Tosca is as Powerful and Dramatic as Ever in National Irish Opera’s Production
Tosca is probably the opera that confirmed, without further doubt, Giacomo Puccini’s status as a brilliant composer. And once again, last night, Irish National Opera confirmed that it can take on even the most challenging operas and present them to…
Off the Shelf: Classics – Anthony Trollope’s Palliser Novels
Between 1847 and his death in 1882, Anthony Trollope wrote forty-seven novels in addition to short stories, travel books, biographies and an autobiography – prolific by any standard. However, he is best remembered for his two great portraits of Victorian…
At Night All Blood is Black Review – A Novella of Brutal Beauty
This novella may be short on content but not on power. Every word counts in this raw and savage monologue that is now the worthy winner of the International Booker Prize. Having been previously the recipient of many awards this…
Why Should Colum McCann Win the Dublin Literary Award 2021?
Colum’s McCann’s Apeirogon has been short listed for the prestigious Dublin Literary Award and should win it. This is not to denigrate the other fine nominees; it is simply recognising the contribution Apeirogon makes to literature. If he wins, he…
Off the Shelf: Five Books You Shouldn’t Have Missed
Some of the best books in the last few years worth reading or revisiting. Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders A book to be sipped not gulped. This innovative first novel from Saunders was the Man Booker Prize…
Ten Thrilling Thrillers to Enthrall You
With time to read and many of us suffering sleepless nights why not grab a thrilling thriller to scare you through the night? Here are ten recommendations: Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton This thriller will be hard to put…
Book Review: An Uncomfortable but Important Snap Shot of Human Trafficking
The Last Thing to Burn By Will Dean I felt uneasy and claustrophobic reading this but couldn’t get away from it either; I was as captive as a reader, as the main character is in her ‘open prison’. ‘Jane’ is…
Five 5-Star Reads of Lockdown
While lockdown may not have been everyone’s cup of tea, it afforded me a total dedication to intellectual pursuits. I read voraciously and rated the books I read. Here are my top reads, the special ones getting 5 stars. …
The Heavy Weight Championship: Broadway v West End
Ladies and gentlemen, in the blue corner we have Broadway and in the red corner, the West End. For a theatre break to cure the winter blues who will be victorious? Both challengers come into the fight with strong reputations…
Six Things to Avoid at the Wexford Opera Festival
I’m just home from this year’s Wexford Opera Festival and had yet another memorable experience there. If you haven’t been already then put it on the to-do list for next year. So when you get there, here’s some things to…
