Offaly woman publishes debut historical fiction novel
Alison McEvoy has published her first novel – a historical fiction story set in medieval Wales.
DURROW based Alison McEvoy has published her first novel – a historical fiction story set in medieval Wales.
Entitled "Secrets of Caerphilly Castle", the book was published in April and is available online from Amazon and Ryan's Midland Books in Tullamore.
The debut author explains that in the work she "interweaves a host of ancient Welsh legends and mythology into the story."
According to the publisher, the "sweeping tale weaves an 1175 massacre, Queen Isabella's rebellion, and the Great Famine into one unforgettable Welsh Castle"
"Alison delivers a rich, immersive historical saga that moves between two pivotal eras. In 1175, young Tomos and his loyal wolfhound Gwydion sail into the bloody Christmas Day Massacre at Abergavenny, landing at the heart of a Wales still fighting to preserve its ancient legends and storytelling traditions against Norman rule.
"Decades later, in the 1300's, Queen Isabella of France seeks respite within Caerphilly's mighty walls, while her husband King Edward II and his favourite Hugh de Spencer tighten their grip on power. As rebellion brews and the devastating Great Famine of 1315-1322 ravages the land, the castle itself begins to lean under the weight of endless rain, a tilt still visible today.
"Blending real historical events with vivid Welsh legends, the novel explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, resilience, and the enduring power of stories."
Alsion took up creative writing in recent years following a serious car accident in 2019.
"I am so grateful to all the healthcare professionals who helped me to recover and rehabilitate, especially Tullamore Hospital staff and physiotherapists, Acquired Brain Injury (Mountbolus-based) therapists and Rehab assistants, my GP Dr Aisling Quinlan, and the Irish Wheelchair Association, Ballinagar."
The debut novelist also extended thanks to her loving family for their unceasing care in the wake of the accident.
Speaking to the Tribune in 2024 Alison said she found the centre in IWA Ballinagar an invaluable resource to her since the accident.
She said the caring, helpful staff and manager, are all genuinely delivering a “person-centred” service.
“We have visited many local places with the IWA staff, including in Tullamore - Esker Arts Centre, Cosmic Bowl and the Tullamore Court Hotel for Nathan Carter concert,” outlined Alison.
She also enjoys other local activities including the Viking cruise ship on the Shannon and boccia tournaments in Mucklagh Community Centre, Banagher College and Keenagh IWA, Longford.
Trips further afield which Alison has travelled on include Dublin Zoo, Avondale Tree Walk, Wicklow, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre for Christmas shopping and Athlone Springs Hotel for Christmas party
She also takes part in the classes and activities in the centre including music and dancing, ''Tiffany's Beauty Parlour", healthy eating and cooking, creative writing, a skincare course, arts and crafts and “trishaw' bike rides
Alison said the beautiful grounds at the centre have sensory, flower and vegetable gardens for outside activities in good weather.
She continued: “It's a life-changing and life-enhancing service for many of us and cannot be praised enough.”
Alison’s new novel, "Secrets of Caerphilly Castle”, will be launched at a future date to be confirmed in the Central Library, Tullamore.