Since Yardley resident Brian Devitt was a child, he has possessed a passion for writing, finding it a powerful means of self-expression.
Devitt served in the U.S. Navy as an officer and later had a lengthy career in the information technology field. His passion for writing followed him throughout it all.
“I enjoy creating stories in which characters are challenged to make the right decisions in difficult situations. Writing would often be a release for me. My time in the Navy and in the civilian world could be stressful at times, and writing would provide a mindful escape from that,” said Devitt.
So, when his debut novel, “The Heart Has Its Reasons,” was selected for publication by Holland Press in the United Kingdom, he was overjoyed.
“I know many writers who have strived for a long time to achieve that milestone. I consider myself very fortunate to have been selected,” he said.
The historical fiction centers on Annie Munro, a Scottish nurse from Aberdeen who joins the International Brigade of volunteers to help soldiers on the front lines during the Spanish Civil War.
While there, Munro and her fellow nurses navigate the trials of war, forming friendships and holding onto hope in the midst of chaos.
But when Munro encounters her wounded childhood sweetheart, everything changes.
Devitt’s work draws inspiration from the real-life story of Scottish nurse Annie Murray and her experiences during the Spanish Civil War.
He first became interested in the war upon reading Ernest Hemingway’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls.”
Intrigued, he began to conduct research on how the war began, the major events that took place during it, and who was involved.
“I was very impressed with how volunteers from around the world joined the International Brigades and supported the Spanish government’s fight against General Franco and his fascist rebellion,” Devitt said.
Murray was one of the heroes who caught Devitt’s attention, as she was born in the same city as his mother, and her experience inspired him to write his novel.
The process of bringing the story to life took almost five years, beginning with the research into Murray’s life and her involvement in the war.
Devitt found copies of her letters and interviews that she conducted later in life to develop Munro’s character. He also searched for literary works that referenced her accomplishments.
A great deal of time also went into researching the conflict itself, ensuring it accurately recounted the major events and the politics of the Republic forces.
He read many books that provided firsthand accounts from men and women involved in the International Brigade, including stories like George Orwell’s “Homage to Catalonia.”
He was even able to use his own experiences from his time in the service, taking inspiration from the men on his ship for some of the soldiers in his story.
Devitt is already planning for his next novel, with several ideas currently in mind for the future.
“The Heart Has Its Reasons” was released on Nov. 20 and is available for purchase on Amazon.
