My Life In Books: Claire Keegan
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My Life In Books: Claire Keegan

Author Claire Keegan is best known for her string of successful novellas – not least Booker-nominated ‘Small Things Like These’, the film adaptation of which stars Cillian Murphy as protagonist Bill Murphy. Based in County Wexford, where she runs writing workshops and is busy working on her next novel, we caught up with her to talk reading habits, favourite authors and must-reads.
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What are you reading right now? 

I’m rereading The Stories of Raymond Carver in preparation for a three-day course I’m running on ‘How Fiction Works in February. 

What book from childhood will always stay with you?

Little Red Riding Hood – I grew up on a farm at the end of a lane, past a forest. My grandmother lived in a cottage nearby and my brothers were lumberjacks. The book made me scared of wolves and I used to wake my mother up in the middle of the night and ask her to read it to me again. She never refused.

What books made you want to write?

Looking back on it now, I believe every good book I’ve read is what made me want to write. It showed me what was possible. When you’re starting out, a badly written book can also sometimes be encouraging; it gives one the understanding that you might be able to write something finer.

When and where do you read?

In winter, I read at the fireside after dark. I’ve always read in bed, on public transport, in hotel rooms and on planes. Wet afternoons are wonderful, as are those quiet days between Christmas and New Year when it feels that life is held in abeyance. 

Where do you buy books?

Everywhere and anywhere. I buy American edition hardbacks and even ex-library books online. I like that their covers are protected and like the stamped dates of return. Sometimes I find a lovely old book in a charity shop. The older books were printed in black ink, so they’re easier on your eyes. For new books, I often go to Hodges Figgis on Dawson Street in Dublin. I found a first edition of  Collected Stories  of John Cheever at The Strand in New York in December and gifted it to one of my students who was inspired by ‘Reunion’.

Do you belong to a book club? 

No. But the Irish Times Book Club held a discussion of my story, So Late in the Day and it sounded like so much fun – I wanted to join! 

I believe every good book I’ve read IS WHAT MADE ME WANT TO WRITE. It showed me what was possible.

How do you choose what to read?

Most of the time I’m reading to prepare for a fiction writing course I’m running, so I’ll choose books I want to read or reread and then teach those. I rarely read what’s recommended and don’t even try to keep up with what’s contemporary. 

Do you have a favourite author?

If it’s not Chekhov, it’s probably Elizabeth Bishop or Joyce or Turgenev. I also read The Great Gatsby every year. 

What's been your favourite read of 2024 so far? 

The Barracks by John McGahern which I reread and taught. The ending is marvellously written and well-earned. 

What one novel will always stay with you?

The Great Gatsby. Anyone who likes this book should also pick up my favourite biography – Scott Fitzgerald  by Andrew Turnbull.

Do you read poetry? 

Of course! Elizabeth Bishop, Philip Larkin, Dickinson, Thomas Hardy, Louis MacNiece, Ted Hughes are all among my favourites.

In winter, I read AT THE FIRESIDE AFTER DARK. I’ve always read in bed, on public transport, in HOTEL ROOMS and on planes.

What was the last book that made you cry? 

Books don’t really make me cry. Cruelty and neglect, misogyny and racism make me cry. Books give me pause, make me reconsider and wonder, take me into another place and are sometimes unsettling or upsetting. 

What’s your favourite film or TV adaptation of a book?

Roman Polanski’s Tess, which is based on the Thomas Hardy novel

Are there any books that have helped you through difficult times?

All the good books I’ve read have helped me through difficult times and have contributed to my understanding of what it means to be human. 

Favourite literary character? 

Doctor Rivers in Pat Barker’s Regeneration/Ghost Road trilogy. He was so dignified and in no way careless. I loved how he conducted himself and how he was when he was alone. 

Do you have a favourite book of all time?

Peasants by Anton Chekhov, translated by Constance Garnett or Dubliners by James Joyce. I believe the one book that everybody should read in their lifetime is If This Is a Man by Primo Levi.

To book a place on her workshop, please email clairekeeganfictionclinic@gmail.com.

So Late In The Day by Claire Keegan is available to buy here.


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