New ‘one to watch out for’ novel features Inishowen’s ‘Amazing Grace’ coastline
Runaway Road, the third novel by a Derry-based writer Sue Divin, has already been hailed as ‘one to watch out for in 2026’ by the Irish Times
A new novel which features the stunning landscapes and landmarks along Inishowen’s Wild Atlantic Way is to be launched in Inishowen later this month.
Runaway Road, the third novel by a Derry-based writer Sue Divin, has already been hailed as “one to watch out for in 2026” by the Irish Times.
With her previous novel, Truth Be Told, being included on the Junior Cert curriculum from September, readers can expect her new novel, published on May 7 with First Ink, Macmillan to feature the stunning landscapes and landmarks along Inishowen’s Wild Atlantic Way.
“Part of the initial inspiration,” explains Sue, “came from the historic connection that slave-trader turned abolitionist, John Newton, has to that coastline. Locals will know that after a near-death experience in a sea-storm, his ship came ashore near Buncrana.Brown heritage signs signal the area as the Amazing Grace Coastline.
"That history sparked my thinking around second chances or, as Evie (9) in the novel puts it cutting people some slack. Runaway Road (originally entitled I Once Was Lost) is definitely not a direct parallel with that dark era of history connected to empire, but it picks up a core redemptive question - does society today give people the space, the “grace”, to learn from their mistakes and change?”
At the heart of the novel is the sibling bond between Ezra (16) and Evie (9). Ezra is no stranger to crossing the line, but this time it’s serious – and someone might be dead. To escape justice, he’ll have to cross another line: the Northern Irish border. But that means leaving behind the only thing that really matters. His little sister, Evie.
Evie sees it differently. When she was three, Ezra took her into care, into safety - and to the bookshop that became her first memory. Ezra understands her. Why shouldn’t she go on the run with him now?
Ezra and Evie are used to feeling invisible. Now they have to become invisible for real.
With the young siblings “on the run” from Derry, they head cross-border into Donegal. “I don’t want to give away the plot,” says Sue, “but I was determined that this novel should highlight some of the incredible places locals know and love in Inishowen. I hope the novel does them proud.”
It’s not a co-incidence that the Donegal launch of the novel takes place at Fort Dunree, 6.30pm on Thursday, May 21.
Places at the free event, suitable for adult and teenage readers, can be booked by emailing [email protected] .
As well as long coastal walks, the novel took its author into researching aspects of the Youth Justice and Care systems in Northern Ireland. Her characters represent a range of diversities and personalities. “Evie was a delight to write,” says Sue.
“She is a wee powerhouse. A positive portrayal of the observation, quirky intelligence and side-ways view of situations which can be part of ASD / neurodiversity. I’ve experience of that within my own family and everywhere I went with my notebook to scout out the route for Runaway Road, Evie simply wouldn’t shut up. She brings lightness and humour to balance some of the heavier themes in the drama.”
Ireland’s increasing ethnic diversity and the disability of macular degeneration are also represented in the narrative as well as perspectives on the border itself and future questions around identity inclusion, including that of the British identity in Northern Ireland.
“The epigraph from John Newton’s Amazing Grace, I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see, weaves through Runaway Road in many different ways.
“Runaway Road is a great read for adults and teenagers,” says Sue who hopes to engage with some Donegal schools and literary festivals later this year.
“It’s a real page-turner with a fast-paced plot. I’d recommend it for book groups as well as individuals. Expect it to provoke plenty of discussion as well as smiles, tears and laughter. I’d love it to linger with people after they turn that last page.”