An Armagh woman has turned memories of school searches, bomb scares and daily life during the Troubles into a debut novel that is now available locally and online.
Kate McGrail, formerly Kate McLoughlin, spent five years writing Beyond the Wall, a self-published book set in Northern Ireland in 1973. The story follows the Rooney family as they try to hold on to hope while living behind the barricades of Creevy Park.
Memories of growing up in Armagh
McGrail’s personal experiences provide the foundation for the novel. She remembers walking to school in Armagh past the Army Barracks, where her schoolbag was searched.
She also recalls bomb scares at school, when teachers had to evacuate pupils, as well as the wider disruption that influenced everyday life during the period.
McGrail left Armagh for London when she was 18 and returned around the time of the ceasefire in 1996. Her connection to that era informs a story that looks not only at the immediate danger of the Troubles, but also at the effects that continued afterwards.
Reflecting on those long-term consequences, McGrail described the period as creating a ripple effect. She said she saw its impact in the way people interacted with one another and treated themselves, while also witnessing recovery.
A story of anxiety, addiction and hope
The central character, Molly Rooney, lives among bomb scares, army patrols and whispered secrets. The book’s synopsis portrays Molly as haunted by anxiety and burdened by things she cannot tell anyone, while being drawn towards the danger she is trying to escape.
The novel also explores addiction and substance abuse through Danny Rooney. His storyline examines how some people turned to self-medication to manage anxiety during traumatic times.
Although it deals with serious subjects, McGrail describes Beyond the Wall as a humorous human tale intended to connect with readers regardless of their background or beliefs.
As a grandmother, she is aware that younger generations have no direct memory of the period. Instead, they depend on the accounts and lessons of people who experienced it.
Where to buy the book in Armagh
McGrail said writing a novel had always been a dream and considered it a bucket list ambition. A scholarship with the John Hewitt Writing School in Armagh helped establish the foundations for the book.
After receiving early interest from readers, including buyers in Australia, Belgium and Italy, she decided to self-publish rather than wait for approval from a traditional publisher. She hopes the experience will encourage other aspiring writers to turn their ideas into books.
Beyond the Wall is available in Armagh from Macari’s Newsagent, Rocks’ Newsagents and the Post Office on Barrack Street. It can also be purchased through Amazon.