Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland

by Patrick Radden Keefe
Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland cover
Good Books rating 4.33
True Crime
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  • ID: 2596
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780008159276
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2018-11-01
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

Say Nothing is a gripping true crime narrative that delves into the murder of Jean McConville, a mother of ten, during the height of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The book is praised as one of the greatest literary achievements of the 21st century, offering a profound exploration of memory, trauma, and the complexities of political violence. Patrick Radden Keefe masterfully weaves together the personal stories of those affected by the conflict, providing a haunting and unforgettable account of a turbulent era. This book is not just a crime story but a deep dive into the historical and political context of Northern Ireland. It examines the legacy of the IRA and the British state's response, revealing how the past continues to shape the present. With meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Say Nothing is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, history, and the human impact of political conflict.

Reviews
Bookshelf Discovery · 2024-11-10
heartbreaking 4.00

The story of Jean McConville is shocking, and the treatment of her ten abandoned children is heartbreaking. The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful exploration of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

This reviewer was deeply moved by the story of Jean McConville and the devastating impact on her children. They found the book to be a powerful and poignant exploration of the Troubles, highlighting the human cost of the conflict. The reviewer appreciated the depth of research and the sensitivity with which Keefe handles the subject matter. However, they also noted that the book can be quite harrowing at times, making it a challenging but necessary read.

Quick quotes

    The story of Jean McConville is shocking, and the treatment of the ten abandoned children is equally heartbreaking.

    It's the usual Irish story of a complex and messy history.

    The book is a powerful and poignant exploration of the Troubles.

The Pump Don't Work · 2019-04-03
engaging 4.50

The book is praised for its gripping narrative and ability to pull the reader through the story. The reviewer highlights Keefe's skill in storytelling and his ability to make the characters come alive.

This reviewer loved how Patrick Radden Keefe's writing style keeps you on the edge of your seat. The way he weaves together the mystery and the historical context of the Troubles in Northern Ireland is truly captivating. They especially appreciated how Keefe brings the characters to life, making the story feel personal and immediate. The reviewer also noted that the book is a real page-turner, making it hard to put down. However, they also mentioned that the complexity of the story might be overwhelming for some readers.

Quick quotes

    On the plus side, this work by Keefe, a New Yorker staff writer, is a real page-turner.

    He knows how to pull the reader through his story, and I found myself unable to put it down.

    It might seem odd, even offensive, to state it, but he brings his characters to real life.

The New York Times · 2019-02-22
insightful 4.50

Keefe is praised for his storytelling ability and his nuanced portrayal of the characters. The reviewer finds the book to be a clever and insightful exploration of a complex historical period.

This reviewer was impressed by Patrick Radden Keefe's ability to tell a compelling story while also providing a nuanced portrayal of the characters involved. They found the book to be a clever and insightful exploration of the Troubles, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of the period. The reviewer appreciated Keefe's ability to bring the characters to life and make the historical events feel immediate and relevant. However, they also noted that the book can be quite dense at times, requiring careful reading to fully appreciate its depth.

Quick quotes

    Keefe is a terrific storyteller.

    It might seem odd, even offensive, to state it, but he brings his characters to real life.

    The book is cleverly constructed, weaving together multiple narratives to create a cohesive and compelling whole.

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