The Assassin

By Liam O'Flaherty

"The Assassin" is a gripping psychological thriller and a seminal work of Irish political fiction by acclaimed author Liam O'Flaherty. Set against the tense, brooding atmosphere of post-Civil War Dublin, the novel delves deep into the fractured mind of Michael McDara, a revolutionary who returns to Ireland with a singular, violent purpose: the assassination of a high-ranking government official. Through a meticulous exploration of McDara's internal struggle, O'Flaherty examines the themes of fanaticism, isolation, and the heavy moral toll of political violence.

Unlike traditional thrillers, "The Assassin" prioritizes the internal landscape of its protagonist, tracing the days of cold deliberation and mounting paranoia leading up to the fateful act. O'Flaherty's stark, naturalistic prose captures the bleakness of an urban landscape scarred by conflict and the spiritual exhaustion of men living on the fringes of society. As a profound study of the revolutionary impulse, the novel remains a powerful testament to the complexities of Irish history and the human psyche. "The Assassin" stands as a landmark achievement in early 20th-century literature, offering a haunting and visceral portrayal of a man driven to the edge by ideology and obsession.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025288068
• ISBN13: 9781025288062
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

great book about moralty

this is a great book that deals with a man who plots to kill a man to start a revolution in ireland and finds a conscience in the end. a must read. O'Flaherty is the man, i don't read much but i love his books.