Defined as a book that “shifts through memory, family and nature”, Perry’s first collection is a melting pot of different narratives, both real and imagined, shot through with a poet’s unflinching eye for detail. Death stalks many of the poems, from the sinister ‘Swimming’ where “you/ waded neck high into the lough water.” to theContinue reading “Alchemy: Reviewed”
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Penguin Modern Poets Three: A Review
This series aims to introduce readers to new, contemporary poets. I bought this collection as I’m of the belief that one cannot have enough Sharon Olds poetry in their possession and I’d never read any substantial amounts Booker or Shire although I have been a big fan of everything I’ve read or encountered. Suffice toContinue reading “Penguin Modern Poets Three: A Review”
That They May Face the Rising Sun: A Review
Although published in 2002, McGahern’s last novel has no tangible sense of time – apart from a reference to watching ‘Blind Date’ and the recent Enniskillen bombing, this could be set anytime in the 20th century. Set in rural Leitrim amongst a smattering of houses around a lake, this is a novel where time isContinue reading “That They May Face the Rising Sun: A Review”
Christmas in Austin: A Review
Centred around the four Essinger family as they descend upon their family home for Christmas, this is Markovtiz’s seventh novel and a typically incisive examination of the tensions in familial relationships. With each member of the family given their own turn at the narrative we get an insight into the conflict between living a lifeContinue reading “Christmas in Austin: A Review”
Big Sur – A Review
Big Sur is the quasi-autobiographical tale of Jack Duluoz who tries to escape his life in San Francisco by seeking solitude in a cabin the wilds of Big Sur. Expecting a lyrical exploration of adventures in the wilderness, I settled down in the dark night at Deetjens on Big Sur with the copy I’d pickedContinue reading “Big Sur – A Review”
Put that Phone Away! Review of Cal Newport’s ‘Digital Minimalism’
Everyone knows that social media is making us unhappy. If like me, you’ve tried to put your phone away, cut down on social media use etc only to fail miserably after a couple of days, you’ll understand the frustration of feeling like you’re controlled by the need to ‘stay connected’. What makes this book suchContinue reading “Put that Phone Away! Review of Cal Newport’s ‘Digital Minimalism’”
Melmoth by Sarah Perry: A Review
It’s not very often that the protagonist of a novel is described with disgust but yet manages to elicit our sympathies, but that is just one of the many astonishing things about this wonderful book. The central character is Helen Franklin, a fairly pitiable woman in her early 40s working as a translator in Prague,Continue reading “Melmoth by Sarah Perry: A Review”
Being Various: A Review
Being Various is a collection of new, especially commissioned short stories curated by Lucy Caldwell. It takes in the whole island, with the list of contributors reading like a who’s who of award-winning contemporary Irish short story writers. Kevin Barry’s ‘Who’s Dead McCarthy’ brings Dublin to life with a poignant vernacular whilst Eimear McBride playsContinue reading “Being Various: A Review”
Selected Poems: A Review
My first encounter with Paterson’s work was his second collection, God’s Gift to Women, a Poetry Book Society recommendation. One of the things I love most about that collection is the way Paterson has mixed a whole host of different elements to create a real poetry personality – there are references to ancient Greek mythologyContinue reading “Selected Poems: A Review”
24 Horas en Madrid
I’m really excited to be heading back to Madrid for a visit this weekend and to dive back into life in a HUGE metropolis. Obviously, the main attraction is reconnecting with all our friends, but I’m planning on visiting a few favourite old haunts and interesting new places. In the process of noting down allContinue reading “24 Horas en Madrid”
Nicola Heaney 