The Troubles

Belfast, 1971, and tensions are rising. Since its inception in 1913, the Oglaigh na hEireann', or 'The Soldiers of Ireland', have evolved through many factions, and now the IRA are claiming legitimacy. Warring factions live virtually side by side, and peace lines have been erected, but are being crossed. People live in fear of careless whispers and reprisals. War is coming, and innocent people are being killed indiscriminately for political gain and revenge. Alastar Taggart, a young Catholic, and at the same time a spiritual Druidic man, is drawn into the dangerous inner ranks of the IRA when his younger brother is killed. Little does he know that his course on the road to revenge is not entirely without outside influence. Kiera Flanagan is an innocent Protestant girl whose world is also turned upside down when tragedy strikes, again and again. She too turns to Paganism, and to its principles of love and kinship, for comfort and solace, and as an escape from the war-torn world of Belfast. Can these young lovers survive the war that is worsening around them? Can they find peace in their ancestral spiritual roots? And can they escape Belfast and the people that are desperately trying to bring about their demise?

N. R Marchand is a freelance writer whose career began as a creative distraction, transforming into a serious pursuit as others recognise her literary potential. Always politically aware and raised with inclusivity, the amateur historian applied all her skills and aptitudes to writing a work of fiction that has articulated frustration and life, honestly in the face of suffering. She methodically applies her ability to weave a tale of suspense around complex, societal issues whilst grounding and, therefore, humanising them. Upon completion of The Troubles she has continued to pen, with her unique voice, further works of fiction with templates that paint the complex issues of racism and the environment. N. R. Marchand happily calls Ontario, Canada home, enjoying living with her family and a multitude of pets as her muses in the quiet countryside.