A novel that covers two important eras in Ireland - the turbulent '20s, and the Celtic Tiger

Antoinette, who's from the Midlands, has a background in broadcasting and journalism, but has wanted to be a writer since she was young. She says she felt like she hit the jackpot when Poolbeg offered her a three book deal. Home to Cavendish is her debut novel and she feels it explores many themes that are close to her heart. You'll find out more about Antoinette here

Diaries from a stately home in the Civil War

Part of the book is set in 1920s Ireland, during a time when political tensions were rife, the struggle for Irish independence continued, and many of the wealthy British landowners were forced out of them homes by rebels. In the midst of all this is Lady Edith, a 16 year old girl who lives at Cavendish, and is far more preoccupied with her love interest, a stable hand called Tadgh, than she is with the violence all around her.

The Celtic Tiger

Home to Cavendish is also set in part in the early noughties, which was when Ireland was in the midst of an economic boom, and some people were taking spending and excess to new levels. Here we meet the second heroine of the novel, Elenore, who's now the lady of the house, so to speak. Elenore has struggles of her own when it comes to romance, and we follow her trials with a hot-shot property developer who has plans of his own for Cavendish.

Restoration of old houses in Ireland

Antoinette tells me that part of the reason she wanted to write this book was because of her own personal interest, and background in studying old stately Irish homes. She feels a lot of buildings were not given the respect and attention they deserved during the Celtic Tiger.

Three Book Deal!

Antoinette also talks to me about the dream moment when Poolbeg told her they were going to publish her novel and what that feels like for a first time author. She says she's dealing with the pressure of having to write subsequent novels as part of her contract. If you like reading about authors, you can hear Margaret Molloy's interview with me "On the Fringe," about the Mayo born athlete Martin Sheridan.

And here's Antoinette's interview...

https://soundcloud.com/wlrfmwaterford/irish-author-antoinette-tyrell-discusses-her-debut-novel-home-to-cavendish