Marty & Irene

by Justin Wiggins

"This is a joyful novella touching on music, writing and love in all forms. The author makes a clear point of how to use these along with good communication as a form of healing and living.
I especially love this writers comprehensive understanding and appreciation of Irish poets and writers. Mr Wiggins has developed his own philosophy on living which may help people find solace and love and overcome trauma."
Ger White – Ireland Poet (Newspapers on the Floor)
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"Justin Wiggins is a storyteller at heart, and in Marty and Irene, he gives us a story from his heart about love and loss, the redemptive power of love, and the soul-healing capacity of art. Through their letters and journals, we get to know the characters by glimpse and glance, until they breathe in our minds, real and alive, with all the pain and exultation of being and becoming human."
Henry Mitchell Author of The Summer Boy & The Winged Child

53 pages, Paperback

Published November 19, 2021

About the author

Justin Wiggins is an author who works and lives in the primitive, majestic, beautiful mountains of North Carolina. He graduated with his Bachelor's in English Literature, with a focus on C.S. Lewis studies, from Montreat College in May 2018. His first book was Surprised by Agape, published by Grant Hudson of Clarendon House Publications. His second book, Surprised By Myth, was co-written with Grant Hudson and published in 2021. His most recent books, Marty & Irene, Tír na nÓg, Celtic Twilight, Celtic Song, Ragnarok, Celtic Dawn, Sacred Space, co-written with Matthew Huff, and Avalon, were all published by Steve Cawte of Impspired. Artists, Myth & Hope was also published by Clarendon House Publications in 2024.

Wiggins has also had poems and other short pieces published by Clarendon House Publications, Sehnsucht: The C.S. Lewis Journal, and Sweetycat Press. Justin has a great zeal for life, work, community, writing, literature, art, pubs, bookstores, coffee shops, and for England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Reviews

[Justin Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

"On the back cover of this book is an image of The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my life, and is in County Clare, where one of my favorite Irish poets, John O'Donohue, was from and spent a lot of time. This place is immensely important to the story, as you will find out why, reader.
Before I ever visited Ireland, I had the idea that maybe I could set part of the story there, and once I did go on an epic adventure to Ireland, that idea solidified as I marvelled at the mystical sight, imagined Marty and Irene there, and I was filled with that transcendent Sehnsucht yearning and longing John O'Donohue and C.S.Lewis wrote so poignantly about. That day spent at the Cliffs of Moher will be one that I always remember. "
-Justin Wiggins

[Dan Macdonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Justin has written a short book (more a chapbook size story than a novel) about the budding romance and relationship between two young and creative people. If you are familiar with his other works, his style is immediately recognizable, and he draws upon his own feelings and experiences to flesh out his characters. In an unusual style, the narrative is letters and journal entries of the two leads, as they meet and decide if they have a future together or apart or at all. It is an interesting read and worth your time. I look forward to seeing what Justin has in store for his readers as he grows and develops as a writer. I think you will as well.

[Coleman Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent addition to Justin Wiggins’ work and after reading his previous books I can really see his personality behind the characters. This is a beautiful story of love, life and the realities we face (and also coffee!). I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a nice book to read while enjoying a cup of coffee or a pint!

[Brian Leverett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always look forward to the next literary offering by Justin Wiggins. This book is no exception. Each journal entry or letter kept me turning the page for the next one to see where the story was going. This short novella kept my attention and encouraged me to also be more creative in all my endeavors, big or small. I recommend that you read this one, too.

[Rachel Silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book very much shows the character and passions of the artist throughout. It was sweet to see a nice love story between these two characters he created. The biggest criticism I have is I wish there was a little more depth to the characters towards the end and their relationship. However, if you want a quick read it would be worth it! Great for a first work of fiction by this artist.

[Henry Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Justin Wiggins has managed a book at once heart-breaking and heart-warming. A love story, a tale of loss and recovery, romance and redemption. I was fortunate to read the manuscript before publication, and read Marty and Irene again after it's release. It holds up. I'll be re-reading it once more, I'm sure.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming love story, but there’s so much more to it than that. Through his characters, Justin shares thoughts on love and friendship, overcoming depression, and living life for all it’s worth. As Marty says in one of his journal entries, „[p]eople can‘t save you, but they can love you, and show you what you are capable of, how valuable you are, and what a gift life is.“. Amen to that!