LOCAL poet and educator Veronica Molloy has ventured into fiction for the first time with the release of her debut novel, All I Cannot Save. Published by the Limerick Writers’ Centre, the book delves into themes of humanity, survival, and redemption against the backdrop of mid-20th-century Ireland.
Veronica, originally from Cork and now residing in Ballina, County Tipperary, brings a wealth of experience to her writing. With a primary degree in Religious Education and English Literature and a Master’s degree in theology, the Cork woman has served as a secondary school teacher and chaplain.
Her previous literary outputs, mostly poetic works, have been featured in publications such as The Creel, River People, and Writers Unmasked. She is also a member of the Killaloe Hedge-School Writers.
Veronica’s debut novel, All I Cannot Save, is inspired by Adrienne Rich’s poem Grandmothers, setting the stage for a narrative about facing devastation and finding inner strength.
The story follows Mary O’Brien, a young woman from a rural Irish farming family in the 1950s. Mary’s life takes a transformative turn when she enters religious life, becoming Sr Cecilia. Through Mary’s journey, the novel explores her search for identity, navigating the complex dynamics of family, faith, and societal expectations.
The debut work also focuses on Mary’s bond with her sister Martha, whose sudden death leaves a lasting impact on the lead character. This tragedy serves as a catalyst for Mary’s reflections on her dual identity as both Mary and Sr Cecilia.
Veronica’s novel also examines broader societal issues, including the silencing of religious women and Ireland’s struggle to reconcile with its history of institutional abuses.
The author’s motivation for writing the novel stems from a desire to give voice to those marginalised within the institutional Church and to address Ireland’s evolving relationship with its past.
In her words, All I Cannot Save is a story of “humanity, survival, compassion, and redemption,” offering a nuanced perspective on individuals who lived authentic lives of service amidst a fraught historical landscape.
The book promises to resonate with readers, offering a blend of historical insight and deeply personal storytelling.
All I Cannot Save will be officially launched by the Limerick Writers Centre on December 6 at 7pm at the Lakeside hotel in Killaloe, and will be thereafter available from the Nenagh Bookshop, TJ’s in Ballina, Heaney’s in Killaloe, and O’Mahony’s in Limerick City.
