Watching the Door

'This was a part of our history, which for too long, was forgotten. To his credit, Kevin has always argued that we should recognise those who lost their lives so tragically and so courageously. Both the Good Friday Agreement and the St Andrews Agreement... will ensure that Northern Ireland never returns to the days of violence and death as so powerfully described by Kevin Myers in Watching the Door.' Bertie Ahern'There can be no denying the passion, the terrible heart-touching passion, that lies behind every sentence of this book. Kevin Myers bears witness to his, and to his island's pasts, and he is a vigorous witness.' Frank McGuinness'One of the most extraordinary Irish books of recent years.' Sunday Times'Sex, drink, betrayal, cowardice, bravery, more drink and beyond all this, always, the violence... this book stinks of the truth.' Andrew Marr'An essential part of the history of the troubles. It is the most astonishing memoir of its kind that I have read in years, and must be read by anyone interested in the happenings of those terrible years in Belfast City'. Jack Higgins'Kevin Myers recreates the moral and political slum that was Belfast, and dispels political illusions with irony and caustic wit. What a way to lose your youth.' Christopher Hitchens