As an author, I have to admit having a sneaky peek at the Amazon reviews of my latest book, co-authored with Jamie Yohanis, ‘Considering Grace: Presbyterians and the Troubles’.
Earlier this week, a review by an anonymous 22-year-old was posted. It has been one of our hopes that the book would send a powerful message to young people, so it was encouraging to read the short summary:
I can’t recommend this book enough. An honest look at the largest protestant denomination in NI and its response to the Troubles.
This collection of 120 short stories cover the different perspectives within PCI, and gives you a real insight into the lives of everyday people during a traumatic and tragic time in Ireland’s recent history.
As a 22 year old I have no personal experience to draw from, but I think it is incredibly important that the future generations of leaders are able to look back and see people and their pain before real progress is made.
Events like the ones described are not something that can be ‘got over’ – their impact is far reaching and runs deep. We who have not experienced this trauma ourselves (both within and from outside NI) can become impatient with those who are still dealing with the aftermath of an era of violence. We need to be able to understand where people are before we can move forward.
A much needed book in uncertain times.