The Fattest Woman in Ireland

I have written about my dear friend Patricia Mees Armstrong, a gifted poet, writer, teacher and a dear friend. Pat died in November from breast cancer, and I had the privilege of presiding at her funeral. I wanted you to know that her husband, Rich, who has been diagnosed with dementia, is carrying on her legacy.

While Pat was fighting cancer, she continued to write. She had a wonderful charism for writing, and the creative act of writing helped keep her mind off the terrible pain she often was in. In fact, she often refused pain medication because it "made her mind fuzzy," and made it impossible for her to write.

A literary agent in New York came across a short story Pat had written called, "The Fattest Woman in Ireland," and begged her to expand it into a novel.

The Fattest Woman in Ireland tells the story of an Irish family and their relationships, their role in their community and their struggles-through the eyes of Siobhan, the only daughter. It is Siobhan's story: of her obesity and its creation, of her life and dreams. This story has been called "subversive and strangely fascinating," as Siobhan is a multitude of contradictions. She has the exterior of a tough Irish lass with her brother's rough language, but the softness of her beloved grandmother who raises her.

It has been compared to "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," and of course if you are Irish or have some ancestry that is Irish you will find the book very funny on many levels

Meg, the literary agent, was certain she could find a publisher who would put it in print. So, while she fought her cancer, Pat also typed away at her novel. She sent it to Meg, who for the next several years - at no cost - sent it to publisher after publisher. They all loved it. One called Pat, "a fresh new voice in American literature." But they all rejected the book after writing glowing letters to Meg about what a wonderful work of fiction she'd sent them. Some rejected the Fattest Woman because it was written in first person using the brogue and slang of a lower class Irish girl. Others, because Patricia Armstrong was an unknown name, and marketing would be difficult.

So Pat, at the urging of her husband, Rich, made a CD of the book, with her reading it. I have a copy, and it's wonderful! The story is hilarious, heartbreaking, outrageous, and all told in Siobhan's salty language and Pat's Irish-accented voice.

Rich, who is now 80 years old, has been relentless in self-publishing his beloved wife's book. It flows from his devotion to Pat, his enthusiasm for her gift, and a desire to help researchers conquer the scourge that takes wonderfully gifted, loving and beloved women from this earth too soon.

The book has just come out in print by the Bookmasters, Inc. The website to order the book and hear an excerpt and see information about it can be clicked here. I have to mention that I went to the website this morning, and I can't find any buttons to click to hear an excerpt or two. It would have been great to hear Pat's voice this morning. (I sent the webmaster an e-mail...)

Pat has a friend in Eugene, Oregon who will be taking the online orders and shipping them out promptly. You can use PayPal or send in a personal check. It is all explained on the website. The cost is $28 postage paid. ($23 for the book. Rich chose that price because he and Pat were married on the 23rd of April in 1955 - and $5 for shipping and handling).

After the initial printing costs are paid off, 75% of the proceeds of all sales will go to Dr. Kent Hunter, who is researching a genetic way to eradicate breast cancer.

You can also indicate when you order if you want any note cards, up to a dozen or more, to send to others who might not have Internet access to see about the book as well.

If you're looking for a good summer read, filled with insights into Irish culture (Pat and Rich lived in Ireland for a bit, and Pat was fiercely attached to her Irish heritage) pick up a copy of The Fattest Woman in Ireland, and have some good belly laughs with Pat, and help end breast cancer, to boot.