From Russia with Love: Moville woman set to release debut novel
Anne launches fantasy tale in Derry next month, after a decade-long journey that began in a Russian police station
A story born in a Russian police station has become Moville woman Anne Canavan’s brilliant new young adult fantasy novel: ‘Sarah Flynn: In Finity’.
What began as a way to occupy her young son during a long day in Russia became a story Anne developed over the next ten years – and she’s now ready to share it with readers.
For the past decade, she has written in locations across the world, including the Tower of London, Red’s Café in Moville, Halyon Village in Greencastle, New York and Lough Eske Castle, Donegal.
The first spark for the book came in a Russian police station. Anne and her family were visiting Russia in 2016. Because their stay exceeded seven days, they needed to extend their visas.
While they waited, Anne and her then 11-year-old son created a story about him and his friend Lucas discovering another world.
That story evolved into ‘Sarah Flynn: In Finity’, a young adult fantasy adventure centred on a young girl drawn into the strange and dangerous world of Finity.
“I’ve always told stories,” explains Anne.
“When my girls were growing up, we would use the same formula and sit for hours making up stories together. It was something we did as a family, and I never really stopped. I’ve recently learned that my uncle, Vince Farren, has been doing the exact same thing for years,” she adds.
In ‘Sarah Flynn: In Finity’, Sarah is drawn into a world of hidden places, strange beings and a set of ancient keys. Her quest involves the people of Finity and powers that may change her life.
The novel blends fantasy, mystery and menace, with music, ravens and a haunted house woven into her journey.
The original idea began with two boys but gradually became Sarah’s story. Anne is currently immersed in writing the sequel.
“I couldn’t have completed this without the expertise, support and guidance of my editor, June, from Russell Alexander Publishing,” she says.
‘Sarah Flynn: In Finity’ is Anne Canavan’s debut fantasy novel and will be available on Amazon from 24 October 2026 in print and ebook editions.
The book will be officially launched next month. Everyone is welcome at the launch on Thursday, 5 November, from 7pm to 9pm at the Playhouse, 5-7 Artillery Street, Derry.
The evening will feature music by Michael E Thomas, who hails originally from New Jersey but is now based in Portstewart. He played regularly with the late Henry McCullough who played with Paul McCartney after the break up of The Beatles.
Refreshments will be served, admission is free, and Anne is looking forward to reading an extract from the book.