Louth author Florence Gillan on family, festivities, and books
Florence Gillan, a name that has swiftly become synonymous with psychological thrillers, has just released her third book, Tangled Web, establishing herself as a leading voice in the genre.This latest release, like her previous works, delves into the dark, tangled web of human emotions, trauma, and manipulation, all while keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Having taught in a number of Louth schools over the years, Florence is now retired and lives outside Newry. She spends much of her time in her native Sligo in the foothills of Benbulbin.
In the run up to Christmas the Democrat asked her how she spends her Christmas.
What does a typical Christmas look like in your house?A typical Christmas in my home is noisy. Six people and two dogs create a chaotic environment. We are lucky to have the family all together this Christmas. My mother always had a high tea on Christmas Eve: salad, sandwiches, and cakes. I continue this tradition, and afterwards, we open our Christmas presents. In the last few years, we have done Secret Santa and have a set budget. It’s amazing how much effort is put into keeping who you’re buying for a secret and trying to figure out what they would like. Then we listen to Christmas music and play silly games. On Christmas Day, my husband, Eugene, and I cook the Christmas dinner, and my adult children usually produce the goods on St. Stephen’s Day.
Tell me about your favourite Christmas as a child.It’s difficult to single out one particular Christmas; they have all merged over time. But I have lovely memories of my six siblings and parents all sitting around the overloaded Christmas table, everyone laughing and stuffing themselves. This is particularly poignant as both my parents and two of my siblings have now passed away. So, I treasure the memories of us all squeezed around the table, and sometimes, I can almost hear the laughter. Christmas is a happy time for me, but it’s also a reminder of who is missing.What’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever received? My birthday is St Stephens’s Day, and although it wasn’t strictly a Christmas present, my children commissioned a painting by Petra Berenson of my family home in Sligo. The house no longer exists, so I treasure the painting. I must confess I bawled like a baby when they gave it to me.
What’s the worst Christmas present you’ve ever received? This question has me stumped. I have always liked my Christmas gifts. But as a child, I was a big fan of cowboy games and always requested a gun and holster from Santy, but Santy never obliged.
What’s your standard Christmas menu? We are very traditional in our house. We have turkey, ham, Brussels sprouts, and a secret family recipe for a unique potato dish. Then, we have a sherry or sambuca trifle, followed by a bought Christmas pudding. I no longer make one because I’m the only one who eats it. But I do miss the ritual of making it and having everyone in the house stir it and make a wish.
Do you help cook the dinner? Absolutely. I’m happy to cook with my husband, so long as I don’t have to wash up afterwards. My four children eventually get it done. Then we all veg out and watch Christmas movies and doze.
Brussels sprouts, yes or no?We always have sprouts, but we like experimenting by trying new recipes to cook them. They tend to be the least popular dish, but we must have them—it’s tradition.
What traditions are unique to your family?We open gifts on Christmas Eve, but I’m sure many families do that. For years, we would go to the pub on Christmas Eve and then on to Christmas Eve Mass. But one year, someone got a fit of giggles that spread to the entire family. I still remember the walk of shame as we had to exit the church.
Have you started any new ones in the last few years? A new tradition I’m trying to start is swimming on Christmas morning, but oddly, my children are reluctant to participate.
When do you put up your tree? When I was working, the tree only appeared on the 22nd of December. Since I’ve retired, it goes up a little earlier, but to be honest, I don’t like the tree up too early. It feels more special when it’s closer to Christmas.
Are you the type of person who tears all the Christmas decor down on January 1? How long should it be kept up? January 1st is too early to take them down, but I’m not a slavish follower of the tradition that insists decorations must be up until after January 6th. Decorations hanging around too long seem sad and hard for people to face once they return to work. Come on, the party is over, folks.
What’s the ultimate Christmas song? I love Silent Night and Adeste Fideles; all the traditional Christmas carols give me happy chills.
Have any Christmases devolved into funny disasters? Tell me about them. There have been so many, but one stands out. Our next-door neighbours had us over for a Christmas drink. I prepped the turkey, all ready to put in the oven once we returned. Unfortunately, we forgot about our cats. When we returned, they had consumed half of the turkey breast. We did our best to repair the damage, and when our guests arrived, we never told them what had happened in case they were reluctant to eat it. They still don’t know.
Which of Santa’s reindeer represents you most as a person? That is a tricky question. But if I had to choose, I’d say Dancer. Not because I’m a great dancer but because I think I am. I have two left feet, but I love dancing. At Christmas, I dance around the kitchen to all the Christmas songs while my family smirks at my inelegant moves. But I don’t care; I’m having fun.
What is your favourite cosy Christmas read, and why?I love rereading old Agatha Christie novels. I know how they all end, but I enjoy the comfort of reading them and admire their clever, inventive plots.
What is your favourite Christmas scene from a book?I love the Christmas breakfast scene in Little Women. The family donates their meal to a poor family, and a kindly neighbour gives them a feast because of their generosity. Perhaps it’s a little sentimental, but then, at Christmas, we’re allowed to be sentimental.
Is Dickens’ A Christmas Carol overrated?It’s a masterpiece. But there have been so many movie adaptations that perhaps over-familiarity has spoiled it for readers. I reread it a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it.
What books will you be giving as gifts this Christmas and why?There are so many books I would love to gift. Luckily, my family are big readers. On my list would be: l Trespasses by Lousie Kennedy.l The God of Small Things by Arundhati Royl Small things like These by Claire Keeganl Something Fresh by PG Wodehousel Memoir by John McGahernThis is only my starting point. I could keep on listing. There are so many books and so little time.
