Hey Clan!
Here it is in all its lustrous splendor! The cover for Man of Sorrows unveiled.
As promised, I’m also sharing a behind-the-scenes peek (mostly spoiler-free) into Man of Sorrows and its pivotal part in Tale of the Clans.
The Setting of Man of Sorrows
Man of Sorrows is near and dear to my heart in many ways. As the prequel tale to the rest of the novels in Tale of the Clans, it gives place and a good deal of illuminating backstory to this series. This prequel sets a foundation for what, in essence, is a Christian Irish saga modeled after the old Icelandic sagas of the Middle Ages.
Tale of the Clans introduces readers to a large, colorful cast of characters set in the backdrop of Viking-era Ireland during the lifetime of Brian Boru, one of Ireland’s most infamous high kings. So naturally, it made sense to place Man of Sorrows, in Thomond, Ireland, during the supposed year of Brian’s birth, 940 AD.
The Cast of Man of Sorrows
Mara ingen Padraig
Mara is a young shepherdess coming of age in the isolated hills of Thomond. Her life is marred by tragic loss and to compound her woes, she hears and sees people no one else ever sees. Even those closest to her fear she’s fey.
But Mara’s cheerful, indomitable spirit, despite her circumstances, is contagious and she is well-liked. The trouble comes when one of her mysterious visitors proclaims that God intends her to wed a man who will bring spiritual awakening to her clan and that man will be revealed to her through a particular sign.
Marcan mac Art
Marcan is a man burdened by the deeds of his youth and bent to seek absolution through monastic life. As a gifted linguist and scribe his fellow brethren depend upon his labors in Cill Dálau’s scriptorium.
Still, Marcan cannot relinquish the guilt of the past and he fears God holds it over his head while continuously placing stumbling blocks in his path to test him. Mara is one such stumbling block. Though a dear friend, her misguided belief that God sends angelic messengers to speak to her, only causes increasing strife for Marcan and the small community of ascetics with whom he serves.
Áine ingen Art
Áine, like her young friend, Mara, is a shepherdess, albeit from a family in better standing. Still she resents her simple life and even more, her brother, Marcan, who seems to possess their father’s love in greater measure. After all, her father sacrificed much to place Marcan with the brethren of Cill Dálau whilst abandoning her to the flocks.
When fate brings her across the path of a handsome Dal Cais noble, Áine is prepared to forsake all to be with him. But her selfish ambitions turn her callous to her family and Mara’s plight.
Davan mac Duncan
Davan is the youngest son of an esteemed cattle lord and warrior among the Dal Cais clan. Descended from the ruling nobility, Davan believes he is meant to fight alongside his chief, Cennedigh mac Lorcan, and cousin, Mahon. But Davan’s family hinders his ambitions at every turn.
A chance encounter with a beautiful shepherdess sets him on the path of rebellion, yet, he never imagined that a union with her would twist his fate in so unlikely a direction.
The Theme of Man of Sorrows
Anamchara “soul-friend” was a concept steeped deep within ancient Irish culture. What once began with the druids was eventually adopted into Irish Christianity.
Within monastic communities a strong belief existed that new members needed a senior brother to guide and give them spiritual direction. This senior brother became the young monk’s confessor and confidant.
So important was this position that a foster relationship between the youth and the senior usually developed. Saint Brigid is credited with a saying that exemplified that profound bond, “Anyone without a soul-friend is like a body without a head.”
To me, it served the most profound picture of Christ, the Confessor of Our Souls. As the greatest of Soul-Friends, He is the only one worthy for us to approach and confess to. The Man of Sorrows, acquainted with our suffering, who gave His life for us, so that we might gain true repentance and forgiveness. Through Him and Him alone, we receive eternal life.
There you have it! Thank you for taking the time to read about Man of Sorrows. As a reminder, the ebook is now available for preorder on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Preorders for paperback and hardback are coming soon. Man of Sorrows releases September 6, 2022.
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