Rolling Sun Book Festival starts in Westport tomorrow

Paul Lynch, one of two Irish authors shortlisted for this year’s Booker Prize, is among the celebrated writers who will feature in Westport’s annual Rolling Sun Book Festival, which gets underway tomorrow, Thursday, October 19.

Lynch’s new novel, ‘Prophet Song’, has been described by the Booker judges as ‘timely and unforgettable’. It book tells the story of a mother determined to protect her family as Ireland slides into totalitarianism.

“It’s a remarkable accomplishment for a novelist to capture the social and political anxieties of our moment so compellingly,” the judges said in their citation.

Lynch, who has previously won the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year and several other awards for his earlier novels, will be interviewed by journalist Áine Ryan about ‘Prophet Song’ and other work at an event at 6pm on Saturday, October 21.

“We’re delighted to have Paul at the Rolling Sun,” said Maria Ruddy, spokesperson for the festival. “We booked him after he was announced as having made the longlist for the Booker, and of course, we were very happy to see him down to the last six on the shortlist that was announced last month.”

The festival this year also includes poetry and music, with renowned actor Stephen Rea celebrating the work of the late Nobel laureate, Seamus Heaney, in Holy Trinity Church, Westport, on Friday, October 20, and Westport-based Coda providing the music.

Broadcaster and author Matt Cooper will share insights into ‘Who Really Owns Ireland?’, the compelling subject and title of his new book. Cooper delves into the local and foreign investors buying up Irish property and infrastructure, and he’ll talk about who these individuals and institutions are, and why they’re investing in Ireland.

Other writers on the four-day schedule include Michael Harding, meteorologist Joanna Donnelly, comedian Colm O’Regan, psychologist Katriona O’Sullivan, psychotherapist Richard Hogan, broadcaster Barbara Scully and journalist Liam Horan.

“We have a fairly full and varied programme this year,” Maria said. “Hopefully, there’s something for everyone who is interested in books.

• For the full Rolling Sun Book Festival programme, which runs from Thursday, October 19, to Sunday, October 22, see www.rollingsunbookfestival.com.