31st July, 2024 - John G. Dilworth, an author with a deep appreciation for Irish history and a unique family heritage, presents his latest historical adventure novel, The Sands of Inishowen. This gripping tale takes readers on a journey through sixteenth-century Europe, following the daring exploits of two brothers raised by monks in the Italian Alps. Dilworth’s masterful storytelling and rich historical context promise an unforgettable reading experience.
In The Sands of Inishowen, the brothers, trained mountain climbers skilled in self-defense, seek excitement and fulfillment in a Europe besieged by turmoil. As they navigate a landscape rife with hostility, piracy, slavery, and war, their extraordinary upbringing is put to the ultimate test. They must survive the perils of human insanity and nature’s fury while overcoming treachery, deceit, and atrocity driven by the greed for gold. The narrative explores their struggle for survival, torn between love and the constant threat of death in a foreign land where they cannot trust anyone.
Dilworth’s inspiration for the novel is deeply rooted in his heritage. The son of an Irishman and grandson of an Englishman, Dilworth’s fascination with his ancestry, particularly on his mother’s side, adds a personal touch to his storytelling. His mother, Kathleen Gallen, often spoke of being a descendant of the Spanish Armada, specifically from a ship that sank off the coast of Inishowen in Donegal. This family lore, combined with his exploration of Irish history and culture, fuels the rich tapestry of The Sands of Inishowen.
Dilworth’s research revealed intriguing connections, such as the origin of the name ‘Gallen’ and its ties to the Spanish ship ‘The Trinidad Valencera’, formerly a Venetian cargo ship. The discovery that the name Gallen began to appear in Inishowen after the shipwreck further enriches the historical backdrop of the novel.
The Sands of Inishowen is more than just a tale of adventure; it is a journey into the past, blending historical facts with the timeless themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for freedom. Dilworth’s passion for history and his meticulous research bring authenticity and depth to this enthralling story.
John G. Dilworth invites readers to immerse themselves in this historical saga, where every page promises suspense, excitement, and a glimpse into a bygone era. The Sands of Inishowen is available now at major bookstores and online retailers.
About the Author
John Gerard Dilworth, son of an Irishman and Grandson of an Englishman. John’s father was an electrical engineer in Donegal, where he met and married Kathleen Gallen, who always claimed to be a descendant of the Spanish Armada when one of their ships ran aground and sank at Inishowen on the north coast of Donegal.
John grew up in Ballyshannon, one of the oldest towns in Ireland, where he developed a deep appreciation and love of Irish history. With the increased interest in ancestry, John started to explore his own ancestry, especially on his mother’s side. Lack of record keeping over the years made accurate information impossible. However, he found enough compelling evidence to suggest that his mother may have been right. Some of the interesting facts that he uncovered were:
(a) In Ireland, the name ‘Gallen’ is predominantly found in north Donegal around the area of Inishowen, where the Armada ship the ‘Trinidad Valencera’ sank.
(b) The ship that sank was originally named the ‘Balanzara’ a Venetian cargo ship commandeered and renamed ‘The Trinidad Valencera’ by the Spanish King Philip II.
(c) The Name Gallen is said to originate from the town of St. Gallen in Switzerland, close to Venice, where the Balanzara was registered. It was only after the sinking of the Trinidad Valencera that the name Gallen started to show up in local senses in Inishowen
Book Name: The Sands of Inishowen
Author Name: John G Dilworth
ISBN Number: 979-8875970542
Kindle Version: Click Here
Paperback Version: Click Here
Media Contact
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Phone: +1-877-311-2129
Country: United States
Website: https://amzpublishingcompany.com/
