond the ignorance and simplistic prejudices which even now sadly prevail in N.Ireland. He provides a brutally honest (UVF) perspective on sectarian killings and bombings including the massacre at Dublin and Monaghan, gives a clear (if well-known) loyalist perspective on Paisley and offers fascinating insights into protestant working-class consciousness and class antagonisms within the unionist camp. He has strong views on Billy Wright and gives a lot of inside detail on the complex maneuverings of the peace process.
In short, the two voices in this book have much of interest to say and it is encouraging that for all the strength of convictions of both Hughes and Ervine, both men show the intelligence and humanity to transcend sectarianism.

Anyone who has a basic understanding of Irish Republicanism will know who Brendan Hughes was. They will know that he was denied a voice while alive and is now confirming many rumours and stories from his grave.

The Dark was a down to earth man. He had no interest in money or power and this comes through in this interview and anyone who knew him can hear his voice in their head while reading his interviews.

The book is bulked out with some background information into what he is talking about and this is needed for those who know little or nothing of the situation in Ireland in the 70's or 80's. Some background is needed to afford the interviews some sense and meaning to those of us who did not live through the height of the war. This therefore makes the book accessible to all. Irish and non. Those of us who are older and the young alike.

I saw that someone wanted to see interviews with the RUC and Gerry Adams in this book. I feel they have missed the point of this book and have probably slept through the last 30 odd years to make such a request. The RUC are still covering up and denying what happened pre 1969 and Gerry Adams is not known for his love of the Dark. So much so that he claimed the Dark actually "apologised" to him when in fact the Dark was in a coma and unable to speak.

Mr Adams' comments on the day this book was published also confirm WHY he wasn't included. His "Well we all know the Dark was very ill when he gave those interviews" is the latest in a long line of attempts to discredit not only Brendan but anyone who disagrees with the almighty Gerry. RUC and PSF interviews have no place in this book seeing as it is about the personal experiences of two well known people in the "Troubles"

The David Ervine section opened my eyes to some facts I wasn't aware of. And made me curious to deepen my knowledge on these. I did find it somewhat lacking compared to the Brendan Hughes section but this is probably due to the fact he was still a main player on the scene at the time and afraid of possible comebacks and political fallouts, even though the interviews could not be released until after his death.

I have also seen the documentary of the same name and found it just as interesting and sad hearing Brendan's voice once more.

This is a highly recommended book for anyone who wants to learn about one man's fight for Irish Independence and why he turned his back on Provisional Sinn Fein. This book holds more weight than any other before.

Great factual book that tells a true story of what really went on at this time, this story is told by a man that in many ways does not warrant much respect, but also there is a strong moral, message read carefully.