Scene But Not Herd

Irwin Baker's Scene But Not Herd, tells the story of a young boy's recollection of growing up in a working-class family in The Falls Road, Belfast, an area renowned throughout the world for being the centre of murder, bombings, bank robberies and armed conflict, lasting from 1970 until 1995. What people aren't aware of is the age of innocence that existed in this area prior to the 1970s. For Irwin, the lifestyle was grim; poverty only allowed people to exist and it was very difficult to realise that life could give a sense of fulfilment or achievement. Nevertheless, Irwin recalls that people were gentle, kind and respectful and he actually remembers very little crime. Scene But Not Herd tells recalls this era as he remembers it. The language is realistic, often crude and vulgar, giving readers a sound grasp of life at the time. Irwin also weaves humour throughout his memories, something refreshing in a brutally honest account of a challenging childhood. Scene But Not Herd will appeal to those who enjoy autobiographies and familiar with The Falls Road in Belfast.