Galway, Ireland. December 5th 2025 – Good Reach Publishing proudly announces the release of
Bird of Paradox and Other Tales by John Devlin, an evocative and richly observed collection of creative fiction shaped by a life lived across international borders.
From the crowded streets of London to the layered cultures of China, the vibrant chaos of Vietnam, and the reflective stillness of Ireland, Devlin’s stories trace a lifetime of movement, encounters, and moments that linger long after the pages are turned.
Bird of Paradox and Other Tales offers readers a vivid mosaic of scenes inspired by Devlin’s extensive travels and experience. Each story stands firmly on its own, yet together they form a narrative passport through work, chance, friendship, and unexpected twists that shape a wandering life.
Rather than presenting travel writing through a polished lens, Devlin captures the unvarnished truth of everyday people and fleeting episodes that reveal deeper human connections.
Written with the precision of a field reporter and the quiet introspection of a seasoned observer, the collection transports readers into marketplaces, metro stations, schoolrooms, and neighborhood alleyways, particularly during the turbulent early months of 2020. From the lively pulse of Saigon’s Cholon Bus Station to the subtle rhythms of Chinese apartment communities and from the familiar corners of London to the contemplative atmosphere of Galway, Devlin paints scenes that feel intimate, lived-in, and emotionally resonant.
As a long-time teacher and traveller, Devlin brings a grounded, humane voice to stories that balance the comic and tragic, ordinary and extraordinary. His cast of characters—café owners, bus conductors, students, laborers, and passers-by—feels like neighbors rather than narrative devices.
The result is storytelling rooted in authenticity, free of ego, and committed to capturing life as it is genuinely experienced.
Presented with a striking cover by designer Cathy Bonner, this book preserves the fleeting conversations, impressions, and crossroads moments that might otherwise fade with time. It is an ideal read for anyone who appreciates fiction that is immersive, compassionate, and rich in its sense of place.
About the Author
John Devlin grew up in a farming community in County Tyrone and later settled in County Galway. His career has spanned construction project management, sports writing and editing, and English-language teaching in France, Italy, China, and Vietnam. He holds a degree from the Open University, follows rugby and Gaelic football closely, enjoys traditional Irish music, and remains deeply connected to his family across Tyrone, Dublin, Galway, and beyond.
ENDS
