Customer Reviews

New Ireland

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

John Hume is a virtually unknown figure in the United States, but he has been steadily gaining recognition due to his work in the Northern Irish peace agreement. This recognition is overdue and much deserved. This monumental book outlines Hume's political philosophy - a philosophy which seeks to brush aside the vengefulness and intransigence of Northern Ireland's past, searching instead for reconciliation through justice for all. Hume is heavily influenced by Matin Luther King, Jr. and John F. Kennedy, and quotes from these two figures flavor Hume's text. Hume's themes may seem repetitive, and his ideas seem to be based on the shakey foundation of human progress, but this work demonstrates that he is a champion for for a true peace in Northern Ireland - a peace that is just for all.

I grew up in Belfast, and always had a lot of respect for the SDLP - initially Gerry Fitt and then John Hume being my political heroes. The book sets out with clarity mapping the real world experiences of John Hume and the progress - or maybe that should be regress - of the troubles in Northern Ireland. This book should be compulsory reading for kids growing up in Israel and Palestine, and probably Darfur and other regions of unrest. And of course, in Washington DC as well. Acheiving peace is not easy and does not come from the barrel of a gun. I don't recall the exact quote, and a friend is reading the book now, but it is along the lines of "Victory does not bring about peace - it simply puts it off". Never a truer word was said.