By Dan Walsh at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy
A new book from Maria Nolan entitled A Most Remarkable Woman was launched this morning by the Manager of Enniscorthy Castle and Vinegar Hill, Maura Bell, at a pleasant function held in the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy.
Ms. Bell began by commenting on the size of the print which she described as ‘amazing’ and spoke about Maria Nolan’s book which she said was “an historic romantic novel”
She described the author as “an amazing person who connects and networks with so many organisations in the town” and concluded by saying it was an honour to launch the book – A Most Remarkable Woman -and wished Maria Nolan future success.
Maria Nolan spoke at length about the content of the book, thanked the attendance and said the book is “dedicated to all the remarkable woman that I know and all the remarkable women that I don’t know.”
Special guest at the launch was costume designer Barbara Guthrie who appears on the cover and the style of dress that Anna Leon-Owens would have worn.
The book is based on the true-life story of Anna Harriet Edwards Donaghue Leon-Owens, who became governess to King Mongkut of Siam instructing his 82 children in English and the ways of the western world between 1862 and 1867.
Anna Leon-Owens, as she became when she married Thomas Leon-Owens and lived at Weafer Street, Enniscorthy. When Anna’s husband died, she was left with her son, Louis, at Enniscorthy but since she did not have any disposable income, she found it impossible to continue.
Anna’s uncle then found her a position as Governess to the King of Siam (now Thailand); however, she laid down strict conditions on acceptance. The King had to accept her young son, as well!
This presumptuous Enniscorthy woman and her love for her son, inspired a book Anna and the King of Siam and a musical and film The King and I with Yul Brenner and Deborah Kerr.
A Most Remarkable Woman is an intriguing tale of love, loss, bigotry, discrimination, self-invention, exceptional savvy, desperation, sexual intimacy, survival, freedom in action, thought and deed, and above all else strength and courage.
A Most Remarkable Woman by Maria Nolan is available at Easons bookstore, Court St., Enniscorthy in paperback and at Amazon as an e-book or paperback.
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