Reviews

Lies of Silence by Brian Moore

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iforgotmyname's review

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dark informative reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

atlantisblauw's review against another edition

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4.0

Quite the page-turner! I finished this book in a day, I just wanted to keep on reading to find out what would happen next.

Michael wants to end his marriage to Moira to be with his girlfriend. The evening he wants to tell her, the IRA enters their home and forces him to take a bomb to the hotel where he works. They have Moira and threatened to kill her, but Michael doesn't want to be responsible for the deaths of innocent hotel guests either. After the incident, he needs to live with the consequences and make some hard choices about his future.

The book raises interesting questions: is it better to fight and stand up for your principles, or is it wiser to leave? Are you a coward if you don't stand up to terrorists and choose to keep your loved ones safe? Is it even possible to win, with the real terrorists pulling the strings from somewhere else and getting foolish teenagers to do their dirty work?

The strong point of this book was this sense of continuous threat, this thing that happened that Michael had to live with forever, the questions he was asking himself because he wasn't sure he was doing the right thing. The fact that there just wasn't a clear answer.

The only thing I didn't like is the ending, it wasn't necessary. If Moore hadn't added the last sentence, it would have worked better.

bgg616's review against another edition

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5.0

The year of 2021 is the centenary of Brian Moore's birth. The writer Jan Carson is leading a Read-Along of Moore's books this year, and this novel is the choice for January. It is a tightly written portrait of a man caught in a dilemma. It is 1990 in Belfast, and paramilitaries continue to terrorize local citizens. Michael Dillon, manager of the finest hotel in the city, has been having an affair. On the eve of acting on his decision of what to do, something happens. Now he is fighting for his life and the life of his wife.

This book reveals Moore's ability to construct a thrilling story. He was known for his talent at portraying women who were dissatisfied with their lives. His portrayal of Moira Dillon is another exhibition of his skill. She is complex, brave, angry, and not a woman to second guess. I couldn't put this book down. It is the product of a writer who knows this city and the city of The Troubles.

Highly recommended.