Kilkenny author pens second historical novel

Kilkenny-based author, Eimear Lawlor has penned her second historical novel. Kitty’s War which is set in Kilkenny in 1941 against the backdrop of World War 11.

Kitty's War, intertwines personal struggle with historical events, giving readers a glimpse of life in Ireland during the second World War. Kitty's War centres on the life of Kathleen ‘Kitty’ Flinn, a young Irish woman whose experiences of Ireland during World War two, reveal the personal and societal impacts living in Ireland in the 1940s

The story unfolds against the backdrop of Ireland's neutrality and the lesser-known internment of German soldiers at The Curragh Camp in County Kildare.

Kitty Flinn’s life is a mix of complex emotions and daring decisions, including becoming involved with G2 Irish Military intelligence. In 1941, Kitty moves back to Ireland from the bomb-ravaged streets of London to the serene yet Irish countryside.

Kitty navigates love, loss, and survival. The novel captures her scarred and disillusioned relationship with her brother Anthony, who returns from fighting in the Spanish Civil War. Their lives are further complicated by their encounters with a German airman, Markus, whose presence brings danger to the attention of G2, Irish Military Intelligence, because of her brother's past. She has to make a choice to save herself or her brother.

As Kitty and Anthony grapple with their pasts and the realities of the present, they are forced to confront deep-seated secrets and societal prejudices. Kitty’s courage and resilience shine through as she strives to protect her family and find a place of peace and acceptance.

“When I first started writing about Kitty, I stumbled upon the fascinating yet largely untold story of British and German internees in The Curragh during the Second World War. This discovery was intriguing and provided a rich historical context that deeply influenced the narrative of the novel,” said Eimear, who is originally from Cavan but has been living in Kilkenny for the past 30 years.

Kitty’s War explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the moral ambiguities of war. I delve into the human cost of conflict, the bonds of family, and the quest for personal redemption. The novel also highlights the often-overlooked narrative of Irish neutrality and the internment of Germans in Ireland during WWII

The launch will take place at O’Loughlin Gaels on June 12 at 7pm with guest speaker and best selling author, Shelia Forsey.
Kitty's War is available in Khans Books, Kilkenny BookCentre, Eason, and in all bookshops nationwide and online. Eimear published her debut novel, ‘Dublin's Girl’, which became a bestseller, reaching the sixth position on The Irish Times bestseller list in 2021 and has a three-book deal with UK publisher, Aria Fiction.
www.eimearlawlor.com