Plot summary, “Lies of Silence” by Brian Moore in 5 Minutes - Book Review

Summary

In Brian Moore's literary thriller 'Lies of Silence,' Belfast hotel manager Michael Dillon faces a personal and political crisis. Torn between his love for his girlfriend Andrea and his failing marriage to Moira, Michael is further entangled when IRA militants take him and his wife hostage, forcing him to drive a car bomb to a gathering of militant Protestants. Amidst the turmoil, Michael's moral dilemma and the lies of Northern Ireland's militant ideologies are exposed, culminating in a suspenseful climax that questions the courage to resist and the silences within relationships.

Takeaways

• 📚 'Lies of Silence' is a 1990 literary thriller by Belfast-born author Brian Moore.
• 🧳 The story centers around Michael Dillon, a hotel manager in Belfast, who faces a crisis in his marriage.
• 🌁 Michael Dillon is a character with a background of emigrating to Canada and later to the United States.
• 🏨 The narrative takes place at the fictional Clarence Hotel, which is situated at the site of the real-life Wellington Park Hotel in Belfast.
• 🎓 The story begins during a university graduation ceremony, prompting Michael to reflect on his own aspirations and career path.
• 💔 Michael is deeply in love with his girlfriend Andrea, a Canadian journalist, and is planning to leave his wife Moira.
• 😷 Michael's marriage to Moira is strained, with her becoming unpredictable and possibly bulimic.
• 🔫 The plot takes a dramatic turn when Michael and Moira are taken hostage by IRA militants who intend to use his car for a bomb plot.
• 💣 Michael is forced to drive a car rigged to explode to the Clarence Hotel, where a gathering of militant Protestants is scheduled.
• 🚔 Despite the threat to his wife, Michael decides to alert the police about the bomb, averting the explosion and saving lives.
• 🇬🇧 The aftermath of the event leads Michael to London, where he faces the psychological impact of the ordeal and the fear of IRA retaliation.

Q & A

What genre is 'Lies of Silence' classified as?

'Lies of Silence' is classified as a literary thriller.

Who is the author of 'Lies of Silence'?

Brian Moore, a Belfast-born author and screenwriter, is the author of 'Lies of Silence'.

What is the main character's occupation in 'Lies of Silence'?

The main character, Michael Dillon, is a hotel manager at the fictional Clarence Hotel.

What was Michael Dillon's initial career aspiration?

Michael Dillon initially aspired to be a poet, a traveler, and a teacher.

What is the relationship between Michael and his wife Moira?

Michael is madly in love with his girlfriend Andrea and is disconnected from his wife Moira, whom he married for her looks but finds her increasingly unpredictable and possibly bulimic.

Who is Andrea and what is her profession?

Andrea is Michael's girlfriend, a Canadian journalist working for the BBC in Belfast.

What crisis does Michael face in the story?

Michael faces a crisis where he must decide whether to inform the police about a bomb plot orchestrated by IRA militants, risking the life of his wife Moira.

What is the significance of the Clarence Hotel in the story?

The Clarence Hotel, managed by Michael, is the target of a planned bomb attack by IRA militants.

What moral dilemma does Michael encounter?

Michael's moral dilemma is whether to drive a car rigged to explode at the Clarence Hotel, risking the lives of many, or to save his wife Moira and face the consequences of not acting.

How does Michael's decision impact his life and relationships?

Michael's decision to inform the police averts the explosion but leads to police protection for him and Moira, and intensifies his desire to leave Moira and be with Andrea in London.

What themes does 'Lies of Silence' explore?

'Lies of Silence' explores the impact of the Northern Ireland conflict on the psychological landscape of its inhabitants, the ideologies of militant factions, and the lies and silences that affect Michael and Moira's marriage.