Product Description

For more than four years, Martin McGartland lived the astonishing double life of a secret agent. To the IRA, he was a trusted Intelligence Office and an integral member of an active service unit. To the British Government however, he was known only as 'Agent Carol'. Martin McGartland is credited by British Intelligence with saving the lives of at least fifty people. Every time he tipped off the authorities, he risjed detection and yet, heroically and fearlessly, he continued to pass on life-saving information. Finally, his cover was blown. Martin was taken from Sinn Fein headquarters in Belfast to an IRA safehouse for questioning and almost certain execution. Though guarded by armed men, in a desperate bid for freedom, he dived from a third floor window...This breathtaking story is now a major film starring Sir Ben Kingsley and Jim Sturgess.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4060 in Books
• Published on: 2009-04-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Customer Reviews

A frighteningly accurate and grippng read
Having served two tours of Northern Ireland with the British Army myself, I picked this book up thinking that it would another meandering and inaccurate tale of life in the Province. To my surprise I found it one of the most true to life and frightening recounts of life on the streets in Northern Ireland. An outstanding read.

ira informer reveals day to day operations
Martin McGartland was recruited by RUC Special Branch in 1987 and only just escaped with his life in 1991.
This is an excellent book for those readers interested in day to day operations of the IRA and how an informer works in his dangerous occupation. One slip up and you end up with a bullet in the back of your head. Many IRA personnel are named,his work in the IRA's Belfast Intelligence unit as well as a separate active service unit is given,chapter 10 gives details on how the quartermaster department works,how they collected intelligence on potential targets,as well as their various money making schemes to raise finance.
Finally an operation he informed on was foiled,leading the IRA's internal security to suspect him,he was "interrogated" but managed to escape. Recommended,not just history,it provides a real feel for daily life in the IRA.

Couldn't put it down (literally)!
What a fantastic read! Anyone with even a remote interest or curiosity about the troubles in Northern Ireland will be fascinated by this book.Great drama and personal insight: totally engrossing and even stressful at times, I literally could not put it down and read this book in one afternoon and evening. I can't wait to read McGartland's other work.