Silver Linings

Northern Ireland has made headlines around the world for three decades. The province has become synonymous with conflict, terrorism and tortuous efforts to forge peace. But what is life there really like In this enchanting and highly original book Martin Fletcher presents a portrait of Northern Ireland utterly at odds with its dire international image. He paints a compelling picture of a place caught in a time warp since the 1960s, of a land of mountains, lakes and rivers where customs, traditions and old-world charm survive, of an incredibly resourceful province that has given the world not just bombs and bullets but the Titanic, the tyre and the tractor, a dozen American presidents, two prime ministers of New Zealand and a Hindu god. He meets an intelligent, fun-loving, God-fearing people who may do terrible things to each other but who could not be more welcoming to outsiders. He describes a land of awful beauty, a battleground of good and evil, a province populated by saints and sinners that has yet to be rendered bland by the forces of modernity.

“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”

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

Martin Fletcher arrived in Northern Ireland in 1997 after seven years as Washington Correspondent of THE TIMES. His previous book, ALMOST HEAVEN WAS SHORTLISTED FOR THE 1999 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL BOOK AWARD. He is now European Correspondent of THE TIMES.

Northern Ireland has made headlines around the world for three decades. The province has become synonymous with conflict, terrorism and tortuous efforts to forge peace. But what is life there really like In this enchanting and highly original book Martin Fletcher presents a portrait of Northern Ireland utterly at odds with its dire international image. He paints a compelling picture of a place caught in a time warp since the 1960s, of a land of mountains, lakes and rivers where customs, traditions and old-world charm survive, of an incredibly resourceful province that has given the world not just bombs and bullets but the Titanic, the tyre and the tractor, a dozen American presidents, two prime ministers of New Zealand and a Hindu god. He meets an intelligent, fun-loving, God-fearing people who may do terrible things to each other but who could not be more welcoming to outsiders. He describes a land of awful beauty, a battleground of good and evil, a province populated by saints and sinners that has yet to be rendered bland by the forces of modernity.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.