Gregg’s novella explores mental health themes in lead-up to Christmas
Gregg Murphy from Tinryland, has just published a new book
TINRYLAND author Gregg Murphy has released a new novella exploring themes of mental health in the lead-up to Christmas, with all proceeds generated before Christmas being donated to the suicide and self-harm prevention charity Pieta.
The title of the novella is , with inspiration for the story taken from the classic Christmas film .
“I was thinking of . But in the film, George Bailey has a business, four kids, a wife and a big house,” explains Gregg. “And I thought, what about , if you didn’t have a wonderful life? How would the conversation with the guardian angel go if you didn’t really have anything to go back to? What are you trying to convince them to keep going for?”
Gregg has advised readers that the novella contains significant themes of suicide and it may not be suitable for younger people and those who have experienced or are experiencing mental health difficulties.
“I did put in a disclaimer because there is a lot of suicide discussion in it, but it’s still all written in a positive way of promoting people to stay going and that’s why I thought it would be good if all the proceeds from this went to Pieta, to ideally help somebody who might be going through something this Christmas.”
The story is not set anywhere specifically, which Gregg says is deliberate so that the reader can relate to it, no matter where they are from.
Similarly, Gregg leaves the identity of the main protagonist up to the reader’s imagination.
“It’s very much up to perception. All you know is that he has a job, so he has finished college and is working. In my own head, he was kind of a middle-aged man who is just not happy with his life. So I just left it open so people could visualise themselves in those roles,” he said.
The book is independently published through Amazon and is available as an eBook and as a paperback through the link O Come All Ye Faithful: Murphy, Gregg: Amazon.ie: Books.
If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, Pieta House offers free confidential support. 24/7, freephone 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.
