A review by sweetearlgrey
We Don't Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Ireland Since 1958 by Fintan O'Toole

4.5

O’Toole’s meticulous exploration of Ireland’s transformation over the past six decades is both captivating and enlightening. He skillfully weaves his own experiences with historical facts. The year-by-year breakdowns—from 1958 onward—offer an in-depth understanding of pivotal moments, such as the Troubles and the decline of the Irish Catholic Church. O’Toole’s writing is impeccable, and I found myself easily immersed in the complex narrative.

Now, full disclosure: I stumbled a bit with the historical back-and-forth and the economic sections. But that’s on me, not O’Toole. His personal anecdotes—the family gatherings, the whispered secrets—add depth to the broader context. While some readers might find the level of detail overwhelming, it’s a treasure trove for those who crave a deeper understanding of Irish history and identity.