As the autumn nights start drawing in, there’s no better time to snuggle up, grab a hot chocolate and escape with a thrilling new page turner. Not only a great opportunity for some decadent, uninterrupted reading, this is the perfect excuse to dive into Portsmouth’s dazzling treasure trove of talented local writers.
Southsea author Eileen Phyall’s gripping debut novel, ‘About Time’ will be launched at Marmion House later this month. Set in the 1980’s, the book explores themes of identity and choice, recognising history’s complex relationship with women’s autonomy.
Eileen Phyall
Poet and performer, Eileen has written for several prestigious projects across the city such as the 200th celebration of Dickens and the Gallipoli Centenary. Her poem the Dockyard Gate was made into short film for the DarkSide PortSide trail. A popular member of Portsmouth Writer’s Hub, Pompey Poetry Party and T’Articulation, Eileen regularly participates in spoken word events in Southsea.
Eileen’s new book is a time-travel love story which deftly blends the threads of science fiction, historical drama and romance. Pacey and intimately character driven, ‘About Time’ follows final year student Imogen as she moves backwards and forwards between modern times, the early twentieth century and the Second World War. Imogen is something of an outsider who hasn’t always found it easy to fit in. Clever and resilient, she is the type to ask questions and press for answers; something that often gets her in trouble. As Imogen struggles to navigate an unfamiliar bygone world and adapt to a series of new identities, including a 1920s rich girl, a maid and a Welsh farmhand, she finds herself falling in love with a local doctor. However, it isn’t long before Time snatches her forward again.
About the Story
Eileen’s publishing journey began in 2020 during the Covid Restrictions. Eileen says, “Immediately before lockdown I had a bad bout of flu when my temperature was high. I felt I was slipping in and out of reality, which made me think of how strange time is. During lockdown, there was a strong feeling of being trapped and having no choice. But it gave me time to think and dream. I belong to writing groups and we were meeting online and telling our stories. I’ve always had an interest in time travel, there being more than we can understand. My story about Imogen stayed in my head and I had to write it down. I’m not a planner, once I have a story, if it comes to life, I follow it. Imogen was there urging me on.”
Always an avid reader, Eileen grew up devouring the works of Enid Blyton, C.S Lewis, Louisa May Alcott and Tolkien. Eileen says, “My mother used to say when I was a child ‘if the house burnt down, you’d be underneath still reading!’” Once at college, Eileen discovered science fiction and the works of Ursula le Quin and Steven Donaldson. She credits Margaret Drabble as the author that made her want to pick up the pen and write.
Time Travel
Time-travel fiction, with its series of endless paradoxes and possibilities, often poses challenges for authors. Eileen explains, “One of the difficulties is remembering how technology has moved on since 1980s. It’s easy to remember there were no mobile phones in the thirties, but several times I had to correct where Imogen sent a message on her phone when she was in her own time (very limited mobile phones, no internet and basic computers.) Also checking if something makes sense when you’re writing about someone being in another body or time can be challenging. I hope readers will suspend their sense of disbelief and go through time with Imogen.”
Book Launch
Eileen Phyall’s ‘About Time’ book launch will take place at Marmion House on Tuesday 29th October 6.30 —9pm. There will be a chance to speak with the author and purchase a copy of the novel. Fizz, nibbles and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for those who attend.
BY Caroline Brennan – From Pompey Poetry Party
