This lecture is an introduction to contemporary Irish literature written in English. It will look at a diverse range of novels, short stories, poetry, and non-fiction published over the past two decades. By examining both formal innovation and thematic concerns, the course explores the current state of Irish writing and its connections to Ireland’s rich literary tradition as well as to its complex and often troubled history.
The selected texts will be organised around key themes, including representations and legacies of the Troubles and the Celtic Tiger, and Institutional abuse, gender norms and marginalised sexualities, nature writing, and migration.
To explore these topics and the literary experimentations through which they are articulated, the course will look at extracts from fiction and non-fiction by Anna Burns, Kerri Ní Dochartaig, Sara Baume, Mike McCormack, and Anne Enright; short stories by Liadan Ní Chuinn, Claire Keegan, and Melatu Uche Okorie; poetry and short pieces by Doireann Ni Ghriofa, Padraig Ragan, Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe, and Eimear McBride.
Alongside close reading and critical analysis, the course takes advantage of the recent publication of these works to examine their reception across printed and digital media, including interviews, reviews, and only discussions.
- Enseignant·e: Alberto Tondello