LITERARY DIARY

Madeleine Keane

ADDICTION is a perennially hot topic so I was interested to see two forthcoming titles from dynamic Tramp Press imprint which aim to confront the issue, albeit in vastly different ways. Problems, New York-based writer Jade Sharma’s debut novel, tells of Maya, her handsome, heavy-drinking husband, her selfish lover, dying mother, deadend job and, unsurprisingly given her problems, her escalating drug habit. Garlanded with glowing encomiums from US critics, it’s due here in May. While in July, from the desk of UCD academic Emilie Pine, comes Notes to Self, a collection of personal essays tackling topics as varied as addiction, fertility, feminism and sexual violence.

I’m currently making copious notes to self about venerated English author Jim Crace who is coming to town later this month to publicise his new novel The Melody. Crace, who won the 2015 International Dublin Literary Award for his enthralling masterpiece Harvest, will be talking to me about the making of The Melody and his illustrious writing career on February 22 at Dublin City Library & Archive Pearse Street at 6.30 pm. Tickets are free but booking is essential at www. dublincityofliterature.ie/events.

With Irish readers’ passion for murder and mayhem seemingly never sated, it was just a matter of time before a dedicated crime writing festival would kick off in the capital. Murder One, taking place from November 2-4 at atmospheric Smock Alley, will include indigenous as well as international practitioners of the dark arts and ancillary events such as murder mystery events and forensics and writing workshops. Literary curator extraordinaire Bert Wright and the indefatigable Vanessa O’Loughlin of writing.ie are in charge of proceedings so it promises to be a cracker. As Bert advises, “check out murderone. ie or follow @MurderOneFest to see the plot unfold”.