Catalpa

'An extraordinary story, vividly told with great pace and insight' DAVID MCCULLAGH

'A compelling narrative for this incredible tale of fortitude and bravery' RONAN MCGREEVY

Catalpa recounts one of the most daring and improbable rescue missions in Irish history, the dramatic escape of six Fenian prisoners from Fremantle Prison in Australia – on the farthest edge of the British Empire – and their journey onwards to America on a whaling ship.

Set against the wider struggle for Irish independence, this gripping narrative blends high-stakes adventure with meticulous planning, brimming with tension, courage and ingenuity throughout. Driven by the unwavering determination of John Devoy, one of the most formidable figures of the Fenian movement, and brought to life by a cast of bold, often heroic characters, the mission unfolds across vast oceans and against near-impossible odds.

Richly researched and vividly told, this is more than a story of escape. It is an epic tale of rebellion, exile and endurance, and how a handful of determined men defied an empire and achieved the unthinkable.