A well known Laois writer has revealed exciting news on his upcoming second novel.

Ballyfin author Dr Arthur Broomfield will soon release his second novel, 'The Ireland of Snakes and Bollards'.

Dr Broomfield is known across Laois for his inventive storytelling, having been a strong figure in the local literary scene since 1984. This is Dr Broomfield's eleventh work to be published, having one novel and several collections of poetry and short stories published over the last two decades.

Set to be published in May, Dr Broomfield's new novel promises to be a bold, irreverent and darkly comic satire. The novel follows a bizarre and eccentric philosopher, whose quest to discover 'the true origin of light' leads him across the country, drawing a national following.

Pictured: Dr Arthur Broomfield speaks at the Leaves Literary Festival

In this campaign, the philosopher encounters civil servants, broadcasters, farmers, clerics and opportunists of every stripe.

Speaking with the Leinster Express / Laois Live, Dr Broomfield reflected on the story's themes, his writing process, and his own beliefs that influenced the philosophers encounters and story arc.

"I was inspired to begin writing the novel after a masterclass with Mike McCormack during the Leaves Festival of Writing and Music," Dr Broomfield explained.

"I have released books of poetry, but my last novel published was in 1993. I had been reading a lot about the author Thomas Pynchon, and was greatly inspired by his story too," he explained.

"I sat down and began writing my story, I spent from three hours to five hours a day writing. I finished the novel recently, and I really enjoyed writing it."

Dr Broomfield highlighted that writing for so many hours does not require much discipline, if it is something you truly enjoy.

"My imagination was working on overdrive all the way through it, it was great fun. I would find it more challenging writing poetry, you can struggle with wording. With this novel, the ideas just kept coming and I kept shaping them," he said.

'The Ireland of Snakes and Bollards' is set across a wide variety of locations, from boglands and rural communities, to backrooms and government offices. Characters of all walks of life and deeply contrasting personalities come to life. 

Pictured: Dr Arthur Broomfield

When asked about his skill in reflecting the different facets of society, Dr Broomfield shared that it came easy to him from his own experiences.

"The philosopher is the driving force- I am into philosophy and have read a lot on it. Growing up in a rural area, the scenes and dialogue come naturally to me.

"I have also had experience with various government departments over the yeas, and I have been involved in political organisations for most of my life, so I have an understanding of personalities and how they operate. The novel is surreal, but I drew on these experiences," he said.

"I suppose my own dislike of institutions is also reflected in the book. I don't like them, I think there is something static about them. They are always behind the times, time moves on from them. They are catching up on things they should have done last week."

The novel looks at the state, the church and media institutions through a satirical lens, from the mad philosopher whose philosophy is revised based on these varying encounters.

Written in a vibrant, idiomatic style rooted in Irish speech rhythms, the novel bristles with inventive language, biting humour, and a fearless commitment to the absurd.

Dr Broomfield’s prose shifts effortlessly from philosophical parody to farce, from lyrical observation to grotesque comedy, creating a work that is both intellectually playful and deeply entertaining.

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"I was into the surreal and André Breton's work, and had a surreal short story called 'a case of two handbags' in my last book," Dr Broomfield said.

Influences of André Breton's surrealism, along with the stories and life of Thomas Pynchon, influenced Dr Broomfield to write this chaotic and inventive book.

This May, keep an eye out for 'The Ireland of Snakes and Bollards' by Arthur Broomfield from Revival Press.