Kim Curran’s Shelfie
If I had to give this shelf a name it would be my Irish Hag shelf. Which, coincidentally, is a name I happily give myself: Irish hag.
Part Irish myth and folklore research, part feminist tracts, part witchcraft, these books represent some of what went into writing my last two novels. They’re watched over by pictures of The Morrigan, Medb and Brigid by Caitlin McCarthy. And photos of two equally indomitable women: my grandmother and great-grandmother.
Savage Her Reply – Deirdre Sullivan
This was the first book I read that was doing for Irish myth what the likes of Madeline Miller and Pat Barker were doing for Greek myth. A retelling of The Children of Lir story from the point of view of the wicked stepmother. It’s about a woman’s pain, rage and desire to be loved. Simply extraordinary and should be read by everyone.
Listen To The Land Speak – Manchán Magan
It was devastating to lose Magan this year to cancer, and I turned once again to his work for solace. This book, along with all of his work, explores how the Irish language is intrinsically entwined with the Irish landscape and in learning more about one, you learn about the other. Magan was a leading light in the Irish cultural revival that is happening at the moment, and his wisdom and humanity shine out of this book.
Over The Nine Waves – Marie Heaney
This collection gathers some of the most thrilling tales from Irish myth and breathes new life into them. From the early sagas to medieval saints, Heaney takes us through three of the Irish mythological cycles and ends with Ireland’s three patron saints. The perfect entry point for anyone looking to learn more about Irish mythology.
Kim Curran was born in Dublin and grew up in London. She holds a degree in Philosophy and Literature from Sussex University and is a freelance Creative Director and Royal Literary Fund Fellow. Brigid is her second novel for adults, following her highly-acclaimed debut, The Morrigan.
Shelfies is edited by Lavie Tidhar and Jared Shurin.
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