The Execution, Life and Times of Patrick O'Donnell:
The Last Days of a Condemned Man
By Gavin O'Donnell
The Last Days of a Condemned Man
By Gavin O'Donnell
Publication Date: 24th January 2023
Publisher: Perfugulator Publishing
Page Length: 430 Page
Genre: Historical Biographical Fiction
History tells us that Patrick O’Donnell was hanged in Newgate Prison in December 1883 for the murder of James Carey, the infamous Phoenix Park Killer and notorious Irish informer. History however tells us almost nothing of this remarkable man. Letters sent from Victor Hugo and US President Chester A. Arthur, asking Queen Victoria to show clemency, hint at an extraordinary life for an Irish peasant.
In his extraordinary new book, The Execution, Life and Times of Patrick O’Donnell, the author reveals in intimate and fascinating detail, through a series of letters, the incredible life of one man — and the times in which he lived.
Explore the condemned man’s life and times through this unique work of creative fiction, entwined with historical fact; from the Great Hunger to the typhoid sheds of Quebec; from his service in the Confederate army and capture in 1863; to the O’Donnell massacre at Wiggan’s Patch, Pennsylvania; and ultimately to that fateful day off the coast of Port Elizabeth where he put three bullets into the traitor Carey.
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The Execution, Life and Times of Patrick O'Donnell
Gavin O'Donnell
Gavin grew up in Wales, Ireland, North Africa and England. An elective mute until the age of 5 his first word was ‘Texaco’... don’t ask. Aged 11 unable to read properly he was classed as Educationally Sub Normal (ESN).
Deciding to ignore the experts, he studied Construction Management in Limerick obtaining a degree and later, at age 40, by way of distance learning he obtained his Batchelor of Laws at Nottingham University.
He retired early from a varied career including the nuclear industry, telecoms and construction project management. After retiring he and his wife Linda refurbished several cottages in SW France and built up a small holiday business before selling up and returning to rural South Wales, where they diverted their efforts into property development. They now reside in a self-built stone cottage along with three cats; Jess, Bob and Kpo, and several chickens. Their two grown children and one grandchild live nearby.
Gavin started writing in 2019 with a memoir (Father's Day) about the loss of their daughter in a fire in Bordeaux on Father's Day in 1990. It was published in 2022. A few short stories followed and then his ‘piece of resistance’; 'The Execution, Life and Times of Patrick O’Donnell', which is by far his most ambitious project to date. A work of creative fiction closely bound to and conflated with historical facts.
Recognised as Shelf Media Group: 2023 - Top 100 Notable INDIE Books and Reader Favourite: 2023 - 5 Star Award, and receiving a 5 star average rating on Net Galley (the highest possible).
Gavin's screenplay for ‘The Execution Life and Times of Patrick O’Donnell’ reached the 2022 Scriptation Showcase Script Competition quarter finals.
He is currently working on a humorous but serious novel about mental health, and how it is misunderstood; it is entitled 'Brian'. He is also working on two more children's books, his first being 'A boy is not Just for Christmas'.
I am so glad you have written a book about Patrick O’Donnell. He is one of those individuals who, when I first read about him, piqued my interest. I know not so much is known about his life, his execution obviously taking centre stage. It must have been really fascinating to delve into his past.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of Patrick O’Donnell. It certainly sounds like he had a fascinating life. If I may ask, what inspired you to write about his life?
ReplyDeleteI have added your book to my to-read list. Like Jamie, I have never heard of Patrick O’Donnell either.
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