The Elephant of Belfast author to speak at The War Memorial
Inspired by a true story, a novelist is set to give readers greater insight into the tale of events that took place in Northern Ireland during World War II.
S. Kirk Walsh will speak about her debut book, The Elephant of Belfast, April 7 beginning at 7 p.m. at The War Memorial (TWM.) The book was published by Counterpoint Press in 2021. A paperback version will be released April 5.
The event takes place at TWM’s historic Alger House in Grosse Pointe Farms. Walsh will present on her research for the historical novel, why she wrote it, her creative processes, take questions from the audience and sign books.
S. Kirk Walsh
“I had heard about Denise Austin who inspired the main character of the book, Hettie Quin,” Walsh said. “She is called the elephant angel and it’s a story of a young woman taking care of an elephant during the bombings by the Germans on the city of Belfast.”
Inspired by the true story of Austin, Walsh deftly renders the changing relationship between Quin and her young charge, and their growing dependence on each other for survival and solace.
The Elephant of Belfast tells the tender and harrowing story of a young female zookeeper and the elephant, and what they endure together during the German blitz of Belfast. The novel speaks the tragedy of the times, but also to the ongoing sectarian tensions that still exist in Northern Ireland today.
Growing up in metro Detroit, Walsh said she is looking forward to coming back to TWM and getting a chance to celebrate the book in-person.
“I always knew I wanted to write about Ireland because of my family's connection and this story took me to Northern Ireland,” she said. “It presented a compelling narrative.”
Walsh is a novelist, an editor, and a teacher based in Austin, Texas. The novel has generated praise from The New Yorker, The Christian Science Monitor, and others as well as being selected for several top reading lists.
Book bundle options are $18 for paperback and $24 for hardcover. Bundle options include a copy of “The Elephant of Belfast,” book signing at the event, and a copy of the reading and discussion guide for book clubs from Counterpoint Publishing.
General admission is free but does not include a copy of the book.
To purchase tickets, visit www.warmemorial.org/speakers/skirkwalsh. Pre-registration is required.
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About The War Memorial
The War Memorial, located on the shores of Lake Saint Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, is an experiential space open to everyone from everywhere. For more than 70 years, it has served as a patriotic, cultural, and community center. Its unique environment attracts more than 3,000 events and 250,000 visitors annually while offering premier hospitality services for community and private gatherings. Its diverse lineup of innovative programming includes live and virtual engagement experiences for adults and children. At its core, The War Memorial celebrates the ideas of American democracy while honoring those who have defended those ideas with tireless effort and personal sacrifice. Numerous patriotic and veterans’ events are held as well as history and civics offerings on the origin, traditions, and challenges facing American democracy. The War Memorial remains committed to serving the community as a unique, dynamic, and forward-thinking hub for southeast Michigan.
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