Aftermath: The Omagh Bombing and the Families' Pursuit of Justice [Paperback]

Ruth Dudley Edwards (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 12, 2010

The Omagh bomb was the worst massacre in Northern Ireland's modern history—yet from it came a most extraordinary tale of human resilience, as families of murdered people channeled their grief into action. As the bombers congratulated themselves on escaping justice, the families determined on a civil case against them and their organization. In Omagh, on Saturday, August 15, 1998, a massive bomb placed by the so-called Real IRA murdered five men, fourteen women, nine children, and a pair of unborn twins. Although the police believed they knew the identities of the killers, there was insufficient evidence to bring charges. Taking as their motto "For evil to triumph, all that is necessary is for good men to do nothing," families of ten of the dead decided to pursue these men through the civil courts, where the burden of proof is lower. This is the remarkable account of how these families—who had no knowledge of the law and no money, and included a cleaner, a mechanic, and a bookie—became internationally recognized, formidable campaigners and surmounted countless daunting obstacles to win a famous victory. How these mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers turned themselves into the scourge of the Real IRA is not just an astonishing story in itself. It is also a universal story of David challenging Goliath, as well as an inspiration to ordinary people anywhere devastated by terrorism.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ruth Dudley Edwards is an historian, journalist, and crime writer. Her non-fiction includes Newspapermen; The Pursuit of Reason: The Economist, 1843-1993; and Victor Gollancz: A Biography—winner of the James Tate Black Memorial Prize. Her eleven crime novels are satires on the British Establishment.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Random House UK (April 12, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0099472171
• ISBN-13: 978-0099472179
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 1 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,071,125 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Rather disapointed, had hoped for better., December 23, 2011

By 

W. Denis Hanley (Boston MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Aftermath: The Omagh Bombing and the Families' Pursuit of Justice (Paperback)

I am a well-read Irish Republican. The subject matter of the numerous books I have read has been alarming, disturbing, gut wrenching, eye opening and informative. The writing style of the authors of these books is scholarly, researched based, at times dry, and to the point while mincing no words. The politics and political maneuvering of Sinn Fein is noteworthy for its ability to gain inroads into the Unionist government while paying a hefty price
(the formation of the RIRA is one example).
By reading "Aftermath", I had hoped to be apprised concerning all matters of the Omagh bombing.
What this book presents is a roller coaster ride of emotions and over the top graphic descriptions of the mangled bodies and medical procedures. To what end I wondered. My deduction would be to thoroughly repulse the reader into becoming a fellow hater of Irish Republicanism and all we stand for. Ms Edwards may have swayed the opinions of some, but certainly not me.
Ms Edwards admits to being a fictional crime writer. Her foray into non-fiction is obvious and substandard.
Ms Edwards hardly misses an opportunity to dismiss Irish Republicanism out of hand. Without full knowledge and a complete understanding (approval is not needed) of Republicanism and the events that have taken place in the Six Counties since 1969, crafting a fact based presentation is problematic. Ms Edwards has failed in her endeavor.

For the author's tiresome bias, I would not recommend this book.