Debut memoir ‘Thin Places’ to be published

It is being billed ‘the story of an invisible border, an old conflict, and how the natural world can help heal the traumas of childhood.’

Ms. ní Dochartaigh’s debut ‘explores how nature kept her sane and helped her heal, how violence and poverty are never more than a stone’s throw from beauty and hope, and how we are once again allowing our borders to harden and divisions to form,’ according to publisher Canon Gate.

Born in Derry in 1983 to a Catholic mother and Protestant father she ‘writes with huge skill about the beauty found in the most unexpected places, the ‘thin places’ she has encountered, and the hope she sees for the future – both personally and politically.’

The author studied English and Classical Civilisation at Trinity College, and after training as a teacher taught for a time in Britain. She now lives in Ireland and writes about nature, literature and place for the Irish Times, Dublin Review of Books, Caught by the River and other publications.

“‘Thin Places’ speaks to many of the big issues currently circling – the struggle to unite communities, the impact of Brexit, the increased discussion of mental health, and the importance of finding beauty on your doorstep. It offers a way forward, and hope for the idea that the fractures we see around us can be healed,” states Canongate.

It will be published on January 28 priced £14.99.