Tom Phelan prináša do literatúry surovú úprimnosť a hlbokú citlivosť, keď sa ponára do zložitých tém írskeho života. Jeho romány skúmajú dôsledky dávnych nepriateľstiev, životy navrátených emigrantov a každodennú realitu vidieckych írskych komunít. Phelanov štýl, často opisovaný ako nenápadná krása a bohatý na detaily, zachytáva dušu strateného vidieckeho sveta s mimoriadnou vnímavosťou. Jeho písanie je svedectvom o odolnosti, pamäti a hľadaní zmyslu v rozporuplnom svete.
Set against the backdrop of the First World War, this narrative explores the profound physical and emotional impacts of the conflict. It weaves a poignant tale of friendship, love, and tragedy, leaving a lasting impression on readers. The lyrical prose captures the devastation experienced by individuals, making it a compelling and memorable story.
In the tradition of Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes and Alice Taylor’s To School Through the Fields, Tom Phelan’s We Were Rich and We Didn't Know It is a heartfelt and masterfully written memoir of growing up in Ireland in the 1940s. Tom Phelan, who was born and raised in County Laois in the Irish midlands, spent his formative years working with his wise and demanding father as he sought to wrest a livelihood from a farm that was often wet, muddy, and back-breaking. It was a time before rural electrification, the telephone, and indoor plumbing; a time when the main modes of travel were bicycle and animal cart; a time when small farmers struggled to survive and turkey eggs were hatched in the kitchen cupboard; a time when the Church exerted enormous control over Ireland. We Were Rich and We Didn't Know It recounts Tom’s upbringing in an isolated, rural community from the day he was delivered by the local midwife. With tears and laughter, it speaks to the strength of the human spirit in the face of life's adversities.
Set in a small Irish village, the narrative unfolds as journalist Patrick Bracken returns to investigate two long-ago deaths, believed to be murders by him and his childhood friend. Engaging with the town's residents, particularly the elderly lawyer Sam Howard and his lively wife Elsie, Patrick seeks to uncover the truth behind a possible cover-up involving the Protestant establishment. The story intricately weaves themes of community, memory, and the complexity of human relationships against the backdrop of village life in Ireland.
Jesse and Blake, who are identical twins, are feeling anxious as Dad leaves for his job away in the mines. The twins always communicate together using their funny twin language, which only they understand. When they feel insecure or anxious, they hold hands to comfort each other. Dad decides to film his days at work in the mine to reassure them he is safe while working. Through their dad's videos, the haul trucks Declan and Dakota come to life in a magical adventure with Ely the excavator. They start work together in an actual day of mining on-site when Wazza the Willy Wily, who is always playing pranks, creates a dust storm and causes all sorts of problems for Ely, Dakota, Declan, and the Mine Controller to solve. Willow the Water Truck saves the day! This first book in the series "My Mum and Dad are FIFO Parents" will truly help other children in families feel emotionally safe and secure through a mixture of fantasy and reality on a day of their Mum and Dads FIFO life.