By David (Packie) Hamilton
Highland Books. 159 pages. £4.99
ISBN 1 897913 42 7
'When a soul is born in Ireland, there are nets flung at it to hold it back from flight, you talk to me of religion, nationality and language and I will fly by those nets.'
James Joyce
This book is the autobiography of David Hamilton, a former terrorist from Belfast. He does not try to make his actions seem heroic or glamorous but in everything seeks to show that the hand of God is always active in Northern Ireland.
The book is conversational in style and provides an insight into growing up in Northern Ireland with all its prejudices. However, understanding this book is not limited to those familiar with the political history of the country, as the author explains what he has to say simply and clearly.
David Hamilton tells the story of his youth, his first meetings with Protestant/Catholic hostility, his involvement in violence, robberies and shootings and, the scene transferred to prison, his life there and conversion to Christ. Although life in prison is undeniably difficult for a new Christian, the author describes the trials he came through with a heavy dependence on God's power and the light sense of humour evident throughout the book.
In these uncertain days for Northern Ireland, it is an encouragement for the Christian to read of how God can fly by the nets of prejudice and terrorism to change the heart of a man and use him as an influence for good, even from inside a prison cell.
