Though many laud Moore’s exceptional suspense building, calling Lies of Silence a novel most closely aligned with the thriller genre, critics generally agree that the novel is a masterclass on psychological drama. From the love triangle of Dillon, his unwitting wife, Moira, and younger affair partner, Andrea, to the anxious drive from Dillon’s home to the hotel, Moore allows readers intimate insight into the complexity of human emotions and morality. In these moments of crisis, Moore shares the decision-making process in all of its confusing minutiae, balancing reason and necessity with emotion and desire. These scenes are fraught, as are the decision made within their scope. 

Dillon, who is well aware of the human cost of his actions, chooses to sacrifice his wife for the sake of others. Knowing that the hotel is bursting with occupants—and home to a controversial reverend whose death would only exacerbate the conflict—Dillon calls the police, informing them of the IRA plot. His actions put Moira at risk, threatening not only her safety but also her life. She is understandably upset by his actions but can set aside his betrayal as it was in the pursuit of the greater good. She cannot, however, forgive the betrayal that was his affair. Here, too, Moore grants readers fascinating insight into the human psyche. Dillon’s affair is a product of neither lust nor anger. Instead, it is motivated by a slightly pathetic desire for validation and youth. Mourning the loss of a life he could have led, Dillon chooses to pursue a younger woman and, in so doing, pay homage to the dreams of his younger self. Each decision is littered with these quiet, internal moments of consideration, as Moore imbues his characters with a compelling sense of authentic humanity—refusing to turn away from their faults and failures. 

The broad question of personal accountability in a volatile political situation underscores much of the novel. It occupies the consciousness of Dillon, the largely apolitical protagonist, and forces readers to consider the culpability wrought by silence and ignorance. Fed up with Belfast and the sociopolitical conflict erupting in the streets, Dillon sets his sights on London. Although he was born and raised in Ireland, he feels no responsibility for his homeland. Instead, he resents that the violence affects him, wishing it would simply go away. It is an apathetic view, one which readers may find disquieting. His lack of concern for the lives lost and the conflict at hand makes him seem callous and cold. Dillon’s decisions are presented less as stemming from his moral certitude than as being after-effects of what strongly resembles a mid-life crisis. From his affair to his willingness to sacrifice his wife for the lives of others, Dillon’s choices seem to flow from a deep-seated sense of emotional necessity. 

Moore avoids choosing a side or taking a stance on radical violence. Instead, he strives to unveil the social norms that contribute to the popular political apathy that the revolutionaries censure. He speaks of avoidance and ignorance, using Dillon as a locus to condemn inaction. Moira, once meek and insecure, acts in stark contrast to her hypocritical ex-husband. Her bold decision to speak out against the IRA illustrates the progression of citizens from culpable observers to involved activists. Indeed, Lies of Silence reveals the quiet destruction wrought by inactivity; those who seek to avoid conflict or conversation can never achieve peace, as their silence acts as a contributing factor to the continuation of violence. 

In a particularly poignant passage, Dillon thinks of the lies...