Silver Linings : Travels Around Northern Ireland

This book was incredibly insightful and detailed, almost to the point that I couldn't wade through it. However, once I sort of "got over the hump" after the first chapter or so, I became completely enthralled. The author weaves interesting facts with sobering history and relatable characters. I finished this book on the plane into Belfast and am so glad I did. I found myself quoting facts to my friends who lived in Northern Ireland, and we used the book as a reference for history of the area. Not only that, we remembered to look up a couple of locations he suggested as we were out and about. Definitely worth it if you live in the UK or the republic, and a good tome to peruse before visiting.

Call me picky for marking down an outstanding book like "Silver Linings" for two omissions that probably aren't even in the author's control, but so be it. A combination between a travel guide and a collection of memories, this book badly needs at least one more detailed map of Northern Ireland than the small ones provided at the start of each chapter. Fletcher makes the reader truly wish to visit many of the sites he describes, but one could never find them with the maps provided. Second, a few pictures, even black and white, would add immensely to the impact of Fletcher's words. That said, this is a terrifically entertaining and informative book that I'd recommend, "Go you out and purchase it!"

I just finished reading Martin Fletcher's book about his travels around Northern Ireland. I'm so sorry my wife and I didn't know about this book before we visited Ulster in September 2002. The author correctly goes out of his way to let the reader know that there's more to Northern Ireland than bombings, religious stife, and high unemployment. A trip to the British province is an educational experience -- a wild and complex history, beautiful countryside, and warm people who welcome visitors. It's not surprising that Travel Weekly magazine, "The Travel Industry's Leading Newspaper" (as it calls itself) highlights Belfast in its 10FEB03 article, "The Next Big Thing -- Up and Coming Destinations." Silver Linings opened my eyes to the opinion that the USA probably wouldn't be what it is today were it not for its links to Ulster. If you read this book and like it, you'd probably enjoy reading one of the "Incidents of Travel" books written by John Lloyd Stephens about his travels throughout Mesoamerica and the Middle East during the 1800s.

Martin Fletcher has captured the essence of Northern Ireland in this delightful book. He introduces us to a wonderful patchwork of characters while he describes the beauty of the countryside. He addresses the sometimes-tragic history of the province, but he also provides some fascinating historical tidbits about the connections between Ulster and the United States that should interest American readers. Those who enjoy the work of Bill Bryson and anyone who loves Ireland, north or south, will appreciate this book. I have traveled to Northern Ireland over fifteen times since 1974, and I just happened to find this book on the last day of my recent five-week holiday. I have never read anything else that mentions so many of the people, places and things that I love about the country. I certainly share the author's hope that there are some "silver linings" on the horizon for this special corner of the world.