Description: This book provides a rich analysis of U2's songs, unveiling the light of hope amid the darkness of trauma and provide close interpretations of the band's lyrics and performances through the lenses of trauma and memory studies.
Brief description: Charles Ivan Armstrong is Professor of British Literature, University of Agder, Norway.
Review Quotes:
"Teasing out ever new meanings and expressive richness in the songs of U2, the close readings of this book serve as liner notes to its own expertly curated playlist. Surely it will become a resource for fans to return to, very much like the celebrated catalogue it throws new light on." --Øyvind Vågnes, University of Bergen
"Even ardent fans of U2 will hear their lyrics anew after reading this book. The authors take their deep knowledge of the band and their words, and put it into the mix with the rattling snare of Irish history, and with the band's deep bassline of spiritual longing. The book that results from this sterophonic approach lets us hear loud and clear how U2's powerful songs arise both from traumatic disharmonies and from sweeter notes of healing." --Adam Hanna, University College Cork