Chairperson: John Freeman, Editor of Granta
Inspired by the British Council in Dublin’s current initiative on contemporary cultural relations, this stimulating event explores the ‘cultural imagination’ (how place is shaped in the mind and on the page) with respect to the relationship between Britain and Ireland. Seeking out the connections and convergences are three acclaimed writers.
Recently returned to his native Dublin after over a decade in London, Keith Ridgway is the prize-winning author of The Long Falling, The Parts and the soon-to-be published Hawthorn & Child, a tale of two mid-ranking policeman operating amongst London’s criminal classes.
Rachel Seiffert’s debut novel The Dark Room was shortlisted for the Booker Prize 2001. Her other books include the short story collection Field Study and her latest novel Afterwards, a ‘thoughtful and affecting’ (the Guardian) exploration of guilt, responsibility and post-traumatic stress.
Lucy Caldwell is a prodigious novelist and playwright. Her debut novel Where They Were Missed – set in the author’s home city of Belfast – was shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize. The follow-up, last year’s The Meeting Point, went one further, securing the prestigious award in the same year that she won the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature.
This event is presented in association with the British Council and Granta.