Fishing in Beirut is a contemporary novel in eight parts, set mainly in Paris. It was written between 2002 and 2006. It follows the lives of five characters in the city over a 3 year period, with some parts also taking place in Berlin, Chicago, and Sevilla. It is written in a series of short scenes, with each character getting one scene before we move on to another.
The book probably works best if you read it in sequence, but feel free to pick and choose extracts as you go, or even just to follow the story of the character(s) you like.
You can see each part individually by clicking the relevant part name on the right side of the page. If you would like to see all the scenes of a particular character, just click on the character name on the right. The story begins with a poem by Federico Garcia Lorca.
July 2010: Fishing in Beirut will be published in Ireland by Blue Press in August 2010. It will be available in paperback on all online retailers, incl. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Play.com etc. I’ll be posting links shortly. You can also order it in any bookshop anywhere in the world. The ISBN number is 978-0-9565960-0-0.
It was all of you reading it who made this possible.
Thanks very much everyone, hope you’ll enjoy it in paperback. Follow me on twitter to see a preview of the cover.
Steven Callaghan
Contact: fishinginbeirut@gmail.com
The writing style is very beautiful and lovely to read. Its definitely not glamorous escapism but Im looking forward to reading the story as it unfolds.
Comment by Poppy — January 17, 2010 @ 11:09
This is a great read. I am delighted to find new fiction from a new Irish author.
Comment by Sarah Vivien Conroy — January 17, 2010 @ 11:48
Great idea. Well done. Looking forward to reading more & seeing it develop .
Comment by Brian Kennan — January 17, 2010 @ 16:28
Having read and enjoyed most of the author’s previous work, I am really looking forward to this latest offering.
Comment by Paddy — January 17, 2010 @ 19:42
Poor Frank my heart goes out to him want to follow his story and hope he gets on ok. I could identify with how he’s feelin.
Comment by Lara May — January 18, 2010 @ 21:22
I’m delighted to find some new Irish writing. Keep it up.
Comment by James — January 26, 2010 @ 17:28
This is a really original way to publish a novel and I’m it’s a great story, well done!
Comment by Grace — January 28, 2010 @ 20:58
Ive benn following the story on line and Aria is my favourite part so far. It has a great atmosphere and good character outlines. I feel I know the girls and what they do and think. also its a good contrast to the other scenes so far. I wonder if I follow arias story line will it make sense on its own like as a short story type of thing? I also have to say I like the simple way i can get to read a part with the contents at the side Cool!
Comment by Lara May — February 1, 2010 @ 18:37
This is great writing. I only discovered it a couple of days ago, but I’m checking back every day now. Thanks
Comment by Henry — February 2, 2010 @ 18:37
Im really enjoying Fishing in Beirut told in parts. The story is intriguing and I’ve been checking for updates for the past couple of days in anticipation! Its a very good story and I think the website is very well laid out and contents part is very user friendly. I’m about to check out the Sarah link now. Well done I hope people will spread the word on this site and story. Poppy
Comment by Poppy — February 5, 2010 @ 19:22
Part 4 Claire and Karen together talking things through, with tension building as a backdrop, is very well written and structured. It builds good atmosphere, tense and touching and very empathetic. These two characters work well together. I’m looking forward to reading more of their story. Steven Well done
Comment by Poppy — February 22, 2010 @ 20:06
I’m really enjoying this story and reading it in parts, please let me know if it will be available in a hard copy I’d love to get one sometime? Orla
Comment by Orla — March 2, 2010 @ 10:37
Id love to buy a copy too. Let me know if it gets published. Its a very good story and all the characters are well created.
Comment by Lara May — March 2, 2010 @ 19:02
Really excellent story. I saw it reviewed on Sarah’s books and came along to check it out. I think Aria is my favourite.
Comment by Sol — March 16, 2010 @ 17:17
Excellent story, I’m delighted I found it
Comment by Joanna — March 26, 2010 @ 15:28
I’m logging in every lunchtime at my desk in work and loving following the story, will def have to buy a print copy when it ends!
Comment by Orla — March 27, 2010 @ 13:51
Any sign of a print copy? I’d love to read it all together.
Comment by Henry — March 31, 2010 @ 14:23
Great read. Love the story so far. Need to catch with the rest.
Comment by Bren — April 1, 2010 @ 16:00
This book is fantastic. really! I’ve only started to read it today but will be logging on to read a little each day. I’d love to buy it in print as it would be even more enjoyable and easier to read Best wishes from isobel
Comment by isobel — April 6, 2010 @ 17:49
Way to go steve Great to see your book up and running at last.
Comment by Conor — April 7, 2010 @ 16:13
Im really enjoying the book, let me know when you are publishing it.Best wishes Helen.
Comment by helen — May 21, 2010 @ 20:29
Great story, I read Karen’s story seperately using the link on the page. Now I’m going to go back and read the whole thing.
Comment by Frances — May 25, 2010 @ 17:45
Really cool idea. Would love to see it published too
Comment by Neil — May 28, 2010 @ 09:03
I’m really sorry this is coming to and end but have loved reading it online and am looking foreward to getting a print copy
Comment by saravivien — May 28, 2010 @ 15:06
The book cover design looks very good. Unusual and interest – catching.
Just checked it out on twitter.
Comment by Martina — July 15, 2010 @ 18:50
I’m so delighted to hear this is coming out in paperback. I can’t wait to get a copy. Well done!
Comment by Sol — July 16, 2010 @ 14:19
Stephen this is seriously good writing. Must have had at least one good teacher in primary school! Really enjoying your writing. Keep it up. Great to see the marriage of passion and talent. Far too often one of these ingredients is missing. looking forward some day soon to getting hard copy in all good bookstores! Best wishes
John
Comment by john gearty — July 20, 2010 @ 23:39
Great read so far. Will there be an American translation?
Thanks,
Joe
Comment by Joe in Chicago — July 27, 2010 @ 14:04