I am happy to announce that my novel American Doll, about an Irish connection to 9/11, is now republished.
I had unpublished it as a traditional publisher had taken it on and signed a contract, but the publishing house folded. So, after a two year hiatus, here it is again, this time in a second edition with some tightening of laces and expansion in minor characters. Here’s a flavour about Laura’s friend, Bo the Singapore barista, who worked with Laura in the Insomnia café:
The following afternoon was overcast but dry when he picked her up at the Insomnia café. He was going to take her walking to the north side of the city to show her the prison where he taught.
The café was busy with students and bank or office workers on their breaks. Laura introduced Danny to a tall dark-haired girl in her late twenties with a pleasant smile who was serving behind the counter.
‘This is Bo.’
‘Hi,’ she said.
‘Pleased to meet you,’ Danny said.
‘Would you like a coffee before you go?’ Bo said.
‘Have we time?’ Danny said to Laura.
‘Sure,’ Laura said.
‘I heard you do a great cappuccino,’ Danny said.
Bo smiled. ‘I’ll bring them over to you.’
Laura and Danny sat at a window seat looking out on the crowds passing by in Nassau Street.
‘Lunch break. Permanent lunch break,’ Laura said referring to the crowds as Bo came with a tray of cappuccinos and two blueberry muffins.
‘You in Ireland long?’ Danny said to Bo.
‘Two years.’
‘Your English is very good.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Bo has an Irish boyfriend too,’ Laura said.
‘I see.’ Danny was chuffed at the word too.
‘They’re almost engaged. Aren’t you Bo?’
‘Well, it’s looking that way.’
‘Maye we could get together sometime like in a foursome,’ Laura said.
‘That would be nice,’ Bo said.
‘What do you think, Danny?’ Laura said.
‘Sure,’ Danny said. He didn’t know whether to be happy or sad with that. It could slow up proceedings between Laura and him.
‘There’s a nice restaurant called the Trocadero that Ciarán—’
‘Her fiancé,’ Laura chimed in.
‘Well he’s not really my fiancé, not yet.’
‘All but,’ Laura said.
‘The restaurant is in Saint Andrew’s Street,’ Bo said, ‘and me and Ciarán go there on special occasions’.
‘Just a stone’s throw away,’ Danny said.
Bo was called back to the counter by another girl as a queue was forming
‘Well, you guys have a nice day,’ she said.
Laura told Danny as they made their way up Westmoreland Street that Bo did not have any religion. But she was thinking of becoming a Catholic and it was Ciarán who suggested they get engaged. Bo said she didn’t mind if it made him happy
‘Good for them.’ Danny said.
‘What do you mean, Danny?’
‘What I said.’
‘You’re not annoyed or anything?’
‘Why would I be annoyed?’
They didn’t speak while they crossed the Liffey at OʼConnell Bridge.
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