About – the eilís dillon irish writing pages
Born in Galway on March 7th. Her family actively participated in the fight for independence, directly experiencing the sacrifices made, most notably, her uncle, Joseph Mary Plunkett , who signed the Easter Rising declaration and was subsequently executed. That familial relationship left a lasting impact on Dillon and influenced the themes explored in her writing.
Dillon received education in both English and Irish Gaelic, fostering a unique linguistic fluency evident in her works.
To explore her work, you can focus on her novels, her detective stories and her books for young people.
Her early commitment to her native tongue is demonstrated by her authorship of children's books in Irish, highlighting her dedication to preserving Irish cultural heritage. Have you listened to our podcast? Get the latest on our Episode Page. Dillon's repertoire encompassed various genres, she crafed engaging narratives for young readers and as her career developed, expanded her range to include adult fiction.
Often her works were set against the backdrop of the rugged Connemara landscape and its evocative scenery. Her stories offered insights into the lives of traditional people navigating the complexities of life, family dynamics, and community structures. On Inishrone, they find a tame black colt which they bring back home only to unleash unexpected difficulties.
Eilís Dillon was born in Galway, in the West of Ireland, on 7 March Her father, Thomas Dillon, was Professor of Chemistry at University College Galway.
Vintage cover: The The Island of Horses. Dillon's literary prowess extended beyond children's literature. Her historical novel, "Across the Bitter Sea," released in , features an Irish family saga spanning nearly 70 years, from the Great Hunger in the s to the Easter Rising. This work, aimed at a mature audience, showcased her exceptional ability to seamlessly blend historical facts with fictional narrative, offering readers a clear understanding of the sacrifices and triumphs that shaped a nation.
Vintage cover: Across the Bitter Sea.