Brendan Howlin T.D. to launch Pierce Turner’s writing debut, “Living by the River,” at Wexford Library on Saturday, 7th December at 2:00 pm. 

Wexford’s award-winning musician Pierce Turner’s debut book of autobiographical short-stories has arrived. It is a book that has been anticipated for some time, a work that springs naturally from a musician who has long been recognised for the artistry of his lyrics and the ability to hold his audiences enwrapped with story-telling. With the advent of the internet, Pierce made the transition from the spoken word to the written, when he began a weekly blog to his data base.  The People Newspaper editor Jim Hayes, was on that list, and asked Pierce to create a weekly column in The People called “Pierce Turner - My World” Four years later Pierce began assembling a set of cohesive stories for this book, some of which were inspired by pieces from the much talked about People Column.   As Pierce began writing the stories, he came to the realisation that growing up on the Wexford Quay (the house where the Cork-Buzz Wine Bar is now) had an impact on everything he wrote.  Hence the title; “Living by the River”. The result is a collection of delightful stories about a young man’s coming of age in Wexford town, where the River Slaney meets The Irish Sea. 

 All these years after Pierce Turner and Larry Kirwan emigrated to New York as Turner and Kirwan of Wexford, it’s only fitting that Pierce’s former partner Larry should be the first to appraise this book.

“The best way to read Living By The River is to imagine you’re at a party in the sitting room of Pierce’s house overlooking The Quay, back when his mother and father - Molly and Jem - were alive, and everyone had to “do a turn,” be it singing, reciting or telling a story.  You’ll hear about boarders reluctant to pay their way, Sputnik the warrior dog and his untimely passing, the glory days of Rec-Pho and White’s Barn, Sammy Sinnott’s magic cure for the Rolling Stones, and all the other tales that weave a picture of a magical time when we were young, bulling to get out in the world and leave our mark upon it.  That’s what you’ll experience in this lovely book, a special sliver of the universe, gone but not forgotten that you too can be a part of for some glorious golden hours”.  Larry Kirwan.

“Living by the River” will make a wonderful Wexford Christmas present-available now in the Wexford Book Centre on the Main Street and Red Books on Peter’s Square.

"Pierce Turner is one of Ireland’s finest yarn-spinners, a maestro of words and melody with a uniquely rich voice. His stories are as mellifluous as his songs."  "I really enjoyed Living by the river- very evocative with a nice undertone of creeping dread as morning arrives,  I look forward to reading more". Liam Fay –  Liam Fay writes for The Sunday Times.

Booking is essential. 

Photo credit; front photo: Padraig Grant