Picture a Derry-born storyteller who turned the raw, turbulent history of Northern Ireland into gripping historical fiction—meet Jane Buckley! With no prior writing experience, this self-published author took a bold leap, cashing in her pension to share the untold stories of the Troubles through her acclaimed Stones Corner series. Her vivid narratives pull readers into the heart of Derry/Londonderry, blending heartbreak, humor, and hope.
Buckley’s journey is one of grit and passion. After facing countless rejections from agents wary of the Troubles’ sensitive subject matter, she forged her own path, proving that a determined voice can break through even the toughest barriers. Her books don’t just entertain—they educate, offering a window into a complex era.
The Making of Jane Buckley
Born in Derry/Londonderry in the mid-1960s, Jane Buckley grew up in the Bogside, a neighborhood scarred by the Troubles’ violence, including the infamous Bloody Sunday massacre. As a teenager, she escaped the chaos by diving into books, finding solace in classics like Jane Austen. At 17, she left for London, working in finance for American Express and the Bank of Ireland. After 25 years abroad, including a stint in Nice, France, she returned to Ireland in 2017 with her husband, John. The lockdown of 2020 became her creative catalyst, transforming her from a reader to a writer with a mission to illuminate the Troubles’ human toll.
Jane Buckley’s Unforgettable Stories
Buckley’s Stones Corner series—comprising Turmoil (2021), Darkness (2021), Light (2022), and Hope (2023)—is a four-volume saga set in Derry/Londonderry from 1972 to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Turmoil, her debut, follows Caitlin McLaughlin, a Catholic factory girl, and Robert Sallis, a British soldier, as they navigate love and survival amid sectarian strife. The series weaves real events with fictional lives, capturing the era’s discrimination, bravery, and dark humor. Darkness dives deeper into the 1970s’ bleakest years, while Light explores the 1980s’ shifting political tides. Hope concludes with the peace process, offering a poignant reflection on reconciliation.
Her style is raw yet unbiased, blending thriller-like pacing with emotional depth. Buckley’s meticulous research ensures historical accuracy, while her dialogue-heavy narratives bring characters to life. Readers praise her ability to humanize both sides of the conflict, from Catholic factory workers to Protestant businessmen, making her work a bridge across divides.
Why Jane Buckley Matters
Jane Buckley’s impact lies in her fearless storytelling and educational mission. Her self-published series has won accolades, including a 5-star Indie Reader Award for Turmoil, and resonated with readers worldwide, from those who lived through the Troubles to younger generations seeking understanding. By spotlighting Derry’s resilience and the Good Friday Agreement’s fragile hope, Buckley fosters healing and dialogue. Her work reminds us that even in the darkest times, stories of love and courage endure.
- Born: Mid-1960s, Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland
- Key Works: Stones Corner series (Turmoil, Darkness, Light, Hope)
- Awards: Indie Reader Award for Turmoil (2021)
- Fun Fact: She cashed in her pension to self-publish 2,000 copies of her debut novel!
About Jane Buckley
Ready to step into Derry’s turbulent past? Snag Stones Corner: Turmoil and dive into Jane Buckley’s gripping, heartfelt historical fiction!