In this insightful podcast, acclaimed Irish author Christine Dwyer Hickey, winner of multiple literary awards, delves into her latest novel, Our London Lives, offering listeners a glimpse into the profound connection between her life experiences and her literary work. Christine shares her deep affection for the city of London, where she spent formative years as a young woman, and discusses how living and working there influenced her narrative style and creative process. She reflects on her journey as a writer, starting from her childhood, and how growing up in a literary household shaped her craft. Her father’s close friendships with renowned writers, combined with the atmosphere of her upbringing, fostered her passion for literature and storytelling.
Christine emphasises the critical role that reading has played in her evolution as a writer, discussing the immense influence of classic authors such as James Joyce on her work. She elaborates on how Joyce’s exploration of the human condition and his stylistic innovations inspired her to weave themes of memory, identity, and the complexity of human nature into her own novels and short stories. Christine also touches upon the importance of chance encounters and serendipity in shaping the lives of her characters, as well as in real life.
In the latter part of the conversation, she provides an update on her current projects, including a new play and poetry, revealing her versatility across different forms of writing. To conclude, she talks about the simple yet profound joy of losing oneself in a great book, underscoring the transformative power of literature in understanding the world and ourselves.
This episode is a must-listen for literary enthusiasts, aspiring writers, and fans of Christine Dwyer Hickey, offering valuable insights into the mind of one of Ireland’s most respected contemporary authors.
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