Perth Words… exploring possibilities.

Some might think it a bit of stretch to include a film on a Canadian topic in the Begorrathon, but Aisling Walsh’s Maudie is an Irish-Canadian co-production, and much of the talent behind the camera is from Ireland.

The film tells the true story of folk artist Maud Lewis, brilliantly played by Sally Hawkins, and her fish peddler husband, Everett (a grunting Ethan Hawke).

Maudie made its Irish premiere last month at the Audi Dublin Film Festival. It will go on general release later this year, and when it does, be sure to see it, and bring tissues.

My Film Ireland review of the film is here.

I was fortunate to be offered the opportunity to interview Craig Silvey this week. We met at Little Lefroy’s in Fremantle, a place I know well, for an informal chat covering the Jasper Jones movie adaptation to writing processes. Craig is a fantastic guy – warm and generous, despite being tired from weeks of film-related commitments – and I really appreciate him giving me this time. Jasper Jones is one of my all-time favourite books, so I admit it was a bit of a fangirl moment, but Craig had no idea … until I asked him to sign my book. 

I was also fortunate to attend an advance screening before the interview and in a word, it’s BRILLIANT. This adaptation had all the feels, all the chills, all the lingering thoughts that accompanied the book.  

Monique: Tell me, Craig, how do you feel about your journey with Jasper Jones

Another March, another Begorrathon begins … our annual celebration of Irish writers, poets, musicians, filmmakers and whoever else we can think of.

Check out our Facebook page for updates.

Putting together this year’s photo collage for our Facebook badge was both a lot of fun and highly difficult – who do you include and who do you leave out?

For each person included here, there are at least ten we could have chosen. Some of the faces and names here will be very familiar; others not so much (a good excuse to head to the bookshop to check them out).

Here then, are this year’s Begorrathon poster boys (girls):

Maeve Binchy – still probably Ireland’s most beloved writer

Paul Muldoon – after the death of Seamus Heaney, Muldoon has assumed the mantle of greatest living Irish poet. The poet, editor and electric guitar enthusiast serves as the Poetry Editor for ‘The…