Plot Summary

Belfast Diary

John Conroy
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Belfast Diary

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1989

Book Brief

John Conroy

Belfast Diary

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1989
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Belfast, Northern Ireland • 1980s

Publication Year

1989

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Belfast Diary, John Conroy provides a detailed account of the Northern Ireland conflict known as "The Troubles" by living among Belfast's impoverished residents during the early 1980s. He explores the deeply ingrained political and nationalist tensions between predominantly Protestant Unionists, who wish to remain in the United Kingdom, and predominantly Catholic Nationalists, who seek unification with Ireland. He debunks stereotypes held by both sides and highlights the pervasive violence, poverty, and daily struggles faced by the city's most vulnerable individuals.

Informative

Gritty

Mysterious

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.3

1,039 ratings

82%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

John Conroy’s Belfast Diary provides a compelling and intimate look at the Troubles in Northern Ireland through the eyes of ordinary people. Critics praise Conroy for his detailed reportage and empathetic narrative, though some feel the book lacks broader political context. Overall, it's an insightful and vivid account that humanizes the conflict.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Belfast Diary?

Readers who would enjoy Belfast Diary by John Conroy are interested in in-depth, personal accounts of conflict zones, particularly the Troubles in Northern Ireland. If you appreciated the nuanced perspective in Savage Inequalities by Jonathan Kozol or the detailed conflict narrative of Hiroshima by John Hersey, this book will resonate with you.

4.3

1,039 ratings

82%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Belfast, Northern Ireland • 1980s

Publication Year

1989

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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