Bad Blood: A Walk Along the Irish Border

This is a first-rate piece of work, which brings out just how grim things were at the point when Toibin walked along the border. It is really illuminating - not least with regard to how deep-rooted some of the problems and tensions are: the regular refrain of the Protestants having the best land, The striking comment, made at a particular point in the troubles, that a particular house was safe from attack: 'the Maddens had not come to Scothouse during a Plantation or Confiscation. In 1732 they had bought the land. People remembered.' And the grim story of sectarian killings, in which people were pointed out to gunmen by their neighbours. As others have commented, it would have really been good if maps had been included in the paperback edition.The book is now a few years old. But it is important to bear the story told here in mind, when one thinks about issues to do with the Irish border in relation to Brexit. It would be *really* interesting if someone were to re-trace Toibin's steps and to write up a similar account today

For anyone with an interest in the odd dynamics involved in Northern Ireland and the border region this is a must read. To think that many of us who grew up in the south were so detached from the reality of what was happening in the northern part of our island. Toibin is an engaging writer and there is humour here as well as darkness.Actually I take back the first line of this review- everyone in Ireland should read this and so indeed should our neighbours who seem to be very cavailier about it all at the moment.This book was written when the casualty rates were still high and another decade of violence was set to reign.

Book arrived in good condition, slightly creased. A depiction of an interesting journey along the Southern and Northern border. This book explains the historical conflict between the Northern and Southern Ireland as related by the people Colm Toibin met along the way. People's history, way of life and religion were explored giving the reader an insight into customs and communities which were unknown to a wider audience. There were areas touched on which were news headlines at the time, but are depicted by individuals and their experiences. A good book to base conversations and explorations on.

The title really sums this up.This (for me) is a great observation of the time (post 1985). It’s sad to realise that the divisions in North of Ireland society (very objectively observed here) came at such a high price. We lost our humanity in terms of liveslost and the value of politics over life itselfA nostalgic and sad read but a good read nonetheless

Wonderful,Everyone who wants to understand why the DUP behave the way they do should read this book.

Although second-hand, the book is in perfect condition. As to the content, well, I am a fan of Toibin's style of writing , so I like any and all of his books, but this one especially as deals with Irish problems and who but Toibin could know more about them?

An extremely thought-provoking book. It taught me things about Ireland I never knew before and the difficulty of keeping both sides satisfied. I have given the book to an Irish friend who knows all the places mentioned and who also found it quite disturbing.

Interesting take on a long-running saga. Tóibín writes beautifully, he would make the bus timetable a good read.