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

Patrick Radden Keefe

February 26, 2019

Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe is a true story about a forgotten atrocity in Northern Ireland during “The Troubles.” The book tells the story of Jean McConville, a 39-year-old mother of ten who was abducted and murdered by The Irish Republican Army in 1972.Keefe uses interviews with IRA members, and with people close to the McConville family, to build a mosaic of perspectives. He examines the social, economic and political contexts in which the murder occurred, and examines the personal motivations and ethical dilemmas which led to it. Through his painstaking research and detective work, Keefe is able to uncover intimate details, personal histories and local stories which bring to life the tragedy that was the ‘The Troubles.’The book is more than just the story of Jean McConville’s murder: it is a complex narrative that investigates a host of factors and examines why her murder remains a defining moment in Northern Irish history. Keefe has done a masterful job of blending personal stories and chilling facts to ensure a full and nuanced exploration of the tragedy.At the heart of the book is a sobering meditation on the politics of the past and present. Keefe’s narrative is both timely and timeless, revealing just how powerful memory can be in the face of atrocity and injustice. Say Nothing is a must-read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the Troubles, and the power of human connection in times of darkness.