Aisling Gayle by Geraldine ONeill

From Tullamore to the idyllic surrounds of Lake Savannah in Upstate New York, Geraldine O'Neill's latest novel draws us into the absorbing, fascinating and often moving world of her eponymous heroine, Aisling Gayle.

Repeatedly humiliated by her philandering husband's affairs Aisling finally reaches breaking point and escapes, if temporarily, to Upstate New York for a family wedding. On the shores of Lake Savannah she begins to live.

Aisling Gayle is one of life's pleasers. A young country schoolteacher in 60s Ireland, she spends her life pleasing philandering, Jack-the-lad husband Oliver and pious mother Maggie. She also worries about her sister Pauline, home from England with an illegitimate child, and her brother Charles who sees life differently to most other people. Aisling's wedding anniversary reveals Oliver's latest infidelity and she decides to escape for the summer accompanying her parents to beautiful Lake Savannah in Upstate New York.

There she meets Thomas Carroll a slow but amiable teenager and a frightening encounter introduces her to his father, reclusive artist Jameson Carroll. Soon Aisling finds herself in a once-in-a-lifetime passionate affair. As return to Ireland, and Oliver looms can her passion overcome the obstacles awaiting her? Can Aisling Gayle find the courage at long last, to please herself?

Following the success of her critically acclaimed first novel Tara Flynn, (soon to be released worldwide) O'Neill delivers once more with her plethora of colourful characters and her insightful and emotional straight to the heart style of writing.

Biography

Originally from Scotland Geraldine O'Neill had amassed quite a number of awards for her short stories before she embarked on her first novel - Tara Flynn.

As a teacher in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne she taught at primary school level and in remand homes. She also taught adults with learning difficulties and psychiatric problems. As foster parents both Geraldine and her husband welcomed teenagers into their home for many years.
When she moved to Ireland, to Co. Offaly, one of her first assignments was to seek out the local writers' group. There was none so with the help of the local librarian she set one up. That was eleven years ago and it is still going strong. Geraldine is also an accomplished public speaker and in 2002 was president of Tullamore Toastmasters.

Geraldine O'Neill talks about her latest novel

"A trip to America for my brother Eamonn's wedding to his long-time pen-friend Sarah, from Upstate New York inspired me to write Aisling Gayle. I spent a week out at Sarah's mother's house at Lake Sophia, which became Lake Savannah in the novel. I spent a lot of time down at the lake reading, sunbathing and daydreaming. It had to make the most wonderful setting for a novel.

"I enjoyed writing all of the characters in the book but Aisling Gayle herself has to be the most dominant character as so much of the story is experienced through her. I must confess a weakness for the gorgeous bohemian artist, Jameson Carroll (based on a young Kris Kristofferson. And Aisling's American aunt, Jean Harper was such a great inspiration to her niece.

"My least favourite character has to be Verity, beautiful but villainous, cold hearted and money grabbing. I loved every minute of writing Aisling Gayle as it gave me the opportunity to relive my trip to Lake Sophia and the experience of seeing America for the first time.

"Most of my writing comes from my imagination but the scene in the book where the 'weird guy' stalks Aisling from shop to shop actually happened to me. It started in a bookshop when I mistakenly walked into a 'singles night' session organised for unattached people looking for partners. When the man approached me I thought he was a shop assistant and got into a great conversation with him about books. Later, when I was wondering around the shopping mall I found him waiting outside every shop. Unfortunately, it was my brother and his wife who rescued me, as opposed to the dashing, wildly attractive Jameson Carroll."