Ireland 1963: A Year of Marvels, Mysteries, Merriment and Misfortune

In his latest book, Kearns revisits the extraordinary year of 1963, bringing to life the voices of the ordinary people who lived through it in a way no conventional history could match. It was a year like no other. Not for any one event, but for an astonishing sequence of occurrences - triumphs and tragedies, joys and sorrows - that spanned all twelve months: a biblical-like flash flood, tenement collapses, the liberating Bingo Craze, and a frightening ‘mystery caller' posing as a priest. And, of course, it was the year of President Kennedy's rapturous four-day visit to Ireland. The year reached its climax with fear for thirty Irish passengers aboard the liner Lakonia, "ablaze and sinking" at sea during Christmas week. Yet, a series of happy events throughout the year brought great joy to many. Kearns humanizes these events by relying on oral history from those who were there; their words and emotions carry a riveting authenticity and immediacy.