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L IT ER AT U RE
Holywood Writer’s Third Novel Released
‘Come Home, Harry String’ is the third and eagerly anticipated novel by acclaimed local Holywood writer, Nick Cann.
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ann’s first novel, ‘Jake’s Eulogy’ was the number one best seller in the Belfast Telegraph paperback listings, dated August 20th 2005. His second book, ‘On The Island’, followed hot on its heels and also generated considerable praise from critics and readers alike. There has since been an eight-year hiatus filled with family commitments (including the birth of Jack and Poppy the twins) and an extensive range of other written and artistic endeavours while continuing his career as a journalist and design consultant. His career path in the past has been nothing if not diverse: Soho night club host, part-time university lecturer in Graphic Design and also NUJ shop steward as he flirted with mainstream UK journalism before
focusing on newspaper and magazine design. Famously quirky, Cann who was once nominated for the title of Northern Ireland’s Best Dressed Man, also featured in one of the more memorable episodes of ‘Come Dine with Me’, shot in Belfast. He says, “Over the years I have turned down more magazines and newspaper jobs than was probably sensible … everything from the top design job at Hello Magazine to redesigning the national newspaper of Poland and quite a bit in between. I usually believe in taking chances when they come along. I’m quite impetuous. It’s led me to try everything from playing football with Rudolf Nureyev to moving from a cushy life in London to Northern Ireland in the midst of the Troubles. But then that was an easy step, Northern Ireland’s my spiritual home.” No surprise then, that Cann’s books are firmly rooted here. His latest novel, set in Cann’s home town of Holywood, deals with central character, Harry String’s struggle to regain his memory after being critically injured in a car crash and then later, his relationship with his married, marriage guidance counsellor, Susan Heywood. The relationship soon leads to violence however, when String is confronted by Susan’s jealous husband.
Nick Cann will be signing copies of ‘Come Home, Harry String’ in Stewart Miller, Holywood on Saturday 18th November from 10.30am, when the book will be on sale at a special discount. He will also be signing copies at the official launch in the Concern bookshop, Holywood on Thursday 23rd November from 6pm, with all proceeds going to the charity. Cann says, “Since ‘Come Home, Harry String’ is set in Holywood, I was keen to launch it in the town, reinforcing the sense of place which pervades the book. Also, it’s out just in time for Christmas and should make a really good stocking-filler.” ‘Come Home, Harry String’ is now on sale at branches of Stewart Miller, No Alibis, Concern Holywood and other outlets province wide. The book can also be bought online at indiego.co.uk.
COMPETITION! For the chance to win a signed copy of Nick Cann’s latest novel just answer the question below: What is the title of Nick’s new book? Send your answer along with your contact details to info@loopmag.net by 30/11/17