Book Review: The Irish War of Independence by Michael Hopkinson

A good history but a dull read.

Very precise history but very dry reading.  The author does not make the subject very exciting to read; however it is very thorough and knowledgeable. Interestingly, the author warns the reader at the start that his writing style is "different" and might take some getting used to. Instead of a linear approach, Hopkinson talks about one area or one thread through a period of time and then goes back to begin another thread at a different time.  While this cuts down on the confusing re-occurrence of names and places at different times, which can be confusing, it can also be jarring to go through the entire event sequence of a period and then be shifted all the way back to the start to go through it again.

This style in itself isn't the problem, its just that Hopkinson does not write very interesting prose.   I know its a history and not a novel but I have read some histories by acclaimed historians which have kept me awake nights turning the next page, drew me into the events, and made me care or fear for people they were talking about. Hopkinson is not one of those authors.

On the "Pro" side though, the book does do what is advertised. You will be informed about The Irish War for Independence. Hopkinson portrays both sides of the struggle truthfully, exposing their strengths and failings. He is very harsh about the British response to Irish aspirations and he is also critical of the Irish in some of the ways they went about confronting the British. In this way, he is about as fair and balanced as you're going to get about a topic which many people still feel very strongly about, with strong feelings on both sides.