Crosshaven writer, Fiona Whyte launched her new book “Let These Things Be Written” in Cork City Library last Thursday evening.
The book follows seven-year-old Wilfrid who lives a privileged life as the eldest son of the war-master to the King of Northumbria. But his parents don’t seem to love him and his life is turned upside down when he is given away to the monks of the island monastery of Lindisfarne.
There he is taken under the wing of Cuthbert, the community’s charismatic prior, who tries to cure him of the demons that torment him. But everywhere the boy goes, he seems to bring ill-fortune in his wake: to Fergus, drowned in the freezing North Sea, or to Sigi, his brother, who is struck down by plague when Wilfrid finds his way back home.
As he comes of age and major events erupt all around him – with Northumbria at war with the Picts, religious schisms raging and the queen taking desperate measures to conceive a son – Wilfrid gradually pieces together his own family history and the ageing Cuthbert’s part in it.
An evocative tale of seventh-century religious and political life offers some startlingly modern lessons about trauma and guilt.
Fiona has a master’s in English Literature and a PhD in creative writing, both from University College, Cork. She co-edited the university’s literary journal and her short fiction has appeared in a wide variety of anthologies. Let These Things Be Written, which was longlisted before publication for the Exeter Novel Prize, is her debut novel. It was written with support from the Irish Research Council.
The story was inspired by Fiona’s passion for Saint Cuthbert and she was delighted when she found a publisher with a genuine understanding and appreciation of a subject so close to my heart.
“The story of St Cuthbert has been my passion for several years now. The novel is set in the remote age of the seventh century, but its themes are relevant to the world today. I'm delighted it has now been published, and I hope that readers will find Cuthbert and his world as compelling as I do.” she told The Carrigdhoun.
Fiona graduated from UCC with a masters in English Literature and a PhD in creative writing.
“Let These Things Be Written” has already received high praise. Peter Benson, winner of the Somerset Maugham Award said “With this lyrical blend of scholarship and imagination, Fiona Whyte has conjured a story of immense depth and power, and helps to lift the veil on a dark and mysterious period”.
Commentaires