Before the Dawn: An Autobiography

Much is known of Gerry Adams, statesman, man of peace, friend of the stars. Less well known perhaps is Adams the artist. Adams is perhaps best known for not being a member of the IRA, and yet so vivid are his descriptions of the IRA's struggle against violence, that it is almost as if he were there in the room as they deliberated. The book comes at a crucial juncture, and reminds us that all that peace does not just happen, but must be seized. No man is better placed to truly take that peace.

The beginning of this book is a magical tale of childhood,where his and his brothers biggest worry was how to get past mother with a scraped knee!The book however then develops in to the true tragedy that befalls every Irish Catholic living in the facist unionists power that refuse to be labelled "dirty Irish" or second class.Accounts of a struggle like this are almost always biased but this is a fair,real account of what HAPPENED.It's always been hard for English or unionists or anti-republicans to swallow the fact that their beloved beliefs caused the violation of almost every human right there is.England and it's people have always been classed or rather classed themselves as a civilised people even though history shows a story of a power grabbing,colonising, nation raping race.They have always stolen land so it's not just a plight of the Irish here making up stories.(...) Well done Gerry.A truly fantastic read,whether a follower of any politics.

Gerry Adams has set out to write an autobiography. In the process, he has accomplished also writing a history book. This book demonstrates and details the life of a man who questions the systems justices and dares to speak out against those who would oppress his people. The life he has described (being on the run, being locked up in the Kesh, etc) could be used to describe the lives of the countless dissidents who take a stand for nationalism everyday. As an Irishman who does not support Sinn Fein (Adams' Political Party) or the so called Belfast Agreement, I still have respect for the accomplishments Adams made to the movement in the important 1969-1996 years. To those who would label the likes of Adams a terrorist, I remind them that he is no more a terrorist than George Washington or Thomas Jefferson would have been during the American Revolution for Independence. It has been said, "One man's terrorist, is another man's freedom fighter." Only history will show which he will be remembered for.

This book could remove some of the prejudices that exist against the leadership of Sinn Fein. First though some will have to get past their preconcived notions. Mr. Adams does present a case for the ability of both sides to function in a governmental structure and in a society. I would suggest you start with his earlier books to see his progression of politiical thought. If he is a terrorist, he has been created by the British.

"Before the Dawn" is the autobiography of Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams. I feel that it is an essential book for anyone who is interested in the Irish conflict. Adams writes with great skill and his views and comments are intelligent and humoristic at times. I think any reader who enjoys biographys will find this one to be exciting and meaningful, even if they are not well informed about the situation in Ireland. My only regret is the fact that the book ends in the early eighties, thus, leaving the reader a bit frustrated and curious about the happenings of more recent times. All in all - an outstanding effort.