The Provisional American Faction

By David Stuart Koitz

The 1960s was a period of great civil unrest in Northern Ireland, and the IRA and Protestant militants were in constant battle. The British entered the picture in 1969 only to be caught in the middle.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1463759576
• ISBN13: 9781463759575
• Release Date: October 2011
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Suspensful and Informative

This book should come with a warning: "Don't start reading unless you have the next several hours available." Once begun, it is very difficult to put the book down. The story line is interesting and suspenseful, leaving you wondering about the outcome until nearly the last word. However, in weaving this tale about a group of young Irish vigilantes, the author also gives much insight into the conflicting factions that keep the troubles in Northern Ireland brewing. Upon completing the book, I not only felt the reward of having read a well-written piece of fiction but also believe I gained a much better understanding and historical perspective of the troubles in Northern Ireland. The reader instinctively finds himself pulling for the central characters, Rory and Meaghan McCaan, to prevail. However, in retrospect, that's probably because we come to know them a bit better than the other characters. In conclusion, they are probably not a lot different than their adversaries in this perpetual circle of violence. There really aren't any good guys or bad guys in this conflict, only an endless stream of avenging angels on both sides. The reader is left to draw his or her own conclusion that the only solution is an end to the violence.

A Thrilling Read!

I just finished reading this book, and I found that I simply could not put it down! Being of American Irish heritage, I'm often drawn to books with a historical perspective of the conflict between the Protestants and the Catholics of Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland. Initially that was the very reason I was drawn to this book. However, the historical piece or "the troubles," was more of a secondary theme in the book. Most of the book, in fact, takes place in the U.S. It's backdrop could have easily been about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, the India/Pakistan issue, or the Bosnian troubles. With that aside, that should NOT deter you from enjoying this book. The story is very intriguing. I simply could not put it down! I was very impressed with how the author craftily writes his story about a group of Irish orphans who try to begin a new life in America. There's more too it than that-you'll just have to read it. If you focus too much on the "historical particulars," you'll miss the point of the story.

Well researched thriller

This book is not only a great read, but also offers an interesting perspective on the Irish "troubles". The author captures the frustration of members of a young Belfast generation sickened by the seemingly never ending cycle of violence. Deciding that violence is the only language that will be heard, they strike back at both sides, with consequences that are simultaneously international and personal. It is an intriguing story with strong characters. Plus, it is well-researched with careful attention to detail on both sides of the Atlantic - including a fictional (but believable) explanation for the never-solved bombing at the US Capitol Building in 1983. The author knows the Washington DC scene and knows how to tell a good story.

A book that can't be put down!

"The Provisional American Faction" is a true pager turner. Written as a series of short scenes or chapters, it practically demands you to keep reading. Its concise, "no words wasted" writing style still provides a terrific sense of time, place and fully realized characters. Even if you are not very familiar with the troubles in Ireland in years past, you will find this a most compelling and easy read. I highly recommend it!