Mayo author to launch sequel to his acclaimed debut novel
Mayo author Padraig McLoughlin continues the story of tattie-hoker Kate Grealis, in a world where tuberculosis and puerperal fever are raging, in his new novel When The Heavens Deny.
It will be launched in the Westport Plaza Hotel on Thursday next, December 8, at 7 p.m.
When The Heavens Deny is set in Westport and Achill during the Tuberculosis epidemic at the turn of the 20th century.
Up to 12,000 thousand lives are being lost annually and the church funeral bells ring every ten minutes.
The largest proportion of lives lost are between the ages of 15 and 35 years.
Dr. Charles Leo Birmingham, Westport Medical Officer, is a national general in the war against this ruthless enemy.
He is a man who history has forgotten and a man who comes 50 years before Dr. Noel Browne.
On Achill Island, Puerperal Fever is dangerously spreading, causing the deaths of 15 young mothers in one year.
As Kate Grealis awaits the birth of her first child, District Nurse Mary Lee enters Achill determined to defeat this enemy of mothers-to-be.
The stories of Dr. Charles Leo Birmingham, Nurse Mary Lee, and tattie-hoker, Kate Grealis will inspire, educate and enchant.
The cover is a striking image of Patrick Lynch taking a District Nurse on her rounds in Achill in the late 19th century.
Padraig McLoughlin will be launching his book in the Walnut Suite of The Westport Plaza Hotel next Thursday from 7 p.m.
Everyone is welcome and light refreshments will be available.
When The Heavens Deny can be purchased at McLoughlin’s Bookshop on Shop Street, Westport, (online and in-store), Seamus Duffy’s Bookshop on Bridge Street, Westport, The Castle Bookshop, Castlebar (online and in-store), Achill Heritage Centre (online and in-store), Achill Tourism (online and in-store) and The Achill Experience Aquarium & Visitor Centre (in-store).
Details
On Sale: From the 9th of December in local bookshops
Price: €24.99
Pages: 336
ISBN: 978-1-914596-10-0