Colm Tóibín: A Literary Giant’s Take on Irish Literature and His Latest Novel
Colm Tóibín, the renowned Irish author, is set to attend the Melbourne and Sydney writers’ festivals in Australia this week. With a career spanning over three decades, Tóibín has established himself as one of the most celebrated Irish writers of his generation. His latest novel, Long Island, is a sequel to his critically acclaimed book Brooklyn, and has been garnering attention from readers and critics alike.
According to a recent interview with ABC Arts, Tóibín revealed that he has already decided what he will read on his plane journey to Australia. He plans to read Helen Garner’s three-volume diaries, which were recently published in the UK in one edition. This is not surprising, given that Garner’s work has been widely praised, and many readers, including international guests like Charlotte Mendelson, have been devouring her journals.
Tóibín, who turns 70 this year, has had a illustrious writing career, with 11 novels to his name, including The Blackwater Lightship, The Master, and The Testament of Mary. All of these novels have been shortlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize. As ABC Arts reports, Tóibín’s writing style is characterized by his ability to craft complex, nuanced characters that resonate with readers.
In addition to his writing, Tóibín has also been involved in publishing. In 2008, he and his agent, Peter Straus, established a small publishing imprint, Tuskar Rock Press, which published Australian authors, including David Malouf and Tim Winton, in the UK. This venture allowed Tóibín to support emerging writers and bring their work to a wider audience.
When it comes to Irish literature, Tóibín is adamant that it is not superior to Australian literature. As quoted in ABC Arts, he notes, “We haven’t produced Germaine Greer … We haven’t produced Robert Hughes. We haven’t produced Richard Flanagan.” He also acknowledges that Ireland has not produced a diarist to compare with Helen Garner, saying, “That level of self-exposure is not something anyone has felt free to do in Ireland.”
Tóibín’s latest novel, Long Island, is a sequel to his 2009 book Brooklyn. The story follows Eilis Lacey, a young Irish woman who emigrates to the US, as she navigates her life on Long Island with her husband and children. As ABC Arts reports, the novel explores themes of identity, family, and the complexities of relationships.
The character of Eilis was inspired by Tóibín’s Aunt Harriet, his mother’s younger sister. As he notes, “But at the same time, the character is invented.” Tóibín’s writing process involves allowing his imagination to take over, and he believes that this approach gives him the freedom to create complex, nuanced characters.
One of the most striking aspects of Tóibín’s writing is his ability to craft sequels that live up to the original novel. While some readers have expressed disappointment with the ending of Long Island, Tóibín remains unperturbed. As quoted in ABC Arts, he says, “I wouldn’t have done it any other way. The problem with this novel is you cannot offer a conclusion that is satisfactory because, no matter what you do, it has to end in compromise and disappointment.”
Tóibín’s take on feminism is also noteworthy. He believes that Eilis, the protagonist of his novel, has been influenced by the feminist movement, even if she doesn’t explicitly refer to it. As ABC Arts reports, Tóibín notes, “While she doesn’t refer to it, it makes it all the more real and present. She isn’t reading [feminist writers] Kate Millett or Germaine Greer, but something has happened to her.”
In terms of Irish literature, Tóibín believes that the country’s cultural tradition of secrecy has contributed to its rich literary heritage. As quoted in ABC Arts, he says, “There are a great number of things that people don’t talk about in Ireland. Maybe it’s true everywhere, but you notice the distance between speech and thought, and there’s always a novel in that.”
Tóibín’s appearance at the Melbourne and Sydney writers’ festivals is a testament to his enduring influence on contemporary literature. His writing continues to captivate readers around the world, and his insights into the literary process offer a unique perspective on the craft of writing. As ABC Arts reports, Tóibín’s fans can look forward to hearing him speak about his latest novel and his experiences as a writer.
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