A Farther Shore: Ireland's Long Road to Peace
Books / Hardcover
Books › Biography & Autobiography › Political
ISBN: 0375508155 / Publisher: Random House, November 2003
The leader of the Irish Repulican movement offers a personal perspective on the road to peace, from the radicalization of Northern Ireland's Catholic population, through long years of violence, to the Good Friday Agreement.
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In vivid detail, Adams describes the harrowing attack on his life, and he offers new details about the peace process. We learn of previously undisclosed talks between republicans and the British government, and of conflicts and surprising alliances between key players. Adams reveals details of his discussions with the IRA leadership and tells how republicans differed, "dissidents" emerged, and the first IRA cessation of violence broke down. He recounts meetings in the Clinton White House, tells what roles Irish-Americans and South Africans played in the process, and describes the secret involvement of those within the Catholic church. Then - triumphantly - this inspiring story climaxes with the Good Friday Agreement: what was agreed and what was promised.Gerry Adams brings a sense of immediacy to this story of hope in what was long considered an intractable conflict. He conveys the acute tensions of the peace process and the ever-present sense of teetering on the brink of both joyous accomplishment and continued despair. With a sharp eye and sensitive ear for the more humorous foibles of political allies and enemies alike, Adams offers illuminating portraits of the leading characters through cease-fires and standoffs, discussions and confrontations. Among the featured players and John Major, Tony Blair, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Jean Kennedy Smith, and Nelson Mandela.
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