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by: Joseph O'Neill
Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 920
EAN: 9781862074781
ISBN: 186207478X
Label: Granta UK
Manufacturer: Granta UK
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 352
Publication Date: February 01, 2002
Publisher: Granta UK
Sales Rank: 392587
Studio: Granta UK
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Editorial Review:
Product Description:
Joseph O’Neill’s grandfathers—one Irish, one Turkish—were both imprisoned during World War II. His Irish grandfather was a member of the IRA who was interned with his comrades by the British. His other grandfather, from the Turkish Christian minority, was jailed by the British in Palestine. An illustrative, riveting narrative of politics, murder, and espionage set during World War II, this is also a personal exploration of the ties and limits of kinship.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating: - A Fabulous Book
I simply could not put this book down. Much more than an entertaining portrait of early 20th century life in some remote places, this is a highly informative social and political history and a compelling reflection on nationalism, patriotism and the fears, violence and intrigues which sometimes accompany them. Mr. O'Neill obviously has talents for both research and scene-painting, and his writing is both literate and engaging. After 340 pages, I was sorry to put the book away. But I feel wiser ... Read More
Rating: - Fascinating Personal and Historical Account
"Blood Dark Track" provides a fascinating background into the history of both Ireland and Turkey during the first half of the Twentieth Century. These two very disparate regions actually have more in common than we would initially suppose: neutrality during WWII, an antipathy to British Imperialism, persecution of religious minorities, and layers upon layers of history underlying bloody Twentieth Century history.
These areas also combine in the persona of the author, Joseph O'Neill, who ... Read More
Rating: - Brilliant tale of darkness and historical "truth"
This is a brilliant book. The author searches for the reasons why his two grandfathers - one Irish, one Turkish - both ended up in prison during the Second World War. His Turkish grandfather, Joseph Dakad, was interned by the British in Palestine on suspicion of spying for the Germans. His Irish grandfather, Jim O'Neill, was interned by his own government in the Curragh as a member of the IRA. By subtly intercutting the two stories, the book looks at nationalism in two very different contexts - the polyglot ... Read More
Rating: - an extraordinary book
This is one of the finest books published in many years. On the surface the book tells the stories of O'Neill's grandfathers. Both stories are of interest, both touch on historical events of interest; but it is the softness and absolute intelligence of O'Neill's voice that makes this book a classic. In relating the experiences of his grandfathers, O'Neill takes us through his own intellectual struggle as he attempts to apply the rational tools of the barrister/philosopher to the world of strong ethnic identities ... Read More
Rating:  - Interesting, Well researched, great read
O'Neill's "split" background led to an interesting life and a fascinating family history. Great read. Would like to get my hands on his other books. Picked up this book in February and missed his book signing in Dublin by hours. Would really like to know how long it took him to intricately research the book.
must read for Irish history buffs, Turkish history buffs, or WWII.
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