Ep 307 'We're in a golden age of Irish writing' - Lucy Caldwell
May 13, 2019
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Lucy Caldwell, an acclaimed author known for her collection *Multitudes* and her role as a guest editor for a new volume of Irish short stories, discusses the current literary renaissance in Ireland. She highlights the diversity and talent in modern Irish writing, featuring voices from both sides of the border. Caldwell shares insights on curating her anthology, *Being Various*, emphasizing the emotional connections with authors. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges faced by women writers in Northern Ireland and the significance of their perspectives.
Lucy Caldwell's anthology captures the vibrant energy of contemporary Irish writing, showcasing a rich diversity of established and emerging voices.
By centering writers from Northern Ireland post-Good Friday Agreement, Caldwell highlights the cultural shift and renewed identity in Irish literature.
Deep dives
Capturing Contemporary Irish Writing
The anthology showcases a vibrant selection of contemporary Irish writing, reflecting the current literary landscape's energy and diversity. Lucy Caldwell, the guest editor, aimed to include both established voices and emerging writers in her collection. Influenced by David Marcus's guiding principles, she emphasized the need for a blend of renowned and new authors to create a dynamic literary dialogue. This approach ensures that the anthology resonates with readers by highlighting the richness in contemporary themes and styles found in Irish literature today.
Importance of the Good Friday Agreement
Caldwell's focus on writers who have emerged since the Good Friday Agreement underlines the significant cultural shift in Northern Ireland. This historical moment not only transformed identity but also opened up possibilities for writers from the north, who often feel marginalized in the broader narrative of Irish literature. By centering these voices, Caldwell emphasizes the changing dynamics and the sense of freedom that the agreement instilled in the new generation of writers. The anthology aims to give due representation to their unique experiences, thus enriching the portrayal of Irish identity.
Diversity in Voices and Genres
The anthology encompasses a wide array of genres, including young adult fiction and crime writing, thereby diversifying the narrative forms within Irish storytelling. Notably, Caldwell sought contributions from writers across various stages of their careers, reflecting both youth and maturity in their craft. The eclectic mix not only includes the voices of well-known authors like Sally Rooney but also lesser-known emerging writers, demonstrating that compelling stories can come from any age or background. This focus on diversity aims to challenge traditional notions of what constitutes Irish literature and to introduce readers to unexpected themes and styles.
Following her own brilliant short story collection Multitudes, Lucy Caldwell has guest edited the sixth volume of Faber's long running series of new Irish short stories. This collection is called Being Various and it includes stories by writers living on both sides of the Irish border - Sally Rooney, Jan Carson, Kit de Waal, Lisa McInerney and Kevin Barry to name a few - in a bid to capture the energy of Irish writing, from crime to magical realism, and everything in between. On today's show Lucy talks to Róisín about why she feels we are in a golden age of writing in Ireland and how she came to choose the stories in Being Various.