Largely set on the remote and beautiful island of Valentia in Co. Kerry, Valentia crafts a moving tribute to the simple pleasures that money can't buy. (Image courtesy of Umberto Fistarol, link: http://tinyurl.com/cp9fxks)
Samantha has always wanted to escape from Valentia, the tiny island off the west coast of Ireland, and experience the heady delights of city life in Dublin. Now she is engaged to wealthy consultant surgeon Mark, and returning to Valentia to introduce him to her family. Only now, the spirit of the island is seeping into her soul and a meeting with old boyfriend Tom leaves her with niggling doubts about her impending marriage.
The daily struggles and deeper dilemmas of the three O'Sullivan sisters, who are all in their thirties leading vastly different lives, forms the crux of this latest offering from Conlon, who is also the author of Sonas: Celtic Thoughts on Happiness (editor) (Hachette Ireland, 2009, 2010). The Dublin launch of Valentia takes place on Wednesday 21 November at the Origin Gallery in Harcourt St, Dublin. The guest of honour is former Fianna Fáil minister, senator and TD, Mary O'Rourke.
Set in contemporary Ireland, this novel follows the O'Sullivan family over a five-month period, which marks a number of important transitions in all of their lives. Largely set on the remote and beautiful island of Valentia in Co. Kerry, Valentia crafts a moving tribute to the simple pleasures that money can't buy and to the value of hard work and being thankful for what you have.
This novel touches on the 'chick lit' genre, drawing the reader in with romance, female friendships and family dynamics. The narrative also offers a deeper, more profound reflection on what is truly valuable in modern life. In this era of widespread economic downturn and material hardship, Valentia reinforces the core values of family, community, and belonging, accompanied by a profound, spiritual appreciation of the natural world.
Written with humour and verve as well as a keen appreciation for the beautiful land and seascapes of one of the most enchanting parts of Ireland, Valentia will appeal across the generations to anyone looking for an engaging, accessible read which places a modern spin on age-old dilemmas.
Available from all good bookshops and in e-book format. For further queries, contact Dr Catherine Conlon at c.conlon@ucc.ie or on (021) 420 5539.