Time and Place of Discussions:
Prior to the Covid-19 crisis, we met in the Norton Room at the McClelland Library, Irish Cultural Center. We hope to meet there again soon. Should that not be possible, we will invite you to meet virtually on Zoom or a similar platform. In either situation, the meetings are on Saturdays, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Any changes in date or time will be announced in advance.
Rescheduled 2019 – 2020
August 29: Bernard MacLaverty, Midwinter Break (novel–2017) Study Guide
Schedule for 2020 – 2021
September 26 Normal People by Sally Rooney (novel, 2018) Study Guide
Poems by Eavan Boland
October 24 The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor (novel, 2002) Study Guide
Poems by Eavan Boland
December 5 Translations by Brian Friel (play, first performed 1980) Study Guide
Poems by Eavan Boland
January 23 Star of the Sea by Joseph O’Connor (novel, 2002)
Poems by Eavan Boland
February 27 Book of Evidence by John Banville (novel, 1989)
Poems by Eavan Boland
March 27 Say Nothing by Patrick R. Keefe (nonfiction, 2019)
Poems by Eavan Boland
April 24 The Deportees by Roddy Doyle (short stories, 2007)
Poems by Eavan Boland
Experience the discussion online
The McClelland Library Book Discussion Group is going digital! Join us to continue the discussion after meetings by becoming a member of our Facebook group.
An Irish Literary Miscellany
Under this general heading, we will explore the richness of Irish literature. No doubt we will discover common themes, settings, and characters as these works “talk” to one another. Our first goal, however, is to enjoy each work for its own distinctive contribution to Irish literature. In addition to the announced work each month, we will be discussing a poem by Eavan Boland, a much respected poet who died this year. As in the past, we will post a discussion guide early in each month (a guide you may choose to ignore). Reading the works and sharing your insights in the discussions will enrich our understanding of Irish literature and culture. And do bring a friend.
Sources for Texts:
These texts are available in new and used bookstores and on websites (Amazon, Powell’s, Daedalus). Some may be available in public libraries. Don’t forget possible electronic options: Amazon, for example, often offers a Kindle option as well as new and used copies.