This Saturday’s issue of The Irish Times features insights from Kevin Barry about his exciting new novel, A Heart in Winter. In an engaging piece, Jane Coyle converses with the team responsible for the sprawling cultural effort known as the Ulysses European Odyssey, an initiative spawning diverse artistic interpretations of themes in Joyce’s novel across 18 European cities. Author Jan Carson recounts her travelling escapades as a writer, while popular Irish historical fiction writer, Ben Kane, fields a Q&A about his newest book, Stormcrow.
In the review section, Roe McDermott critiques Harpy: A Manifesto for Childfree Women by Caroline Magennis and Others Like Me: The Lives of Women Without Children by Nicole Louie. James Hanrahan presents his views on Paul Strathern’s Dark Brilliance: The Age of Reason from Descartes to Peter the Great. Vona Groarke sheds light on the latest poetry offerings, whereas Ronan McGreevy comments on The Eastern Front by Nick Lloyd. Lucy Sweeney Byrne deliberates All Things Are Too Small: Essays in Praise of Excess by Becca Rothfeld. Conor O’Clery reviews The Stalin Affair: The Impossible Alliance That Won The War by Giles Milton, while Liam Carson mulls Sweeney: an intertonguing by Rody Gorman. John Boyne discusses The In-Between by Christos Tsiolkas. Oliver Farry gives his take on The End of Everything: How Wars Descend into Annihilation by Victor Davis Hanson, and Val Nolan focuses on Mouthing by Orla Mackey.
In other worthy news, President Michael D Higgins was honoured last night at the Listowel Writers’ Week 2024 with the John B Keane Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was handed to him personally by the late playwright’s son, Conor, to acknowledge the President’s lifetime contributions to Ireland’s arts scene.
Martin Dyar, the festival’s curator, praised the President’s significant literary and political accomplishments, stating, “President Higgins’ achievements in both fields are plentiful and remarkably connected. We are delighted to highlight this profusion, particularly how President Higgins has admirably bridged the spheres of poetry, politics, and the presidency.”
It’s a pleasure to honour Ireland’s President for his steadfast and influential advocacy for the arts. His consistent portrayal of genuine human circumstances and dignity is commendable. Moreover, his image of promoting imaginative solutions for pressing environmental challenges, like climate change and biodiversity loss, is inspiring. The year’s festival agenda is marked by environmental conservation concepts. Our President’s representation of literature and culture bears testimony to their significance in challenging times, which is advantageous for all.
Darragh McKeon was awarded the Kerry Group Novel of the Year 2024, carrying a prize of €20,000, for “Remembrance Sunday”. Furthermore, Paula Meehan was named the recipient of the Piggot Poetry Prize 2024, worth €12,000, for her work “The Solace of Artemis”.
Now, in its 53rd iteration, the festival will proceed till the 2nd of June.
Two Irish authors, Megan Nolan and Una Mannion, are in the running for the 2024 Encore Award by the Royal Society of Literature for best second publication. Among the previous laureates, we find names such as Sally Rooney, Colm Tóibín, Eimear McBride, and Caoilinn Hughes.
The judges panel this year comprises Fergal Keane, Malika Booker, and Maura Dooley. They have chosen the following five works for the shortlist: A Spell of Good Things by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, The Glutton by AK Blakemore, Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad, Tell Me What I Am by Una Mannion, and Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan.
They commented on “Tell Me What I Am”, revealing a subtle mystery surrounding a missing mother and the web of deceits enveloping her absence. The narrative shifts in time and perspectives providing a poignant depiction of the complexities of domestic abuse, manipulation, and sorrow. The clever pacing of the novel renders it a captivating psychological thriller, elucidating the intergenerational damage. This composition explores distressing brutalities with delicacy and intricacies, indirectly, employing characters and scenery. The judges described it as well-balanced, layered, melodious, and confident – an exceptional second novel.
Born in Philadelphia and currently residing in Sligo, Mannion made her inaugural appearance with A Crooked Tree. In her own words, she expressed that the second book can be a challenging and solitary journey for many authors, following the initial enthusiasm and uproar of the first. She expressed sincere gratitude and joy for being shortlisted for the Encore, viewing it as constructive affirmation and a motivation to persist.
Nolan, originating from Waterford and presently living in New York, marked her first entry with Acts of Desperation. Upon describing her nomination for the Encore Award, she said that it’s always a delightful surprise to have one’s work recognized. She expressed that the focus often primarily goes towards newcomers in the creative industry, which can feel discouraging for those envisaging a long journey post their debut. However, she regarded this award as uniquely boosting their morale in an often uncertain phase of a writer’s career and expressed immense honour at being nominated.
The judges noted that Ordinary Human Failings, set in the 1990s, revolves around a recently relocated Irish family in London seeking a new beginning. Their world is drastically impacted by the death of a girl in their residential area, with the blame falling on their own child. Nolan masterfully narrates the complexity of family life leading up to this incident, encompassing false starts, disappointments, acceptance, and subdued despair. The exceptional characterisation was praised for being accurate, gentle, and modest. The novel was remarked upon for being insightful, compassionate, clever and accurately representing the mood of the era.
Echoes, the sole Irish literary festival with Maeve Binchy at its core, has just started ticket sales. Maeve Binchy was globally renowned for her understanding, wit, and empathy. Echoes 2024 promises to bring together distinguished contemporary voices to share their narratives in a celebration of local and international writing. This festival has been taking place at Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre since 2017 and will be held from October 4th to 6th.
Maeve Binchy’s stage double bill: Minding Frankie, and Chancery Lane are set to take the stage on Friday, 4th. Shay Linehan created the adaptation of the former while Margaret Dunne took the reins on the latter. The commentary for the performances is given by the seasoned theatrical director, Conall Morrison. The list of guests, including Cecelia Ahern, Jamie O’Connell, Zoe Miller, and others, will be gracing the event on Saturday, 5th. The Marvellously Maeve Guided Walk and a presentation of her rib-tickling Aches & Pains, put together by Shay Linehan, are scheduled for the 6th. To book or check the programme, please visit echoes.ie.
The forthcoming Cairde Sligo Arts Festival (July 6th to 13th) anticipates prominent Palestinian writer, Adania Shibli, to talk about her novels and profession with Louise Kennedy. Shibli has received the Qattan Young Writer’s Award-Palestine twice for her books Masaas (Touch) and Kulluna Ba’id bethat al Miqdar aan el-Hub (We Are All Equally Far from Love). The Hay Festival acknowledged her as a potential Arab writer under the age of 40, and her third work, Minor Detail, was brought out by Fitzcarraldo in 2020.
Sínead Gleeson will share her thoughts on her inaugural novel, Hagstone, with Una Mannion. Gleeson’s debut in fiction adeptly explores themes of faith, nature’s mysteries, and mankind’s darker aspects.
“Little Island Books has confirmed a significant enlargement of its internal squad, with Órla Carr and Sinéad O’Callaghan stepping into editor roles this summer. The new additions will double the publishing house’s staff while enhancing its ability to cater to young readers.
Carr, a fervent advocate for children’s literature, will transition to Little Island Books from UCD Press, where she has been a part of a two-member team since 2022. Her rich career includes roles such as children’s book reviewer for Inis and Paper Lanterns, bookseller at Charlie Byrne’s bookshop in Galway and the Irish Museum of Modern Art, and internships at The O’Brien Press and Children’s Books Ireland. Carr also launched her own digital-only publishing house, Castles in the Air. She boasts a Master’s in Publishing from NUI Galway.
O’Callaghan currently serves as an editor with The Folio Society based in London, contributing primarily to the children’s and fiction catalog. Prior to this, her experiences include assistant editor at Granta, scouting assistant at Eccles Fisher Associates, intern at Bloomsbury, and volunteering at Cúirt International Festival of Literature, Galway. She will migrate back to Ireland from London to assume her new role, bringing with her a Master’s in Publishing from University College London.
Matthew Parkinson-Bennett, CEO and publisher, mentioned that this major expansion of the editorial division reflects the company’s dedication to producing premium books for young readers and providing an optimal collaboration atmosphere for its creators. He also expresses excitement about delegating more time and resources to the company’s development both domestically and globally as Carr and O’Callaghan assume their responsibilities during the summer.
In other noteworthy announcements, Glen Wilson, an Irish poet and laureate of the Seamus Heaney prize, has triumphed in the international contest hosted by Artemesia Arts with his poem ‘Setting Bones’. The poem, which is based on the concept of plaster casts for fractured limbs developed by artists Anne Acheson and Elinor Halle, captures the healing process of soldiers post the injuries they sustained in World War I.”
Wilson expressed enthusiasm and appreciation for being crowned the winner of the Artemesia Arts Poetry Competition and extended his congratulations to his fellow contestants who were shortlisted. Artemesia Arts, a non-profit arts and literature organisation, is located in Treignac, southwest France. The poetry competition not only offers a cash reward but also provides an opportunity for the winner’s work to feature prominently in an anthology set for publication this summer by Mosaïque Press.
Another exciting event, the Celebrating Ireland’s Booker Winners series—curated by Alan Hayes—will host Roddy Doyle in a discussion with Rob Doyle on June 11th at 6.30pm, at the National Library of Ireland. As seating capacity is minimal, it is advisable to book early.
The third annual Human Library® event, organised by the Earagail Arts Festival and the Donegal County Council Library Service, is set to return to the Earagail Arts Festival in County Donegal (from July 13th to 28th). The Human Library® offers a unique learning platform that encourages engaging conversations meant to combat stereotypes and stigmas. At these global events, humans serve as ‘open books’, giving others access to experiences and dialogues they might not typically encounter. This year’s event, held on July 18th from 1pm to 8pm, at the Central Library, Letterkenny, will be conducted in both English and Irish.
Lastly, the Dalkey Book Festival, known as Europe’s top literary and ideas festival, revealed that Charlie Mackesy, the lauded artist, illustrator, and author of ‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’ will make his debut in Ireland on Sunday, June 16th at 4 pm. Tickets for the event are currently available at dalkeybookfestival.org.