Latest book from Longford-based author earns rave reviews

The latest book from Arva-based author Joe O’Flatherty - The Old Trading Store - has been on the receiving end of high praise from readers far beyond Ireland. 

The Old Trading Store, which is published by Mereo Books, will have its Irish launch in Longford town this week and has already been launched to great acclaim in the British, American, and Australian markets.   

The story portrays a touching tale of rural Longford life in mid-20th-century Ireland and covers themes such as relationships, humour, and hardship. It contains all the ingredients of a page turner, from wit and poignancy to drama and intrigue. 

Not surprisingly, the most common remark throughout the book reviews to date is that readers found it difficult to put it down, with some even picking it up a second time upon completion such was the enjoyment of the first read.  

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The story is told through the eyes of the character Jonsie - a nod to the nickname Joe was given as a child - with events centring around Jonesie's family who run a trading store in the village of Cody’s Cross.

With the literary success Joe is currently enjoying, it's hard to believe he didn't begin writing until he was 60. 

"I always wanted to write, but I was too busy," he says before adding with a laugh, "...so I didn't get around to it until I was 60!"

Married to Norma, Joe says he calls her Bruce whenever they're working on a project together.

"The reason for this is because of Bruce Springsteen who's known as The Boss," he explains with a smile. "So this is my way of calling her the boss!" 

The plot has gripped many readers, with some even contacting Joe to request the exact whereabouts of Cody’s Cross in the hopes of visiting in person. Cody’s Cross however is based on a mix of Lanesborough and Arva. 

With the exception of the village, Joe explains, everything else in the book is grounded in fact. 

Joe with his new hit book, The Old Trading Store

Sitting down with the Longford Leader, Joe recounts one of his earliest memories of his father’s old trading store in Lanesborough. 

“My father rented an old store from a man called Dan Kiernan, a stone store with a galvanised roof on it. He started stocking bags of flour, chests of tea, boxes of butter, stuff like that, a trading store. He had a horse and a wagon because he used to take orders."

"There was a man from Lanesborough called Danny McGuinness, and Danny used to come once a week, and put all the stuff into the wagon."

"My mother used to help my father on those busy days and I'd be put up sitting on the horse at three years of age, strapped in. That's what I'm describing in the book too, going around to the local farmers to deliver the bags of flour, and the chests of tea.” 

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He added, “Then my dad got a pub and we moved to Arva. I was 4 at the time. In the book, I set the story in the one village, Cody's Cross, because I wanted to make it as easy as possible for people to follow. Since the book came out, I’ve received messages about Cody’s Cross from readers, asking where it is!” 

Despite having only been out three weeks, the book has so far proven itself a huge hit with readers. One UK barrister even bought eight copies, two to keep at home, and six to bring to Cheltenham for her friends. 

Those who enjoyed Joe’s first and second book can now look forward to the third instalment which is due for release next Christmas. Called ‘We'll Cry Tomorrow’, Joe explains the poignant origins of the name.

“When I was a kid, I heard my father talking about the movie, ‘I’ll Cry Tomorrow’, and he said to me, ‘I'm bringing you to see your first picture, Joe! We’re going to the Adelphia in Longford.’ That was 1955, I was 11."

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He adds, "I couldn't wait to get there but as soon as I started watching it, I got annoyed because there were no cowboys or Indians in it. I was looking at this woman crying on screen and the next thing, I looked around and see my dad crying too! When I was asked what I was going to call my third book, I immediately knew I wanted to call it ‘We’ll Cry Tomorrow’"

Joe O'Flaherty's book is available now from Dubray, Waterstones, Eason, Amazon and all good booksellers.