tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post6472431521362172117..comments2023-12-14T10:28:43.397+00:00Comments on Declan Burke: “Ya Wanna Do It Here Or Down The Station, Punk?” # 173: John ConnollyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-24495892791154694252007-08-18T20:13:00.000+01:002007-08-18T20:13:00.000+01:00As I drove home today, listening to Damien Rice (a...As I drove home today, listening to Damien Rice (another excellent Irish creative talent), I wondered about the history of some of the Irish writers (as I had no previous clue/knowledge). I may have been a little out of date in my thoughts and in posing the question in the comments to your blog, but the "rise" of Irish crime fiction does seem to be happening now, more than ever.<BR/><BR/>Perhaps to those of us living outside Ireland, we'd always seen news of the troubles and little else. Now, we have a chance to learn and read more as other elements of the culture make their mark?<BR/><BR/>As for Wales, I caught a new author (to me) in the national newspaper today, published by a Welsh press. The novel is set in the world of academia and a fictional university in Llandudno - ("Get your tongue round that one, boyo!" As they say in parts of Wales!) - where Llandudno is more famous for its pier and seaside hols than anything else. Certainly not murder in the world of academia anyway... I've cut out the article to seek out the novel and will keep you posted, Declan.<BR/><BR/>All in all, I'm just grateful for anyone who can deliver a wonderful novel of crime fiction, wherever they are in the world. An insight into the culture and way of life of the setting is always a bonus, when not regurgitated before...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-37838800187626729582007-08-16T22:31:00.000+01:002007-08-16T22:31:00.000+01:00Interesting thoughts, Crimefic - although it shoul...Interesting thoughts, Crimefic - although it should be said that the likes of Eoin McNamee and Brian Moore were writing crime-based novels set during the Troubles while they were on-going ... and, of course, Colin Bateman was taking the mickey out of all sides with his comic caper crimes. As for Wales - keep us posted on when the white smoke goes up ...Declan Burkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14322645323239292406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-9777787056323457152007-08-16T20:08:00.000+01:002007-08-16T20:08:00.000+01:00"...and now Irish writers are really starting to m..."...and now Irish writers are really starting to make an impact, but it’s early days yet..."<BR/>An interesting question to address might be "Why and why now?"<BR/>When I read Brian McGilloway's Borderlands earlier this year, there was little mention of the troubles; a reference, yes, and key to the plot in terms of history of the characters, as well as well done.<BR/>But I wonder if the end of the troubles as we knew them has now unleashed creative talent across Ireland, freeing up the creative writers to write about the crime fiction angle on normal life, as opposed to a focus on the troubles which may have been a topic to avoid for so many years (though well reflected in non-fiction).<BR/>I also wonder why the Welsh are lagging behind (not at a zero start, mind you, just lagging a bit). But now that Dr Who has found a home in Cardiff and its surrounds, perhaps more creative talent will emerge from Wales...<BR/>I think the troubles may have caused so much focus on other things, including self-preservation, that being creative was the last thing on anyone's mind. I visited Belfast early last year and found it to be a very vibrant city. The people I met were friendly and knew how to enjoy themselves, as well as being solidly down to earth. Could the new freedom from other thoughts be the reason? Could this be why crime fiction is now emerging on the NI side?<BR/>I'm interested in any thoughts on this topic from those living there.<BR/>As for Wales, I'm sure a puff of smoke will eventually become a volcano erupting. You heard it here first. ;-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com