Belfast Song - author event with Mary Marken

Belfast Song will be a fascinating author event with local author Mary Marken. Join us at Walkley Library to find out how Mary researched and wrote this historical novel, about working class families in Belfast, caught up in the political events of the time, such as suffragettes and the fight for Irish independence.

The novel revolves around teenage mill worker Nan Rose Murphy, starting with a strike in 1911 and growing up with her best friend Bridie Corr. The friends fall in love and experience heartbreak and grief as they deal with the consequences of the First World War.

There's also a fascinating Sheffield connection in the novel, when Bridie Corr leaves her friends and family to work "across the water".

"You'll come for this exquisitely told story. You'll stay for the voice of Nan Rose, clear as a bell, poetic, honest and true." - P Kearney Byrne

'A book of contrasts between the intimacy of Nan Rose's family life and the world events unfolding around them - a fascinating read." - Bryony Doran

Mary Marken was in her late teens when violence erupted in Northern Ireland. The Troubles had started, a sequel to the conflict recounted in Belfast Song. She subsequently worked in cross-community and youth work in Northern Ireland and in situations where the resolution of conflict was crucial - as youth worker, public sector consultant, and as a psychotherapist. She lives in Sheffield. Belfast Song is her first novel.

To find out more about Mary's book, click here: Belfast Song | Troubador Publishing

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Refreshments are provided.

This is a pay-as-you feel event. All proceeds from the event will be used to raise essential funds for Walkley Carnegie Library (keeping our book collection updated for the community and paying for our heating are our biggest costs). Since council cuts in 2014, Walkley's branch library has been run by volunteers as an independent charity, and we are also a Welcoming Place, providing a warm haven for all members of the community when they need it most.

Please note that Walkley Library is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. Please contact the library at library@walkleylibrary.org.uk or phone 0114 231 2947 for more information.

If you don't want to book via Eventbrite, please email a.grange@walkleylibrary.org.uk to reserve a place at this event.

Find out more: Walkley Carnegie Library