The compelling story leading up to Irish independence

5 stars

2026 has been the year of non-fiction books for me. I spent much time in World War II as written by Ben McIntyre and Jonathan Freeland and relished the opportunity to read an equally powerful account of events in and around Ireland at the time of World War I. A Rebel and a Traitor gave amazing insight into the struggles of Ireland to become independent from Great Britain. Specifically focusing on Sir Roger Casement, quite the enigma for a British diplomat, and the Navy man turned intelligence officer  hunting him, Reginald ‘Blinker’ Hall. 

In true cat and mouse fashion, this was a gripping back-and-forth spanning the globe from America to Germany. The Irish rising is a topic I knew little about and found the thoughtful, balanced assessment of the time and the men working toward Irish independence enthralling. Rory Carroll brought all the key figures to life with true enthusiasm easy to discern as a reader. So well researched, I couldn't put it down. The details and facts liberally woven throughout gave a true feel for the time and events as they occurred. 

Though the cover says it is the birth of the IRA, to me it is more about the tactics used by the Irish early on that were then employed and expanded to cruel effect later during the troubles in Northern Ireland. This isn't specifically about the IRA though I am curious to read Carroll's Killing Thatcher as it is well regarded. 

If you are on the hunt for compelling non-fiction you surely found it here in A Rebel and a Traitor. I highly recommend.