" Every publisher or agent I’ve ever met told me the same thing – that Irish readers don’t want to read about the bad old days of the Troubles; neither do the English and Americans – they only want to read about the Ireland of The Quiet Man, when red-haired widows are riding bicycles and everyone else is on a horse. "
- Adrian McKinty

In the quote, Adrian McKinty reflects on conversations he has had with publishers and agents who have suggested that readers from various English-speaking countries prefer stories set in a romanticized version of Ireland rather than narratives dealing with its more turbulent past. They believe that people are drawn to an idealized portrayal of Ireland as depicted in films like "The Quiet Man," where life is portrayed as idyllic, full of pastoral scenes and charming characters.

Beyond the surface level, McKinty’s statement also touches on broader themes of cultural nostalgia and selective memory. It highlights how contemporary media often shapes perceptions by focusing on certain aspects of a country's history while ignoring others that may be darker or less palatable to an international audience. This preference for idealized narratives not only affects what stories get published but also influences public perception, potentially leading to a skewed understanding of a nation’s complex reality. The quote invites readers to consider how historical events like the Troubles in Northern Ireland are remembered and represented in popular culture.

Adrian McKinty is an Irish author known for his crime fiction novels that often delve into the troubled history of Northern Ireland. His work frequently explores themes related to violence, politics, and the impact of the past on present-day society. This quote reflects his perspective as a writer who has experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating between romanticized perceptions of Ireland and its more complex historical realities.