A FORMER lecturer at Coventry Technical College is set to launch his second published book this weekend – two years after becoming a full-time author.
53-year-old Dennis Carey, now from Northamptonshire, will cut the ribbon on his fresh title ‘An Untilled Field’ at Fargo Village on Far Gosford Street this Saturday (February 20) at 2pm.
A fictional story based on fact, the book follows the story of 16-year-old Liam Walshe and his family – who are evicted from their home in County Mayo.
Liam’s parents are arrested by the Royal Irish Constabulary, leaving Liam homeless and caring for his sickly four-year-old brother, Aiden.
Liam forms a plan to keep his brother alive, find his parents and come back to avenge his family’s eviction.
Although a fictional novel, the story is based on true events and Dennis is delighted to be returning to the city he was brought up in to release the book.
The former Coundon resident told The Observer: “I like writing about Ireland, it’s the country I was born in and I have a lot of passion about the history of the Emerald Isle.
“Putting together An Untilled Field has offered me the perfect opportunity to research Irish history and I’ve been over to the setting of my book so I can translate the story better for my readers.”
The setting for An Untilled Field, Farmhill House, has now been demolished – however Dennis explained that an old wall dating back to 1824 still stands.
Dennis added: “I like the element that the story is fictional but based on fact, it allows me to anticipate future events that will occur and I enjoy that.
“I’ve had a passion for writing since I was 12 and remember my mother buying me fountain pens to write with.
“I always used to look at the pen and ponder whether this would be the pen that I’ll write my first book with.”
The book is the second published under Dennis’ name and the launch at Fargo Village is to the writer’s liking who describe the venue as a great and quirky.
Dennis said: “I was contacting independent book shops in Coventry and Fargo Village is a great place with some lovely people.
“I still have lots of friends in Coventry and I’m looking forward to catching up with them as well as launching the book.
“It’s appropriate that Coventry is the city to launch the book given what the city has done for me in terms of my career and childhood.”
Awarding An Untilled Field the full five stars, one Amazon reviewer wrote: “The book had me glued to the page from the first few lines.
“Dennis Carey is the master of character – I felt like I was there with them through all their ups and downs.
“I’m re-reading it already, something I’d normally only do after a year or so.”
Saturday’s launch will take place at The Big Comfy Bookshop in Fargo Village, Far Gosford Street, on Saturday (February 20) at 2pm.
A further book signing event will also take place on Saturday (April 2) at Earlsdon Library at 2pm.
An Untilled Field is currently available to download or order in paperback from Amazon.
