Betrayal

The CV of this novelist is impressive. His work in TV and film demonstrates his interest in history, in particular war. Notable and significant in this novel is his great interest in football both personal and professional, which in broadcasting terms he extended to athletics (Olympic Games) Golf and Tennis.
As a novelist Binns wrote a series of historicals beginning with the Norman Conquest and continuing until the reigns of Stephen and Matilda, then Richard the Lionheart and the third Crusade. Two novels covered the Great War.
His great interest in British history led him to this novel set in Belfast in the eighties during the Troubles. It is so obviously written by someone who knows not only about football but also weapons and warfare. The writer certainly used his immediate knowledge in the text which added to its authenticity.
After a reluctant start, because stories about war and soldiers are not my thing, I discovered this to be very compelling. The writing style reminded me of James Paterson with its rapid-fire sentences, short, punchy paragraphs and very brief chapters - making for speedy reading. The writing style matched the tension in the story, creating an edgy and frightening atmosphere. I was always expecting Maureen and Jim to come unstuck in the most appalling way, but they lasted well. You found yourself understanding the emotional conflict they suffered, which sadly rang so true. I distinctly remember the nightly news in the 70’s and 80’s, the hunger strikes, the kids hurling missiles in the streets, the horrible cruelty of both sides in that troubled period. I thought Binns had you right there experiencing it again. The mix of real people with his fictional characters was very effective in making the story ring true.
Jan