From a Clear Blue Sky
Surviving the Mountbatten Bomb
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From a Clear Blue Sky
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Narrated by:
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Timothy Knatchbull
About this listen
On the August bank holiday weekend in 1979, 14-year-old Timothy Knatchbull went out on a boat trip off the shore of Mullaghmore in County Sligo, Ireland. It was a trip that would cost four lives—and change his own forever. The IRA bomb that exploded in their boat killed Knatchbull's grandfather Lord Mountbatten, his grandmother Lady Brabourne, his twin brother Nicholas, and local teenager Paul Maxwell.
In telling this story for the first time, Knatchbull is not only revisiting the terrible events he and his family lived through, but also writing an intensely personal account of human triumph over tragedy.
For 30 years, Knatchbull has lived with the echoes of that day: the death of the twin from whom he had been inseparable; the loss of his adored grandparents, whose funerals along with his twin's he and his parents were too injured to attend; the recovery from physical wounds; and the emotional legacy that proved harder to endure.
In From a Clear Blue Sky, Timothy Knatchbull delves into his past, present and future, and reveals a story of courage and fortitude as he, his family, and their English and Irish friends, dealt with the shocking assassinations and their aftermath. Taking place in Ireland at the height of the Troubles, it gives a compelling insight into that period of Irish history. But more importantly, it brings home that although tragedy can strike at any moment, the human spirit is able to recover and evolve over time.
This book, about truth and reconciliation, unflinching in its detail, asks searching questions about why human beings inflict misery on others, and holds lessons about how we can learn to forgive, to heal and to move on. It will resonate with listeners the world over.
©2009 The Honourable Timothy Knatchbull (P)2010 W. F. Howes LtdWhat listeners say about From a Clear Blue Sky
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Suzy
- 22-08-15
Emotional true story
This was much better than expected. I also really liked the fact it was narrated by the author. It started a little slowly but once Tim started to describe the bombing and it's aftermath, it was incredibly moving. He went on to talk about the issues he faced having lost his brother. In the final section he returns to Ireland to meet those who helped his family and also to learn more about the trial of those accused. I knew very little about the troubles in Ireland and this book gives enough historical context for you to understand the times, without it being a history lesson. It's a very personal and moving story.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Niall Quigley
- 01-09-13
Stunning story from a survivor of terror
If you could sum up From a Clear Blue Sky in three words, what would they be?
Candid Heartbreaking Senseless
What was one of the most memorable moments of From a Clear Blue Sky?
The courage of the survivors of this terrorist attack,and the dignity and support of family and medical personnel.
What about Timothy Knatchbull’s performance did you like?
His well explained comprehension of Ireland,its politics,people and history.
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
A triumph of good over evil.
Any additional comments?
A powerful victims story on a sad day in Anglo Irish history,and there have been more than a few of those.One is left in awed admiration of Timothy Knatchbull for his personal courage and ability not to let the bitterness destroy him.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- jane
- 01-06-12
Excellent informative listen .
This book is about one man comming to terms with the loss of significant family members (this family happens to be Lord Mountbatten's) it is told by his twin grandson who survived the bombing and explores the loss and affects of those loses (one of whom is his twin brother) on himself and the undercurrents and politics that surround the incident . I listened to this book from beginning to end in one sitting! Excellent would highly recommend.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Caroline
- 22-08-11
Tough story, beautifully told
This is beautifully written, and somehow, despite everything, it is never mawkish nor self pitying. Tim describes his aristocratic family and their holidays and makes them sound charming and ordinary (in a good way). It's an object lesson in how to avoid self pity and how to survive the physical and mental pain of a bomb which injures you and kills your twin. I felt better for having listened to this and would recommend it to anyone
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9 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anna Mathias
- 28-01-22
A wonderful book
A book of huge courage and generosity. Fascinating from an intimate, human level and a larger historical perspective.
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