Say Nothing

by Patrick Radden Keefe ’99CC, Patrick Radden Keefe
Say Nothing cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 2641
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
The Guardian · 2024-11-14
powerful 3.00

The review acknowledges the book's compelling narrative and powerful acting but criticizes it for being fatally flawed in its portrayal of the Troubles. The reviewer finds the story both beautiful and deeply troubling.

The reviewer at The Guardian highlights the book's ability to capture the raw and terrible nature of the Troubles. They appreciate the beautiful acting and the interrogation of power dynamics, but they also point out significant flaws in the narrative. The book is seen as a powerful yet imperfect account of a complex and painful period in history. The reviewer acknowledges the book's strengths but ultimately finds it lacking in its overall portrayal.

Quick quotes

    It's a terrible story – many terrible stories – of a terrible time that is barely over.

    And it is a beautifully acted interrogation of the power ...

    But the book is fatally flawed in its portrayal of the Troubles.

Columbia Magazine · 2024-10-14
comprehensive 4.50

The book is praised for its meticulous research and comprehensive exploration of the Troubles. It is considered a must-read for those interested in investigative journalism.

This review highlights the book's impeccable research and its ability to provide a thorough history of the Troubles. The reviewer emphasizes that the book is not just a retelling of events but a deep dive into the complexities and nuances of the conflict. They appreciate the author's ability to weave together various perspectives and present a balanced narrative. It's clear that the reviewer holds this book in high regard, recommending it as essential reading for anyone interested in investigative journalism and historical events.

Quick quotes

    In his impeccably researched bestseller, Keefe uses it as a jumping-off point to write a comprehensive history of the Troubles.

    The book is a must-read for those interested in investigative journalism.

    Keefe's work is a testament to the power of investigative journalism.

Books Are My Favourite and Best · 2020-02-25
engrossing 4.50

The reviewer finds Keefe's writing engrossing and praises his ability to maintain tension throughout the book. They highlight the true story aspect as particularly compelling.

The reviewer at Books Are My Favourite and Best is deeply engrossed by Keefe's writing style, which they find both captivating and tense. They appreciate how Keefe maintains the tension throughout the book, making it a gripping read. The reviewer also highlights the true story aspect as particularly compelling, noting that it often feels like a work of fiction due to its intense narrative. They commend Keefe for his ability to blend historical facts with a compelling story, making the book both educational and entertaining.

Quick quotes

    I found Keefe's writing so engrossing that I frequently had to remind myself that he was telling a true story.

    Keefe maintains the tension by ...

    It often feels like a work of fiction due to its intense narrative.

Patrick Treardon's Blog · 2019-04-03
engaging 4.00

The reviewer praises the book as a real page-turner, highlighting Keefe's ability to pull the reader through the story. They appreciate the engaging narrative but also note some criticisms.

The reviewer at Patrick Treardon's Blog finds 'Say Nothing' to be a highly engaging and gripping read. They commend Patrick Radden Keefe for his skillful storytelling, which keeps the reader hooked throughout. The reviewer notes that the book is a true page-turner and appreciates the depth of research and the compelling narrative. However, they also mention that there are some areas where the book could have delved deeper, particularly in its exploration of certain historical contexts.

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 ...

    There are some areas where the book could have delved deeper.

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