A Distant Dream

The year is 1847 during the Irish Potato Famine. Three year old Molly Mayo goes missing whilst her family are away at her mother's funeral. Maggie, her sister, has gone to England to start a new life there and believes that her sibling is being cared for by a relative, but the Filbeys, a childless couple who live in the area, have other plans. A new world beckons, a place of golden opportunity for a hardworking couple and the little girl will thrive in this distant land.

The book, part of a trilogy beginning with A Woman Undefeated (Maggie’s story) traces the generations throughout the years, until 1957 when young Patrick Mayo, made an orphan in the war years and sent to Australia as part of the re-population scheme, completes the family circle by returning to his Irish homeland.

This saga is one of dreams, tragedy and unrequited love, along with the highs and lows of settlers' fortunes on the other side of the world. It highlights their endurance and fortitude in an otherwise hostile land.

The continuation of this Dockerty saga, along with Dreams Can Come True, is a thought provoking read that delves into the historical happenings in Ireland in the middle of the 19th century

“I loved writing A Woman Undefeated. I felt very close to Maggie, my main character, especially on a sunny afternoon when I felt her presence as I was typing at the dining room table. I wanted this to continue with Molly” comments Vivienne Dockerty.