Local woman tells of African romance in new book

WHEN local woman Denise O’Connor travelled to Ghana in 2007 as a volunteer teacher, she returned home to Ireland with a husband.

The Howth native, now living in Donaghmede, has just published her new memoir in which readers get an insight into her travels in Africa and how she overcame cultural barriers on the way to a life-changing romance.

‘Race to Acceptance’ explores the culture of Ghana, opens a window to see how people there really live and shines a light on the education system in Africa.

Denise also takes the reader on a journey of love and struggle, exposing the challenges of being in an intercultural relationship. It is a compelling story of what it is like to move between two different worlds.

“I started the book as a diary when I first went to volunteer in Ghana as a teacher with Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO),

? Denise told Northside People.

“While there I met a Ghanaian man, Fred (real name, Kwabena), who eventually turned out to be my husband.

?

Denise, Fred and their two-year-old daughter, Anabelle, are now living in Donaghmede three years after they got married in a traditional African wedding.

“It was not easy to get from that point to where we are now,

? concedes Denise.

“My family are very traditional and it was all a bit much for everyone. I wanted to share this honest account with other people out there so they know how we can move away from all these negative thoughts we have about ‘other’ people.

“Many people asked me about how my husband adapted to Irish life so I try to explain this in the book.

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‘Race to Acceptance’ also includes funny anecdotes which Denise feels will help people understand how difficult and amusing it can be to be married to someone who is a different colour, race and religion.

When Denise first travelled to Ghana she met Fred after just three weeks. She travelled over and back a couple of times before Fred popped the question in 2008.

“We got married in May 2010 in Ghana, and my parents and siblings travelled over for the ceremony,

? she says.

As Denise had commitments in Ireland, she had to return home after the wedding without Fred on her arm.

“I had to leave him behind and that was very hard,

? she states.

“However, luckily his visa came through in September 2010 and he was able to come over to Ireland. I was delighted. He got it much quicker than I thought he would.

“It was always on the cards that we would both come back here and settle down.

?

Unfortunately for Fred, his arrival in Ireland coincided with the really bad winter. However, he got a job in Lidl – where he still works – and soon settled into his new surroundings.

Denise, who is now teaching Cultural Studies at Colaiste Dhulaigh, Coolock, says she wrote the book to show readers that it is acceptable for people to feel and talk about their cultural differences and the difficulties that arise.

“As we see massive changes in immigration and emigration, where different cultures are living side by side and without major issues, this book tries to bridge a gap between these differences, and explores ways to be at peace,

? she states.

“I want to let people know what it’s like to be in an intercultural relationship, marrying an African man and all that goes with it. Love is love and it can break down barriers.

“I hope the book gives people a better understanding of an intercultural relationship, and that if we talk about it, we might understand it better.

?

Denise is hoping that not only will the book help to educate people, but that it will lead to her giving talks and workshops on the subject of anti-racism, and perhaps writing articles on the topic for newspapers.

Asked if she had encountered racism since she brought Fred to Ireland, Denise said:

“There has been a bit of racism but it’s not as bad as I thought it would be.

“You do get strange looks when you walk down the street as a couple but it’s more so me because people are probably wondering why did I marry a black man.

?

?¢ ‘Race to Acceptance’ is available on Amazon in both Kindle form and hard copy. Also, if you would like to purchase a copy direct from Denise, email [email protected]