What a lively and informative program the CWLC and its members provided over the 2024-2025 year. The theme, Irish Authors, opened literary doors to a rich group of both celebrated and lesser-known writers. Our presenters selected writers and their works that were historical and fact driven, steeped in Irish culture, humorous, spooky, autobiographical, fearless, profanity laden, and often bleak and depressing.
On Tuesday, April 22, Margaret S. wrapped up our program with her candid presentation on Anne Enright. Margaret began by stating that while she appreciates Enright’s skillful writing, she does not enjoy the gloomy, melancholic narratives of Enright’s novels. Dysfunctional families, tragedy, trauma, and the complexity of relationships and identity are reoccurring themes. Within her discussion of these dark topics, Margaret sensitively found ways to make her audience laugh.
Margaret discussed four novels beginning with the 2007 Booker Prize winner, The Gathering (2007), a story that deals with family, suicide, secrets, and redemption. Margaret praised The Green Road (2015) and The Pleasure of Eliza Lynch (2002) for Enright’s shining prose. “Startling and amusing” is how Margaret cooly described some of the graphic and sexually explicit scenes in The Pleasure of Eliza Lynch. Margaret’s favourite of the four novels is Actress (2020). The vivid portrayals of the Irish theatre companies during the 1930s and 40s were of great interest to Margaret. As the narrative moves back and forth in time, the novel often takes place during The Troubles (1968-1998). Margaret lived in nearby Scotland during this time of conflict and violence and recalled her concerns for her own safety while working as a young secretary.
Enright was born in Dublin in 1963. After studying in Victoria, B.C. on a two-year scholarship she continued her studies at Trinity College Dublin then received an M.A. in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia. Enright worked a brief time as a television producer then began her writing in earnest in 1993. Enright has received numerous awards and nominations primarily in Ireland and in the UK. In October 2024, Enright was a guest speaker at Wordfest in Calgary. She was joined by Irish writer Roddy Doyle and interviewed by Marina Endicott. Several CWLC members were in attendance.
With great resolve and continued reading, Margaret moved beyond her dislike of Enright’s gloomy narratives and shared with her audience an informative and engaging presentation on this bestselling, award-winning Irish author. Whether giving a presentation or actively listening to a presentation, the CWLC emboldens independent thinking and encourages members to explore and move within and beyond their reading comfort.
Please watch the “Program” section of the CWLC website to learn about the theme for our upcoming 2025 -2026 program beginning on October 7, 2025.
Posted by Mooréa G.