Field of Blood

This is one of very few books that I have read by Gerald Seymour but I can't imagine he has written many better. Field of Blood brings together the unlikely combination of a British Army Lieutenant and a low level IRA member facing prison for acts of terrorism. The two men are as diametrically opposite to each other as you can imagine in terms of background and resulting character but develop a tortured personal relationship once they are forced together.

The book is brutal and it is hard-faced but when dealing with this subject there is no other way. There is no great nobility in the IRA man. no great dignity in the family that he seeks to protect and his situation is understated as being between a rock and a hard place.

The tragic human suffering of a troubled Northern Ireland and the impacts they have on both the main characters and the long-suffering divided communities that make their homes there are described vividly. The de-humanisation of whole sections of society are reflected well in the narrative which is delivered superbly by John O'Mahoney.

This isn't an easy or comforting book to read given how well it reflects the awfulness of real-life for those who live through the problems in Ireland but it is a thoroughly rewarding read with moments of great tension and humanity and occasionally honour from unexpected sources.

I really loved this book and it reminded me of my time in the troubles
anyone who served in this theatre will relate to the research done by the author.