SARANAC LAKE, N.Y., January 23, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Ireland is a history of colors: the green of the plush landscape, the orange that marks the British conquest and the blood red of the revolt that followed. Author Jack Coyle details this early struggle for independence in his new historical novel, The Castle Has Fallen: The Reluctant Rebel (now available through 1stBooks).
"The castle mentioned in the novel's title is Dublin Castle, which was the central control headquarters for the English authorities in Ireland. Also, the title itself is taken from a statement by Michael Collins to Arthur Griffith in the castle grounds, during ceremony when the British relinquished their control to the Irish," Coyle says.
The book details the rebellion, its leader, Michael Collins, and the British occupation of Ireland and follows the adventures of a young Irishman named Patrick Kyle. At the turn of the 20th century, Patrick enlists in the British Army, serving a stint in the Boer War. After returning home, he studies law and falls hopelessly in love with Hannah Smyth, a beautiful young woman, whose family are ardent members of the Loyal Orange Order, a group dedicated to maintaining Protestant ascendancy in Ireland. The affair causes many ripples. Her family reflects the Irish conflict between Protestants and Catholics, like Patrick. The religious difference makes their courtship difficult, but Patrick eventually makes Hannah his wife.
When World War I erupts in Europe, Patrick returns to the British Army to fight, believing Irish devotion will earn them independence. His return only garners him exposure to the horrors of the war. When he returns, he inadvertently becomes embroiled in the fight for independence. Accused of treason, Patrick, disillusioned and disappointed, takes his wife and two small children and absconds for a better life in America.
The Castle Has Fallen details an epic struggle for freedom with deft descriptions and authentic depictions of life amid the conflict for Irish independence.
Coyle grew up in Ireland. As a child, he and his family moved to England looking for work. There, he experienced the Blitzkriegs and the Battle of Britain. During the tumultuous times, he developed a love for music and studied the drums. After his family returned to Ireland, he became a drummer. He immigrated to America in the 1960s and currently lives in upstate New York. He has written a number of papers and short stories, however, The Castle Has Fallen is his first novel.
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