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Blanketmen

By: Richard O’Rawe,Richard English - foreword
Narrated by: Roger Clark
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Summary

"I was told in 1991 that I could be shot for opening my mouth. But I am convinced that the truth should be told and that I have a duty to the dead hunger strikers to explain fully the events that led to their deaths."

Richard O'Rawe was a senior IRA prisoner in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh Prison. One of the "Blanketmen," he took part in the dirty protests that led to the hunger strikes of the early 1980s.

In Blanketmen, O'Rawe gives his personal account of those turbulent times that saw British and Irish governments entering unprecedented negotiations with the IRA Army Council and the prisoners themselves. Passionate, disturbing, and controversial, this remains a landmark book in the cruel history of Northern Ireland.

After 10 years, and the release of historical state and personal papers, Richard O'Rawe's assertions in Blanketmen have been vindicated. He has been married to Bernadette for 40 years, has three grown-up children, and still lives in west Belfast.

©2005 Richard O’Rawe (P)2021 Tantor

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  • Overall
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essential reading

this is one of the most important accounts of irish history . the story of the selfless sacrifice of the Irish Republican hungerstrikers needs to be known, as does their betrayal by the politicians who went on to capitalise from their suffering and deaths.
Go raibh maith agat Audible , for releasing this book.
If you have any interest in Ireland and her struggle...Read it.
Ní Síochain go Saoirse.
An Poblacht Abú.

1 person found this helpful

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Let down by awful narration

It's a fascinating account of a part of modern history that most of us only knew from the news reports and well worth listening to for anyone who wants to understand this hugely important part of Troubles history.

But Lord almighty could a narrator with a Northern Ireland accent not be found to read it? It's obvious that the narrator knew nothing about the situation or he would not have mispronounced almost every name. He puts the stress on the wrong syllable with unfailing predictability. MALL-usk, New-TOWN-abbey, BELL-aghy, and worst of all Desmond Bo-AL!

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The truth behind the Hunger Strike

Great book, it gives an inside to actual facts, warts and all. Fair play in releasing this fantastic book.

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Well told and a great insight

A well told account of what life was like for the Blanket men, Unimaginable hell.

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Enthralling

Great detail and insight to the struggle these brave men endured. I would highly recommend this audiobook.

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Very enjoyable

A very honest account of a horrific period in Irish history. The author brings a first hand experience of the times. The narration should have been done by a Belfast actor tho.

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Bad narration

Unbelievable story. Unfortunately told by someone with an accent of a Welsh farmer telling the 10o clock news! Audible narration disappointing yet again.

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A well written book,

well read and a thought provoking insight into the inner workings of the provisional IRA and British State.

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have to listen to it

love it and even tell the truth and the road to peace. slán slán

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Interesting listen

A truest brilliant book that shows up failings on both sides to protect the inmates by the uk and the IRA