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Silver Linings: Travels Around Northern Ireland
 
 

Silver Linings: Travels Around Northern Ireland (Paperback)

by Martin Fletcher (Author) "In the summer of 1997, after eight happy years in Washington, my employers at The Times decided to punish me for some great sin, the..." (more)
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
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Product details

  • Paperback: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Abacus; New edition edition (5 April 2001)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0349112517
  • ISBN-13: 978-0349112510
  • Product Dimensions: 19.3 x 12.7 x 2.5 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 36,421 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in this category:

    #26 in  Books > Travel & Holiday > Countries & Regions > Europe > Ireland

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Product Description

Amazon.co.uk Review

Silver Linings isn't just another book about Northern Ireland's history. Martin Fletcher's book is about the people of Ireland, their community spirit (built out of adversity, and perhaps all the stronger for it), traditional pastimes and old-fashioned names. "In the course of my work," the author tells us, "I met some of the most chilling people I have ever come across in 18 years of journalism: paramilitary leaders, terrorists, bigots consumed by mindless hatred. But I also met some of the most inspiring: former bombers and gunmen striving to make amends for past misdeeds, victims of terrorism who have managed to forgive, women who have stoically endured the most crushing losses, clergymen and community workers battling the evil in their midst." The book is also about the country itself; its lush green farmland, and the city of Belfast at the head of the Belfast Lough, "straddling the Lagan River valley and ringed by high hills".

Martin Fletcher tells his story in clear, precise prose that never falters, never resorts to sentiment or hyperbole. He was initially sent to Northern Ireland as a reporter for The Times, but while reporting on the tortuous peace negotiations his wife was meeting the ordinary people, finding "a charming and delightful side of the place that outsiders never hear about". Although essentially a tour of the country, the real story is told in endless digressions, with the author hunting rats on an island in the middle of the Strangford Lough ("My wife, Katy, was strangely reluctant to come") and participating in the ancient game of road-bowling, in which players compete to hurl iron balls along two or three miles of country lane. "If the ball hits a grate, or a signpost, or someone's leg, that's tough."--Daren King --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.



Review

'Charming' summer round up, DAILY TELEGRAPH 'If you read his previous book, ALMOST HEAVEN, you will know Fletcher's qualities include insight and eloquence...his compassionate, witty book is rich with insight into a place of cockfights, witchcraft, eccentricity and magic' SUNDAY TIMES 'When it comes to Northern Ireland, we have not so much switched off as forgotten to change channels. Fletcher hands us the remote' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY

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In the summer of 1997, after eight happy years in Washington, my employers at The Times decided to punish me for some great sin, the exact nature of which I have yet to ascertain. Read the first page
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars An addictive read, and much more than a tour of the country, 7 Sep 2000
By A Customer
I was born and brought up in 'The Proud Village of Doagh', but left many decades ago. At times I have had a schizophrenic response ro my native Irish Province, but the silver linings were always my memories of people and places. I applaud the sentiments of my compatriot, Mr Forbes: this book is an excellent read. Whether you read with a glass of the Bush to hand or not, it will make you laugh, it will make you 'sit-up' with it's passing words of wisdom, and certainly it made me shed a tear or two. To mangle the cliche a little, if you enjoy the book, go visit the people and enjoy the crack.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars It gets in your blood..., 27 May 2000
By Peter M. Forbes "peterforbes70" (Ballywatticock, Norn Iron) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
Martin Fletcher begins this book by tempting you to hate this little Province immediately. He is slowly won over by the small things that make Northern Ireland truly wonderful, like the warmth of the people, the strange customs and the bizarre goings on. If you ever wanted a great bedside trip around this "war-torn" wee patch of land, buy this book, take about three days off work and read it (with a bottle of Bush by your side). You will laugh, and damn it you will cry, but you will have gotten one step closer to the nicest folk on earth.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars More than a travelogue - an insight into the real Ulster., 2 Jun 2000
By A Customer
One of the most enjoyable books I've read for ages. I thought I knew a lot about Northern Ireland, having lived there for 10 of my most formative years in the 60s, but Martin Fletcher kept surprising me with little gems on every page. He, and his family, obviously developed a great affection for the people and their friendliness, and this book is full of perceptive and humerous insights between the tragic incidents that we all remember. The title sums up Martin's view of the real Ulster - if we are prepared to step inside the dark cloud and meet the real people and listen to their individual stories. More than a travelogue, these stories will move and inspire you, whether you already know and love Ireland or not. Ian Bell - Scotland
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Guide for Northern Ireland for the uninitiated
Martin Fletcher has done an outstanding job
in introducing the reader to Northern Ireland
and its interesting mix of people, politics,
history, religion, and... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Dave Sheehan

5.0 out of 5 stars Silver Linings
This is a very easily read, interesting & informative book on Northern Ireland it's history old and new. I have bought about twelve copies and sent it to most of my N. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Mr. Robert Wilson

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