Christmas nostalgia : Our authors about the best book gift they have ever received (Part 2)

Patricia Ketola, author of Dirty Pictures One Christmas, when I was about ten years old, I received a copy of R. L. Stevenson's Treasure Island. The book was an unusual choice for a little girl, but I was so thrilled by the marvellous tale of adventure that I could not put it down.  Jim Hawkins and … Continue reading Christmas nostalgia : Our authors about the best book gift they have ever received (Part 2)

Who are “The Painter’s Women”?

Fionnuala Brennan's novel about Francisco de Goya takes the fresh approach of telling the artist's story through those of the important women in his life. Who were these women, and what was their relationship to the great painter? Rosario, Goya's loyal but conflicted daughter On the eve of her father’s burial, Rosario keeps vigil by … Continue reading Who are “The Painter’s Women”?

Fionnuala Brennan: Writing about Goya

I have long been fascinated by the charismatic artist Francisco de Goya. The seeds of my fascination with this Spanish painter were sown during my studies in History of Art in Trinity College, Dublin. The firework that sent me into orbit to write the novel, The Painter’s Women: Goya in Light and Shade, was a … Continue reading Fionnuala Brennan: Writing about Goya

Film director Charlie McCarthy launching Fionnuala Brennan’s novel THE PAINTER’S WOMEN

We would like to share Charlie McCarthy’s thoughtful and quirky speech at the launch of The Painter’s Women last night with those who couldn’t attend. Enjoy! "The Painter’s Women is told from six different perspectives so I thought I might say six different things about Fionnuala’s novel and my experience of reading it. (Relax — … Continue reading Film director Charlie McCarthy launching Fionnuala Brennan’s novel THE PAINTER’S WOMEN