Lavey man’s memoir gives ‘a glimpse into a time and place that no longer exists’

A native of County Derry who recently published his memoir says it gives readers ‘a glimpse into a time and place that no longer exists’.

Despite only being released a matter of weeks ago, Michael Boyle’s book ‘On New Turf: A Memoir’ is already Amazon’s number two bestseller for Troubles books. It has also reached the top spot for most gifted books in Canadian historical biographies.

The book delves into Michael's journey from the mosslands of rural County Derry to the rugged shores of Newfoundland, where he now lives.

A former teacher at St Patrick’s College, Maghera, Michael emigrated to Canada in 1967 to seek his fortune however things didn’t turn out as he had planned.

Speaking about the book, he said: “This memoir isn't about me. It's a glimpse into a time and place that I moved through. A time and place that is no more. My life may be unremarkable yet by luck or happenstance, I found myself on the edges of significant social and political upheavals of those times. Whether by ill fated timing or fortunate coincidence, these encounters gifted me an unusual vantage point on the transformative decades of the sixties and seventies.

“My life journey from the Mosslands of Northern Ireland to the rugged shores of Newfoundland, though unremarkable, unfolded against these extraordinary times.”

Michael says he has held several book readings in Canada where the publication has been very well received.

“I have only done a few readings and audiences here just love hearing the story in the memoir of my adventures and teaching at St Pat's in Maghera during The Troubles,” he said.

“Some are amazed I played rugby on a Saturday for Rainey Magherafelt against RBAI and then the next day played Gaelic football for Tirgarvil against Slaughtneil.”

Michael says the book is also creating a ‘bit of a buzz’ in his native south Derry ‘because it crosses cultural boundaries’.

The memoir, which has been edited by Newfoundland actor Randy Crane, has been receiving excellent reviews so far.

Linden MacIntyre, 2009 Giller Prize Winner, said: “The writing fluency and flair will impress. The scenes, landscapes and personalities come to life in Boyle’s writing.”

Bernie McGill, 2023 Edge Hill Prize Winner added: “Boyle’s journey is told with boundless charm and a lightness of touch that belies the more serious moments. Michael is a natural storyteller.”

‘On New Turf’ is now available in paperback and Kindle edition to purchase from Amazon