Say Nothing (book)

Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland is a non-fiction book written by Patrick Radden Keefe and published in 2019. The book meticulously chronicles The Troubles in Northern Ireland, focusing on the abduction and murder of Jean McConville, a widow and mother of ten, in 1972.

Keefe weaves together multiple narratives, tracing the history of the conflict from its roots to the Good Friday Agreement. He delves into the lives of key figures within the Irish Republican Army (IRA), including Dolours Price, Marian Price, and Brendan Hughes, drawing on extensive interviews and previously unseen documents. The book explores the motivations, actions, and psychological toll of the violence on both sides of the conflict.

Say Nothing examines the complex issues of paramilitary violence, political loyalties, and the challenges of reconciliation in the aftermath of prolonged civil strife. It raises ethical questions about the justifications for political violence, the long-term consequences of trauma, and the burden of silence surrounding past atrocities. The book received critical acclaim for its thorough research, compelling storytelling, and nuanced portrayal of a deeply divided society.