Local writer Melanie Maure has a foot in two worlds: Nelson, where she works as a Life Coach, and Ireland, where her family roots compel her to spend a lot of time across the pond. Both countries provided the inspiration behind her first novel, The Sisters of Belfast, published this month in Canada and the U.S. by HarperCollins. Maure launches her novel in two special Nelson events.
All are invited to Maure’s inaugural event at the Nelson Public Library on Wednesday, February 28 at 7pm; Additionally, Notably Books offers an intimate evening on Thursday, March 7 at 7pm (due to limited space, free registration is encouraged via notably.ca). Notably Books will have copies for sale at both events.
Orphaned twins Aelish and Isabel McGuire—the sisters of Belfast—were raised by the Sisters of Bethlehem in a shared childhood of austerity and hardship. The experience affects them differently: Isabel seeks distance and safety in Newfoundland, a landing-spot for generatiomns of Irish immigrants, while Aelish stays behind, choosing the Church. An unexpected reunion many years later reveals the play of secrets and deceptions on their lives, and a chasm to be crossed.
“It is a surreal to think that so many readers will be stepping into such a private imaginary world, and experiencing these beloved characters,” says Maure, who spent six years meticulously researching and writing the novel. “The stories of Irish women and children in these times were often so tragic.”
Maure is delighted to launch Sisters of Belfast here before heading off to stints in Kelowna, Ontario, New York, and beyond. “I cherish the opportunity to bring this book to the communities I have called home,” she says.
Doors open at 6:30pm for the Library event.
Nelson Public Library