Peacerunner

The True Story of How an Ex-Congressman Helped End the Centuries of War in Ireland

By: Penn Rhodeen

Narrated by: Malcolm Hillgartner

Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

This is the true story of an unknown American politician who played a critical role in ending centuries of conflict in Northern Ireland. Without the president's permission, and breaking every conventional rule about how to deal with terrorists, former congressman Bruce Morrison helped end a conflict that most observers thought would continue indefinitely.

This is the inside story of how centuries of warfare finally ended thanks to one inspired politician. Warfare, ranging from active hostilities to seething tension, was the norm between the Irish and the English since the 1100s. During the 30 years from the start of the Troubles to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, over 3,000 Irish and British nationals were killed. Many celebrated the famous Good Friday Agreement that put an end to one of the longest-standing conflicts in the world, but just a handful knew the full story of one American and the crucial role he played in winning peace - and none knew it better than Penn Rhodeen.

In a narrative that grips the listener from the beginning, Rhodeen recounts Bruce Morrison's heroic peacemaking efforts in lively prose and rigorous detail. A natural storyteller, Rhodeen offers listeners the chance to step into modern political history for an up-close look at Morrison's remarkable journey. Follow Morrison as he persuades Clinton to create a positive political climate in America and makes the connections necessary in Ireland and Britain to help win the IRA ceasefire and enact a solid, lasting peace.

With an introduction by President Bill Clinton and cameos by Tony Blair, George Mitchell, Gerry Adams, Jean Kennedy Smith, John Major, and other larger-than-life figures, Rhodeen dramatizes events that have somehow receded into the past without getting their due.

Peacerunner is the story of how one man changed world history and the modern political landscape. Bruce Morrison's story is one of unlikely optimism in the face of seemingly hopeless conflict. Peacerunner has the power to inspire listeners from all walks of life and spark new dialogue about how best to lend aid in countries afflicted by unending war.

©2016 Penn Rhodeen (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

fantastic book!!

I thought this gave a keen insight into the effects of tribalism and also the deep process of negotiation.

Outstanding book

Peacerunner is an outstanding book on the history of the US involvement in the Northern Ireland peace process! I loved every bit of it and was a little bummed out when I got to the end. I think some might feel it's a little slanted towards the Irish/Nationalist/Republican side, but the author details how much they worked to include the Unionist/Loyalist players in the talks and decision making.

Nailed it

Super account of the troubles and how Northern Ireland achieved peace. Well done Bruce Morrison