Monday 1 March 2010

GOODBYE UNCLE JOHN

 
My sister Úna as a child, with John's hat and a fish and Rory, the dog

The final proofs of my novel You are gone back to the publisher as of half an hour ago. I'm quietly delighted. I spent all day yesterday with them, roaming around my homeplace in Mill Lane in Palmerstown in west Dublin, which is where the novel is set. I laughed and I cried re-reading the book and all I can hope for, I guess, is that my readers do the same.

While working on the proofs yesterday I got a phonecall to say my uncle John had died. John is my Ma's brother and, like both of my parents, he was born and bred in Mill Lane. He was self-taught at all the things he was good at and interested in: fishing, boating, shooting, fixing vintage cars, drawing, collecting. John had a mischievous streak but he was basically a kind person, old-fashioned in his ways. With his hobbies and interests, he made my childhood down by the river in Mill Lane richer and I thank him for that. John was always very interested in my writing, urging me to try to get stories on BBC radio, which he loved to listen to. I think he would have gotten a kick out of the novel being set in our homeplace. He had a peaceful death, in the company of his brother and sisters. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

13 comments:

Totalfeckineejit said...

Bittersweet day for you Nuala.May he rest in peace.

Kar said...

Dear Nu,
OMG I can't wait to read You, the excitement of it! Roll on April!

Love the pic of úna, so cute!

and lastly I'm very sorry to hear of John's passing. May he Rest in Peace.
x x

Unknown said...

Bittersweet post, N. :( I'm sorry for your sorrow, but looking forward to going an emotional journey with your book.

Tania Hershman said...

My condolences to you and your family. I am sure Uncle John has already enjoyed all of your accomplishments. He sounds like a wonderful Uncle!

Liz said...

Sorry about your Uncle's death, Nuala, and yes, the whole day's news is bittersweet as TFE says...looking forward to 'You'...your uncle would be proud.
x

Dee said...

Mill Lane Palmerstown, that brings back memories...sorry for your loss.

Angela France said...

I'm sorry for your loss - a bittersweet day indeed.

Miss_Úna said...

Well done on getting the proofs of You finished & sent off, wonderful, exciting!!
Thank you for using that photo of me on your blog, I feel most honored. Spent the day reminiscing about John, what a cool Uncle he was RIP.

Niamh Griffin said...

Condolences on your Uncle's death. I'm sure he would be proud.

Ethel Rohan said...

My grandmother lived in Palmerstown, on Curran Avenue. My aunt is still there. A lovely photo of your sister. I'm sorry for your losses. I very much look forward to your novel.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Nuala, I'm sorry. Hope you guys are all okay.

Exciting new beginning for you with the book - delighted for you!

Group 8 said...

Hi all
Thanks v much.
Nuala x

Unknown said...

Dar Nuala,
My sympathy for your loss. It's hard to lose a favourite uncle but remember( and I know it sounds like a cliché),that you will always have your memories of him. And all the riches that he brought to your life will remain with you forever.

On a happier note, Congratulations on getting the proofs off, it must be so exciting! Can't wait to read 'You'.x