WAS SIR ROGER Casement (1864-1916) a hero, or a traitor, or maybe both? At first a faithful servant of the British Empire,  he later conspired against it, promoting the struggle for Irish Independence.  After reading “A Rebel and a Traitor” by Rory Carroll, you might possibly be able to decide whether Sir Roger’s intriguing life was heroic or treacherous.

Carroll’s detailed biography of Sir Roger is highly researched and fast-paced. It reads like a thriller, and is an appropriate account  of Casement’s complex, thrilling life. The book explores the revolutionary movements in early twentieth century Ireland as well as Casement’s attempts to assist them.

I recommend this book both to those who are interested in the history of Ireland and to those who enjoy exciting tales … in this case a fantastic but true one.