For our May/June next book club read, we have chosen 'All Names have been changed' by Claire Kilroy suggested by Lisa. It is set in Trinity College and is about a writing group so here's hoping for an inspirational read.
‘We are a nation that likes nothing better than a good story, preferably featuring one of our own, ideally the parish black sheep, and few could hold a candle to Glynn in that field.’
All Names Have Been Changed is set in Dublin in the mid-1980s - a city in the grip of recession and a heroin epidemic. Narrated by Declan, the only boy of a tight-knit writing group at Trinity College, it tells of their fascination with the formidably talented but troubled writer Glynn, and the darkly exhilarating journey this leads them on.
‘He wanted his art to be a dangerous force, alive. Well then, you might say he got what he asked for.’
Brilliantly exploring the shifting group dynamic, and offering a unique insight into the pursuit of the creative life - with all its energy and demons, its moments of artistic elation and defeat - this is a novel of considerable verve. Following earlier forays into the worlds of art restoration and classical music, it is further evidence of Claire Kilroy’s natural gift for narrative, atmosphere and character.
About the Author
Claire Kilroy's debut novel All Summer was described in the Times as 'compelling ... a thriller, a confession and a love story framed by a meditation on the arts', and was awarded the 2004 Rooney Prize for Irish Literature. Her second novel, Tenderwire was published to great acclaim in 2006, and was shortlisted for the 2007 Irish novel of the Year as well as the Kerry Group Irish Fiction Award. Educated at Trinity College, she lives in Dublin.
