Wilmington woman publishes memoir about growing up one of 20 children during the Great Depression

Marie Kilkinney, 96, said she is the 15th of 20 children and grew up during the Great Depression. Her book draws on her memories growing up in a large family that she said, "was poor in cash but sustained by shared values."

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Marie Kilkinney is 96 years old and a newly published author. Her book, Four in a Tub: A Memoir, chronicles her childhood during the Great Depression as one of 20 siblings — 13 girls and 7 boys. Kilkinney was the 15th child, WECT reports.

Her mother died in childbirth with the 20th child when Kilkinney was five years old.

From writing class to published book

Kilkinney said it was her husband who encouraged her to put the stories on paper.

“My husband said there’s a writing class, in Venice, Florida, why don’t you go to it,” she said.

The book draws on memories of a large Irish Catholic family that, by Kilkinney’s account, was poor in cash but sustained by shared values. One family motto: there is always enough food if you can cut a potato in half.

“I knew it was unusual to have a large family and the story needed to be told,” Kilkinney said.

First shipment sold out

Kilkinney lives at a senior living community in Wilmington. A second shipment of books arrived after the first sold out. Her daughter said the response has been overwhelming.

“It’s a history,” says daughter, Rory Parnell. “I think anybody who’s experienced it — they’re inspired to do that themselves. If that’s what inspires people after coming out from reading this book, that’s wonderful.”

What’s next

When asked about a follow-up, Kilkinney’s daughter did not rule one out.

“Who knows, there may be another book,” her daughter said. “I’ve found more stories.”

Kilkinney said she believes everyone has a story worth telling.

“I think you have to have laughter and tears to appreciate life,” she said.

Four in a Tub is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online. All the proceeds from book sales will go to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.