The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Think Listowel, think books this Christmas
WITH Christmas fast approaching, books will be high on many’s a wish list as nothing leaves a lasting impression on the soul quite like a book does.
Book lovers will know that Woulfe’s, Eason’s and Flavin’s bookstores in the heart of town are the answer to Christmas book ideas. There’s much to choose from this year with some brilliant publications with a local angle. Here’s a few suggestions.
‘A Century of Politics in the Kingdom: A County Compendium’ is written by Kerry authors, Owen O’Shea and Gordon Revington. This is an ideal gift for political buffs and those with an interest in local history. Drawing on material from political parties’ archives, interviews and source material, the book weaves together many of the outstanding political stories involving Kerry personal since the Dáil was established.
Stories of punch-ups in the Dáil, the first Dáil representatives from the county, and some fascinating tales of female politicians from Kerry whose lives are intertwined with places like Buckingham Palace and the Pakistani Parliament. It’s also written in a style that makes it easy for people with only a passing interest in politics to enjoy. It’s very well researched, witty in places, and is a must read for local history enthusiasts. With local elections set for 2019 (and a possible General Election!). This would make a timely gift.
‘Eat the Moon’ by Kerry author Breda Joy is a charming tale of life and self-discovery set in a forgotten Ireland. The interchanging first-person narrative of its characters (as they interact simultaneously with one another) is an exciting method of journeying through the book. Anyone looking to re-discover those childhood feelings of anxiety, love and communication will enjoy it. There is a simplicity associated with the author’s use of language that is reminiscent of teenage years long gone, and also of the distant days before social media when communication and interaction was more organic and sincere. A lovely read.
Speaking of language and a way of life consigned to memory, ‘Time to Talk: Stories from the Heart of Ireland’ by Michael Healy-Rae is a lovely journey through rural Kerry. There is also a poignancy to the book as the author touches on aspects of mental health and rural isolation. At its core though are Michael’s warm recollections of the kind of people for whom history seldom remembers.
Economist and broadcaster David McWilliams once again has his pen on the pulse of the nation in ‘Renaissance Nation: How the Pope’s Children Rewrote the Rules for Ireland’. McWilliams’ whimsical way of equating major social events in Ireland with seismic social trends in behaviour and attitudes, makes for great reading. Each hypothesis is backed up by statistical analysis. But what makes McWilliams’ research so readable is that he considers ‘social attitudes’ as hard data. Boring statistical figures, though interesting and important in their own right to the book, are not used to communicate the changes in Irish society by McWilliams. Instead, what we get are simple and witty points of reference. For example, the shifting changes in Catholicism is classified by McWilliams as a change from ‘Moving Statue Catholicism’ to ‘Bouncy Castle Catholicism’. Imagery and metaphors such as this carry the reader along on a journey that’s well worth it.
Lastly, ‘Solitude: in Pursuit of a Singular Life in a Crowded World’ by Michael Harris is a good read for anyone looking to facedown the intrusion of social media and the impact of Smart Phones in their lives. Harris goes deeper than our phone screens to unearth some interesting facts and methodologies that will make you want to ‘power off ’ your phone more often and get back to a simpler way of interacting. Harris’ research will leave you wondering why you’ve wasted so much time using technology in a non-productive way, and the impact this is having on our mental health.