Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland - Patrick Radden Keefe ----------------------- 4.5 Stars

Say Nothing reads like a piece of fiction - it's made up of unreal characters and a story that is too good to be true - but, every single part of Say Nothing is from the real history detailing the many years of fighting in Northern Ireland. The Troubles as they were known, lasted from around 1968 to the late 90's (though some might argue it's still going in some ways), though it was a fairly unknown situation to me. 

As you could probably gather from the rating, I really enjoyed this book! As alluded to briefly above, I really was not aware of much of the history and fighting between England and the IRA (republicans) seeking independence for Northern Ireland. Of course, I was aware there was bombings and violence but really knew nothing else. While this book is not a comprehensive story of the fighting during these 30 years, the reader certainly finishes the book feeling much more knowledgeable of the challenges that led to the conflict, why the fighting occurred, and why there is animosity still today. 

While this book is not a comprehensive history of The Troubles, it is an engaging and interesting story about a missing mother with 10 kids and the main actors for the IRA side. And, like any good story, there are a few main characters who the author describes in such detail, you can't help but feel engaged and interested in their stories. These characters and the incredible lives they led/lead began many years ago when they were mere teenagers. Like many who fought the English during this time period violence was an every day part of their lives, and between their young age and daring activities, it's impossible not to be captivated by their individual stories. 

This book is fascinating not only because of the individuals taking part of the micro-level, but also for how fluidly the author transitions to considering the macro aspects of the story. While much of the novel details bombings, gun fights, and prison, you never forget the bigger purpose of the book - to understand why so many Catholics sought independence from the British in Northern Ireland. In fact, as the novel continues and the reader begins to have a broader view of the issue, the author does an adroit job of pivoting much of the text to these philosophical and moral issues. As the IRA moves from a terrorist organization to a more legit political organization, the book does a phenomenal job detailing the divide that begins to split many of the original members (really the last third of the book). At the heart of this divide is about the expectations of what the struggle was about - full independence, a compromised version of peace, etc. Seeing these freedom fighters age into their 40s and 50s and become both wistful and angry about the past is one of the most interesting parts of the book.

Overall, this is one of the most engaging non-fiction reads I've encountered in a long time. As I noted at the start, the book reads like a piece of fiction, with great characters, a wonderful plot, and engaging story. I highly recommend this book!

The Evening and the Morning - Ken Follett ---------------- 4 Stars

 The Evening and the Morning is Ken Follett's newest book that is vaguely set up as a prequel to the amazing Pillars of the Earth (one of the few books to ever receive a 5 star rating). While there was really NO connection to Pillars or those characters, the book did include many of Follett's best storytelling skills and was an enjoyable read.

Set at the end of the Dark Ages and beginning of Middle, circa 1000, this book tells the story about three characters in England (same places as Pillars, so I guess there is that connection). A young french noblewoman coming to England for marriage, a poor but intelligent builder finding his way through a lost love, and an ambitious and caring young monk working to improve the religious focus of peoples. Though less the main focus, the book is littered with evil men (a few brothers) who these three characters fight literally and figuratively throughout the novel.

Checking in at over 900 pages, this is not a short book (and I read the old fashioned hard back - good workout!). However, the book reads quite easily and I finished it quickly. First, it is an engaging novel; one I struggled to put down on many occasions. Bridging as Follett does on being a soap opera, the novel has many highs and lows for the characters and lots of rising and falling action. Like most of his books, he does an incredible job introducing characters and making it clear their motivations. While those motivations are often quite limited and not very complex (i.e. this person is "bad" and just wants power while this person is "good" as they just want to find true love), they still are engaging and it's quite clear who to root for and against. 

Perhaps my favorite aspect of Follett's books is his narration of character thinking and plotting. As I mentioned, most of his stories are about conflicts between "good" and "bad" people, and he has it play out like a chess match between the two adversaries, seeing who can make the smartest move to get what they want and watching the fireworks along the way. 

The only reason this book does not earn 4.5 or 5 stars like the other books Follett has written I've reviewed, is that it lacks the depth those novels included. Again, the story is super engaging and it's a really fun read but, as a reader, I was left with wanting to know more about the motivations of the characters. It's almost been dumbed down for the reader so it's still a great read but doesn't include the complexity and varied viewpoints that elevated his previous novels. Nonetheless, I highly recommend as a read!