Savoy Editions Announces Major New Historical Novel by Cathy Conlon

Savoy Editions, the fiction imprint of the Limerick Writers’ Centre, is proud to announce the publication of Swift, Vanessa & The Sluttery, a richly imagined new historical novel by Cathy Conlon.

Set in 18th‑century London, Dublin and Kildare, the novel follows the intriguing story of Ester Van Homrigh, a young woman seeking fortune, favour, and a place in the glittering yet grimy world of Georgian society. Her path soon crosses with the brilliant and irascible Jonathan Swift – clergyman, satirist, and rising political force, whose dazzling wit unsettles and captivates her in equal measure.

Told with elegance and emotional precision, Swift, Vanessa & The Sluttery offers a vivid portrait of a young woman coming of age in a time of upheaval. It is a story of longing, learning, and the dangerous thrill of falling under the spell of genius.

Book Launch Event

The official launch will take place on Sunday, 10th May 3.00pm at Bagnalstown Castle Hotel, Straffan, Co. Kildare. The novel will be launched by poet Ger Duffy.

All are welcome to attend.

About Cathy Conlon

Cathy Conlon is an Irish writer based in Celbridge, Co. Kildare, working across poetry, short fiction, and radio drama. Joint winner of the PENfro First Chapter Competition (2016) and shortlisted for the RTÉ P.J. O’Connor Awards, her debut poetry collection, The Light Dancing, was published by Revival Press in 2025.

About Savoy Editions and the Limerick Writers’ Centre

Savoy Editions is the fiction imprint of the Limerick Writers’ Centre, an organisation dedicated to supporting writers, fostering literary culture, and publishing new voices from Limerick and beyond.