Colours of Prejudice
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PREFACETWO BOYS, Colin Monro, a Protestant, and Tom O’Neill, a Catholic, both born at the beginning of the Second World War, become blood brothers in the innocence of childhood friendship. Both boys grow into men along with the expectations of their communities, Colin becoming an Officer in the Parachute Regiment and Special Air Service, Tom a solicitor and a leader of the Provisional IRA. Through their eyes and those of their family and friends we experience the influence of a closed environment on the social history of a Province, which can lead to man’s inhumanity, even to the people they love. |
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
CHAPTER 1 FRIEND OR FOE? – BELFAST 1974
CHAPTER 2 BLOOD BROTHERS – COOKSTOWN 1949
CHAPTER 3 CAREFULLY TAUGHT – BELFAST 1957
CHAPTER 4 DIFFERENT WAYS - ALDERSHOT 1962
CHAPTER 5 DIVIDE AND RULE – DUBLIN 1966
CHAPTER 6 HOME TRUTHS – BELFAST 1966
CHAPTER 7 THE SPECIALIST – FORT BRAGG, USA 1966
CHAPTER 8 THE DROP – SALISBURY 1967
CHAPTER 9 THE MARCH – DERRY 1968-69
CHAPTER 10 THE CRISIS – DERRY 1969
CHAPTER 11 THE INVITATION – BELFAST 1971
CHAPTER 12 DEMETRIUS – BALLYMURPHY 1971
CHAPTER 13 ANOTHER FINE MESS – LISBURN 1971
CHAPTER 14 OLD FRIENDS – HOLYWOOD 1971
CHAPTER 15 BLOODY SUNDAY - DERRY 1972
CHAPTER 16 DANNY BOY – LONDON 1972
CHAPTER 17 MEN OF HONOUR – CYPRUS 1976
CHAPTER 18 THE MISSION – DONEGAL 1976
CHAPTER 19 THE INTERROGATION – HEREFORD 1976
CHAPTER 20 THE RECKONING – BELFAST 1976
CHAPTER 21 THE PARADE – LONDON 1976
It has been a long journey and because of that I have lived to see the light at the end of the tunnel gaining ground.
As Bill Bryson says, "Growing up was easy. It required no thought or effort on my part.
The Year 1969 was a very rude awakening.
This book started off as a personal therapy and hopefully may be of help to all those who believe in a future.
Strange to say, the book wrote itself. However, it was only through the help of friends that it survived. Those friends have my thanks already but it is good to declare it here in the open. My thanks are especially due to David Avery and Simon Palmer, my original mentors, Richard Roberts and our son Simon for their final push to finish at long last.
They say behind every man there is a woman. Believe me, it is not always behind. This book fulfils a promise made a long time ago to my wife Rhena for her belief and understanding.
Hope springs eternal. May that hope work for all those who have suffered and continue to suffer unmentionable pain, both physically and mentally.
Customer Reviews
Colours of prejudice 30 April 2012
By Bangor Bell
This is a well researched and thoroughly believable book with vivid
characters and exciting plot which moves on a pace. A great read, highly
recommended.
Innovative use of words 8 Mar 2012
By James D.
Couldn't put it down. The style was sharp, controlled and easy to read.
The innovative use of words is often brilliant presenting a vivid
backdrop to the characters and plot, building to a spectacular
conclusion, all of which would lend itself to conversion into film. A
must read.
Brilliant 7 Mar 2012
By Liz Cunningham
What a great read. Very thought provoking and frightening to think what
goes on behind the scenes. Can see this book being made into a film!
By gowser64
This review is from: Colours of Prejudice (Paperback)
This novel offers a balanced and adult portrayal of a difficult period
in the history of Northern Ireland. The story resonates with a depth of
understanding of the forces at work on young men from the two
communities and how they were shaped by them. I found it both sensitive
and a ripping yarn which moved along at pace and held my interest to the
end. A compelling read.
Ulster Star
17/05/2012
