"Belfast Diary" is a memoir by American journalist John Conroy, published in 1987. The book chronicles Conroy's experiences living and reporting on the Troubles in Northern Ireland during the 1980s.
The memoir provides a vivid and personal account of the sectarian violence and political turmoil that defined life in Belfast during this period. Conroy recounts his encounters with paramilitary groups, his interviews with IRA and Protestant militants, and his interactions with ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire of the conflict.
Conroy's writing style is characterized by its journalistic clarity and attention to detail, as well as its empathy for the people caught up in the violence. He offers a nuanced and insightful perspective on the complexities of the conflict and the deep-rooted historical and cultural factors that fueled it.
Overall, "Belfast Diary" is a compelling and powerful memoir that provides a firsthand account of one of the most volatile and divisive periods in Northern Irish history. It is a valuable contribution to the literature on the Troubles and remains a relevant and important book today.