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That's That: A Memoir (2013)

by Colin Broderick(Favorite Author)

4.15 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0307716333 (ISBN13: 9780307716330)

languge

English

genre

Memoir & Autobiography

publisher

Broadway Books

review 1: Compulsively readable story about a man recalling his childhood during "the Troubles". Northern Ireland in the 60s,70s, and 80s. Colin Broderick opens with the Irish Catholic side of British takeover and rule and then delves into the troubles in his childhood and life as a young man. From Sunday, Bloody Sunday on, the British and Irish increasingly butted heads over British rule. A Catholic could be arrested on trumped up charges, held indefinitely and punished harshly if convicted. Groups like the IRA and Sinn Fein gained ground and killings were numerous on all sides. Colin crosses his often ordinary life such as sexual awakening with news on the Telly. It creates an ironic sad setting to grow up in. His strict mother keeps him from harms way for many years but as a yo... moreung man, the conflict grows more intense and more personal. Billy Sand and the Irish hunger strike in prison to be recognized as prisoners of war and Margaret Thatcher appears to be the most hateful British Prime Minister of all. Colin finds himself being unable to keep from fighting in this underground war and needs a way out or to join in.
review 2: What an incredibly insightful and heartbreaking book. I cannot imagine living in Ireland and facing the daily grind of a Catholic in Northern Ireland. This is a poignant and moving coming-of-age story told with brutal honesty. I was interested in how his life turned out after he came to America but I have read the synopsis and reviews of Orangutan and now know this was just the beginning of a life of pain and hardship. Very well written. less

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